Intel Core i9-14900KS now available

The fastest Intel CPU on the market.

Core i9-14900KS, Source: Intel

Intel has officially launched its 24-core i9-14900KS processor, offering higher clock compared to the i9-14900K. The CPU is launching at the lower price compared to the predecessor. The KS variants are part of the “Special Edition” series designed for enthusiasts and overclockers. These CPUs come at a premium price, which in the case of 14900KS is $689, a $10 cheaper than i9-13900KS and $50 cheaper than i9-12900KS at launch.

The 14900KS has the same physical configuration as the 14900K, which is 24 cores, combining 8 P-Cores and 16 E-Cores. The difference lies in the frequency and TDP. The KS SKU has increased clock to 6.2 GHz (Thermal Velocity Boost) and higher TDP (Processor Base Power) of 150W (+25W). There is, however, no change to the MTP (Maximum Turbo Boost) which is 253W.

Core i9-14900KS, Source: Intel

Intel KS SKUs for LGA1700 platform:

• Core i9-12900KS : MSRP US$739, 16-cores, up to 5.5 GHz (launched April 5, 2022)
• Core i9-13900KS: MSRP US$699, 24-cores up to 6.0 GHz (launched January 12, 2023)
• Core i9-14900KS : MSRP US$689, 24-cores, up to 6.2 GHz (launched March 14, 2024)

Thus, the 14900KS has 200 MHz higher clock which will be applied to up to two cores when the temperature remains under 70°C. At Turbo Boost Max 3.0, the clock speed will also be higher by 100 MHz, also applying to the E-Cores.

The CPU is supported by Intel Z690 and Z790 motherboards and will work with either DDR4 or DDR5 memory, although it seems unreasonable to pair this processor with an older memory standard.

Core i9-14900KS reviews

• Tom’s Hardware
• Overclock3D

Thus far, only Tom’s Hardware posted their review, which shows that Ryzen 7 7800X3D is still a better processor for gaming (a geometric mean at 1080p resolution). Not only that, the CPU is more than $300 cheaper. Compared to the i9-14900K, the KS variant is 25% pricier while offering 1.7% higher performance, notes the reviewer from TH.

Core i9-14900KS, Source: Tom’s Hardware

The i9-14900KS may be the last high-end CPU for the LGA-1700 platform, as Intel is set to move to the LGA-1851 socket with the upcoming Core Ultra 200 “Arrow Lake” series by the end of this year. Those who have no issue spending money on hardware, this is the Intel CPU to grab, otherwise look at cheaper Core i9 options or consider cheaper AMD platform with X3D CPUs.