Intel Core i7-14700K
The Intel Core 14th-gen CPUs ( AMAZON ) are the cutting-edge release by the manufecturer. They are based on the Raptor Lake Refresh lineup and offer a significant performance boost over their predecessors, as well as a number of new features and improvements. They are an impressive addition to the Intel CPUs family and bring a significant performance boost for their users.
Along with some new advancements in technology and ultimate achievements in performance, you can see its compatibility with the previous generation socket and chipset. For example, gamers will appreciate its support for Intel 600 & 700 series chipsets, DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0 devices. Let’s explore the CPUs in depth!
At A Glance:
Best pick
Best Premium Intel 14th-gen CPU For Gaming
Intel Core i9-14900K
✓ Intel Speed Shift Technology
✓ Clock speed of up to 6.0 GHz
✓ Supports up to Wi-Fi 7 networks
✓ LGA 1700 socket compatibility
✓ Supports DDR4 and DDR5 memory
✓ Intel Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O
✓ Intel 600-series & 700-series chipset compatibility
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Staff Pick
Best Flagship Intel 14th-gen CPU For Gaming
Intel Core i7-14700K
✓ ECC Memory Supported
✓ Intel AES New Instructions
✓ Mode-based Execute Control
✓ Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0
✓ Intel Quick Sync Video Technology
✓ Intel Device Protection Technology
✓ Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 770 included
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Budget Pick
Best Runner-up Intel 14th-gen CPU For Gaming
Intel Core i5-14600K
✓ Supports 4 displays
✓ Intel Quick Sync Video
✓ Intel Speed Shift Technology
✓ Excellent PCIe Configurations
✓ Thermal Monitoring Technologies
✓ Supports DDR5 Up To 5600 MT/s
✓ Intel Control-Flow Enforcement Technology
View on AmazonOur Recommendations
| Award | Modal | Design | Retailer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Premium Intel 14th-gen CPU For Gaming | Intel Core i9-14900K |
|
View on amazon |
| Best Overall Intel 14th-gen CPU For Gaming | Intel Core i9-14900KF |
|
View on amazon |
| Best Flagship Intel 14th-gen CPU For Gaming | Intel Core i7-14700K |
|
View on amazon |
| Best Mid-range Intel 14th-gen CPU For Gaming | Intel Core i7-14700KF |
|
View on amazon |
| Best Runner-up Intel 14th-gen CPU For Gaming | Intel Core i5-14600K |
|
View on amazon |
| Best Budget Intel 14th-gen CPU For Gaming | Intel Core i5-14600KF |
|
View on amazon |
Intel Core i9-14900K
Best pick
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Key Specs:
Socket: LGA 1700 | Chipset: Intel 600 & 700 Series | Cores/Threads: 24/32 | Memory Size: 192 GB | Memory Type: DDR4 & DDR5 | Base Frequency: 3.2 GHz | Top Boost Frequency: 6 GHz | TDP: 125W | PCIe: version 4.0 & 5.0
What is best about the CPU?
Intel provides an unbeatable service and it never lets its lovers down, like previous generations 14th gen CPUs are rocking in the market. Intel Core i9-14900K is a flagship CPU of the lineup and the users are highly delighted to get their hands on it. Let’s take a deep look at the product.
Clock Speed Up To 6.0 GHz: The CPU has a boost clock speed of up to 6.0 GHz, which is significantly higher than the base clock speed of 3.2 GHz. This means that the processor can perform single-threaded tasks, such as gaming and web browsing, very quickly. Boost mode is activated when the CPU is under load, and it is deactivated when the CPU is not under load.
Intel Speed Shift Technology: It is a power management feature that allows the CPU to more quickly change its clock speed and voltage in response to changes in workload. This can improve performance and battery life. It allows the CPU to make changes much faster than it could with the traditional method.
Supports Up To Wi-Fi 7 Networks: Wi-Fi 7 is the latest WiFi version and it is expected to be significantly faster than Wi-Fi 6, with theoretical speeds of up to 46 Gbps. This means that users can experience faster downloads, uploads, and streaming. It offers reduced latency, increased capacity, and improved reliability.
Intel Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O: It is a hardware virtualization technology that allows I/O devices to be directly assigned to virtual machines (VMs). This provides a number of benefits, including improved performance, security, and isolation.
The Intel 600-series & 700-series Chipsets: They are both high-end chipsets that support Intel’s latest and greatest CPUs. They offer a number of benefits over previous chipsets.
What is bad about the CPU?
No doubt, the CPU is a proud product by the manufacturer and has more than enough to push your gaming experience beyond the edges. But you must keep in mind a few things when going for this product.
Price: The CPU is not a budget-friendly choice at all and you need to pay for its performance.
High-TDP: The CPU has a high thermal design power of 125W and the Maximum Turbo Power is 253W, so it emits a lot of heat ultimately you will need a high-end CPU cooler to keep it cool to avoid throttling and damage.
What is our opinion about the CPU?
Overall the Intel Core i9-14900K Intel Core i9-14900K is a unique performer. It is a top-end CPU by the manufacturer and is presented with all the top-notch technologies developed so far. We highly recommend the product for users and gamers who want to boost their enthusiasm to the maximum level.
We found the CPU as the ultimate performer and worth wearing the crown of being the best Intel 14th-gen CPU for gaming and other demanding workloads. But you have to pay for this luxurious product and pair it with all the top-notch hardware to enjoy the expected performance.
The Pros
✓ Intel Speed Shift Technology
✓ Clock speed of up to 6.0 GHz
✓ Supports up to Wi-Fi 7 networks
✓ LGA 1700 socket compatibility
✓ Supports DDR4 and DDR5 memory
✓ Intel Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O
✓ Intel 600-series & 700-series chipset compatibility
The Cons
✗ Pricy
✗ High TDP
Intel Core i9-14900KF
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Key Specs:
Socket: LGA 1700 | Chipset: Intel 600 & 700 Series | Cores/Threads: 24/32 | Memory Size: 192 GB | Memory Type: DDR4 & DDR5 | Base Frequency: 3.2 GHz | Top Boost Frequency: 6 GHz | TDP: 125W | PCIe: version 4.0 & 5.0
What is best about the CPU?
Intel consistently provides excellent service and never disappoints its users. Its 14th generation CPUs are dominating the PC world, and the great Intel Core i9-14900KF is highly anticipated by users. Let’s explore the product in depth.
Dual-channel Memory: It is good for a CPU to have dual-channel memory. It allows the CPU to access two memory modules simultaneously, which can improve performance by up to 20%. This is because the CPU can read and write data from both modules at the same time, instead of switching between them.
Boost Clock Up To 6 GHz: The CPU’s boost clock speed of 6.0 GHz significantly exceeds its base clock speed of 3.2 GHz. This enables the processor to perform single-threaded tasks, such as gaming and web browsing, very quickly. Boost mode is activated when the CPU is under load and deactivated when it is not.
36 MB Intel Smart Cache: The 36 MB Intel Smart Cache is a significant increase over the 24 MB Intel Smart Cache found in previous generations of CPUs. This increase in cache size can provide a noticeable performance boost for memory-intensive applications and multitasking.
On-die Digital Thermal Sensor: The (DTS) technology is a feature found in modern CPUs that allows the CPU to monitor its own temperature in real time. This information can then be used by the CPU to adjust its performance and power consumption in order to maintain a safe operating temperature.
Intel Adaptive Boost Technology: It is a feature that allows Intel CPUs to dynamically boost their clock speeds beyond their advertised boost clock speeds. It can provide a significant performance boost for single-threaded workloads and can help to improve the overall performance of multi-threaded workloads.
What is bad about the CPU?
The CPU is a flagship product from the manufacturer and is capable of significantly enhancing your gaming experience. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before purchasing this product.
No Integrated Graphics: You will need to purchase a dedicated graphics card in order to use your computer for any graphics-intensive tasks, such as gaming, video editing, or 3D rendering. This can add a significant cost to your build.
Needs Robust Cooling Solution: You can’t pair this CPU with a low cooling cooler because it emits a lot of heat and you need a robust CPU cooler to keep it cool and work as expected.
What is our opinion about the CPU?
Overall, the Intel Core i9-14900KF is an advanced CPU that offers exceptional performance for gaming and other demanding workloads. It incorporates all of Intel’s latest technologies, and we highly recommend it for users who want the best possible experience.
However, the CPU is a premium product, and users should be prepared to invest in a high-quality motherboard, memory, and cooling system to fully realize its potential.
The Pros
✓ Dual-channel memory
✓ Boost clock up to 6 GHz
✓ 36 MB Intel Smart Cache
✓ Intel Standard Manageability
✓ On-die Digital Thermal Sensor
✓ Intel Adaptive Boost Technology
✓ Intel Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0
The Cons
✗ No Integrated graphics
✗ Needs robust cooling solution
Intel Core i7-14700K
Staff Pick
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Key Specs:
Socket: LGA 1700 | Chipset: Intel 600 & 700 Series | Cores/Threads: 20/28 | Memory Size: 192GB | Memory Type: DDR4 & DDR5 | Base Frequency: 3.4 GHz | Top Boost Frequency: 5.6 GHz | TDP: 125W | PCIe: version 4.0 & 5.0
What is best about the CPU?
The Intel Core i7-14700K is one of the proud products by the manufacturer. It comes with a lot of pizzazz for gamers and enthusiasts. So, we are very confident to include it on the list of the best Intel 14th-gen CPUs for gaming. Let’s take a brief look at some of its amazing specs and features.
ECC Memory: It is a type of computer memory that can detect and correct errors that occur in memory and is used in computers where data corruption cannot be tolerated, such as servers, workstations, and industrial control systems. It is also used in some high-end consumer computers, such as gaming computers and video editing workstations.
Intel AES New Instructions: AES is a symmetric block cipher that is used by a wide range of applications, including web browsers, email clients, and file encryption software. This can lead to significant performance improvements for applications such as web browsers and email clients.
Mode-based Execute Control: Mode-based Execute Control (MXC) is a security feature that is built into Intel CPUs to help prevent malicious code from being executed. MXC works by marking certain regions of memory as executable or non-executable.
Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0: Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 is a feature that allows Intel CPUs to boost their clock speed beyond their advertised boost clock speed. It can provide a significant performance boost for single-threaded workloads.
Intel Device Protection Technology: It is a valuable security technology that can help to protect devices from a variety of threats. It is supported by all Intel CPUs from the Sandy Bridge microarchitecture onwards.
What is bad about the CPU?
The CPU is powered with all the top-notch specs and features but you should pick it after becoming aware of its true performance despite the imagination. Let’s take a closer look at the CPU.
Mild Speed Increase Over 13th-gen: You may have heard of some exaggerated rumors about the performance of Intel 14th-gen CPUs but the reality is it offers only a mild speed increase over the previous generations.
Power Hungry: This CPU consumes more power, generates more heat, reduces battery life, is more expensive, and requires a more powerful power supply. If you are looking for a CPU that is efficient and quiet, I recommend choosing a low-power CPU.
What is our opinion about the CPU?
Intel Core i7-14700K is a unique CPU in itself. It comes with all the cutting-edge technologies you get in i9 CPUs despite the integrated graphics and Intel smart cash memory. But the best part is it has a significant price difference from the i9 13th-gen CPUs.
So, if you are planning to build or upgrade the latest PC then this is the best time to build with the previous motherboard and CPU cooler. We found it perfect for smart users and pro gamers.
The Pros
✓ ECC Memory Supported
✓ Intel AES New Instructions
✓ Mode-based Execute Control
✓ Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0
✓ Intel Quick Sync Video Technology
✓ Intel Device Protection Technology
✓ Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 770 included
The Cons
✗ Power hungry
✗ Mild speed increase over 13th-gen
Intel Core i7-14700KF
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Key Specs:
Socket: LGA 1700 | Chipset: Intel 600 & 700 Series | Cores/Threads: 20/28 | Memory Size: 192 GB | Memory Type: DDR4 & DDR5 | Base Frequency: 3.4 GHz | Top Boost Frequency: 5.6 GHz | TDP: 125W | PCIe: version 4.0 & 5.0
What is best about the CPU?
The Intel Core i7-14700KF is one of the proud products by the manufacturer. It comes with a lot of pizzazz for gamers and enthusiasts. So, we are very confident to include it on the list of the best Intel 14th-gen CPUs for gaming. Let’s take a brief look at some of its amazing specs and features.
Dual-channel Memory: It improves CPU performance by allowing it to access two memory modules at the same time, instead of switching between them. This can increase performance by up to 20%.
Boost Clock Up To 5.6 GHz: The CPU’s maximum speed of 5.6 GHz is much faster than its standard speed of 3.4 GHz. This allows the processor to handle single-threaded tasks, such as gaming and web browsing, very quickly. Boost mode is automatically activated when the CPU is working hard and deactivated when it is not.
Intel AES New Instructions: AES is a type of encryption that is used by many different applications, such as web browsers, email clients, and file encryption software. This can make these applications run much faster.
On-die Digital Thermal Sensor: Modern CPUs have a built-in feature called Digital Thermal Sensor (DTS) that allows them to monitor their own temperature in real-time. This information is used to adjust the CPU’s performance and power consumption to maintain a safe operating temperature.
Intel Device Protection Technology: This security technology is beneficial for protecting devices from a wide range of attacks. It is compatible with all Intel CPUs from the Sandy Bridge microarchitecture and later.
What is bad about the CPU?
Despite its impressive specs and features, you should evaluate the CPU’s real-world performance before making a purchase. Let’s take a closer look at the CPU to see how it performs.
Discrete Graphics Required: This CPU does not come with integrated graphics. So, you need to purchase a separate graphics card (GPU) in order to use a display. This can increase the cost of your computer build and add an additional component that you need to install and configure.
Needs Robust Cooling Solution: This CPU comes with high TDP so it emits a lot of heat and can reach 100°C and you will need a robust cooler to keep it cool to run as expected.
What is our opinion about the CPU?
The Intel Core i7-14700KF is a unique CPU that offers great technologies found in i9 CPUs, such as Intel AES New Instructions and Intel Smart Cache Memory, at a significantly lower price.
This makes it a great choice for budget-minded users and pro gamers who want to build or upgrade their PCs using their existing motherboard and CPU cooler. Now you can enjoy the ultimate gaming with this CPU by pairing it with a dedicated graphics card.
The Pros
✓ Dual-channel memory
✓ 33 MB Intel Smart Cache
✓ Intel AES New Instructions
✓ Boost clock up to 5.6 GHz
✓ On-die Digital Thermal Sensor
✓ Intel Hyper-Threading Technology
✓ Intel Device Protection Technology
The Cons
✗ Discrete graphics required
✗ Needs robust cooling solution
Intel Core i5-14600K
Budget Pick
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Key Specs:
Socket: LGA 1700 | Chipset: Intel 600 & 700 Series | Cores/Threads: 14/20 | Memory Size: 192 GB | Memory Type: DDR4 & DDR5 | Base Frequency: 3.5 GHz | Top Boost Frequency: 5.3 GHz | TDP: 125W | PCIe: version 4.0 & 5.0
What is best about the CPU?
The overall performance of the Intel Core i5-14600K is excellent. It is a powerful CPU that can handle a wide range of tasks, from gaming to productivity to video editing. Let’s explore the product’s main aspects that make it the best choice for you.
Supports 4 Displays: Having multiple displays can make it easier to multitask. For example, you can have one display for your main work window, another display for your email, and another display for web browsing. It can be beneficial for gamers. For example, you can use one display for your game and another display for your chat window or other applications.
Quick Sync Video: It is supported by a wide range of video encoding and decoding software, including HandBrake, FFmpeg, and VLC Media Player. It is also supported by many popular video streaming services, such as YouTube and Netflix.
DDR5 Up To 5600 MT/s: In addition to the advantages of DDR5 itself, supporting DDR5 up to 5600 MT/s is also beneficial because it gives you the flexibility to choose the best memory for your needs. If you need the highest possible performance, you can choose DDR5-5600 memory.
Thermal Monitoring Technologies: Thermal monitoring technologies are an important part of any CPU. They offer a number of benefits that can help to improve the performance, reliability, lifespan, power consumption, and user experience of the CPU.
Intel Control-Flow Enforcement Technology: It is a set of security features that are designed to protect CPUs from control-flow hijacking attacks. Control-flow hijacking attacks are a type of attack where an attacker can take control of a program’s execution by modifying the program’s control flow.
What is bad about the CPU?
Although the CPU is one of the mid-range products by the manufacturer and offers a balanced service for mid-range users with some amazing technologies. But, at the same time, it does come with some lacks as compared to the top-end products. Let’s look at two of the main aspects!
Low-price-to-performance Ratio: If a CPU offers a low-price-to-performance ratio, this means that it offers good performance for its price. This is a desirable trait for any CPU, but it is especially important for budget-minded users and users who are looking for a good value for their money.
No Significant Increase Over i5-13600K: This CPU has a very minor increment over the previous generation, especially its competitor i5-13600K. So, technically you will not get anything to boast about.
What is our opinion about the CPU?
According to our research and experience, you can get the advantage of building or upgrading your PC with your existing motherboard, RAMs, cooler, and other hardware.
But, the disadvantage is that you will not get a significant change in performance over your previous generation PC. However, you can enjoy some unique aspects of performance.
The Pros
✓ Supports 4 displays
✓ Intel Quick Sync Video
✓ Intel Speed Shift Technology
✓ Excellent PCIe Configurations
✓ Thermal Monitoring Technologies
✓ Supports DDR5 Up To 5600 MT/s
✓ Intel Control-Flow Enforcement Technology
The Cons
✗ Low-price to performance ratio
✗ No significant increase over i5-13600k
Intel Core i5-14600KF
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Key Specs:
Socket: LGA 1700 | Chipset: Intel 600 & 700 Series | Cores/Threads: 14/20 | Memory Size: 192 GB | Memory Type: DDR4 & DDR5 | Base Frequency: 3.5 GHz | Top Boost Frequency: 5.3 GHz | TDP: 125W | PCIe: version 4.0 & 5.0
What is best about the CPU?
The Intel Core i5-14600KF belongs to Intel latest 14th gen lineup CPUs that can handle a wide range of tasks, from gaming to productivity to video editing. Let’s take a closer look at its key features to see why it’s a great choice for you.
Intel AES New Instructions: AES is a common encryption method used in many applications, such as web browsers, email clients, and file encryption software. It can significantly improve the performance of these applications.
Intel Speed Shift Technology: It allows the CPU to quickly adjust its clock speed and voltage to match the demands of the workload, improving performance and battery life.
On-die Digital Thermal Sensor: CPUs today have a built-in sensor called the Digital Thermal Sensor (DTS), which allows them to monitor their own temperature in real time. This information is used to adjust the CPU’s performance and power consumption to keep it from overheating.
Supports up to Wi-Fi 7 Networks: Wi-Fi 7 is the newest Wi-Fi standard, and it promises to be much faster than its predecessor, Wi-Fi 6. With speeds up to 46 Gbps, users can expect faster downloads, uploads, and streaming. Wi-Fi 7 also reduces latency, increases capacity, and improves reliability.
Intel Adaptive Boost Technology: It is a feature that allows Intel CPUs to dynamically boost their clock speeds beyond their advertised boost clock speeds. It can provide a significant performance boost for single-threaded workloads and can help to improve the overall performance of multi-threaded workloads.
What is bad about the CPU?
While the CPU is a mid-range product from the manufacturer, it offers a balanced set of features for mid-range users with some impressive technologies. However, it does have some shortcomings compared to top-end products. Let’s take a look at two of the main issues!
Limited Intel Smart Cache: It is important to note that the specific disadvantages of a limited Intel Smart Cache CPU will vary depending on the specific CPU model and the specific applications it is being used for. For example, a CPU with limited Smart Cache may still perform well in applications that are not memory-intensive, such as web browsing and email.
Lower Resolution On Multiple Displays: The CPU does support multiple displays but it runs on lower resolution. But you can manage it with a high-quality dedicated graphics card.
What is our opinion about the CPU?
We found the product a good addition to the Intel 14th-gen CPUs lineup. So, you can benefit from building or upgrading your PC with your existing motherboard, RAM, cooler, and other hardware.
However, you may not see a significant performance increase over your previous generation PC. Nevertheless, you will still enjoy some performance improvements.
The Pros
✓ Intel AES New Instructions
✓ Intel Speed Shift Technology
✓ Excellent PCIe configurations
✓ On-die Digital Thermal Sensor
✓ Supports up to Wi-Fi 7 networks
✓ Intel Adaptive Boost Technology
✓ Previous generation hardware compatibility
The Cons
✗ Limited Intel Smart Cache
✗ Lower resolution on multiple displays
Summary
| Award | Modal | Design | Retailer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Premium Intel 14th-gen CPU For Gaming | Intel Core i9-14900K |
|
View on amazon |
| Best Overall Intel 14th-gen CPU For Gaming | Intel Core i9-14900KF |
|
View on amazon |
| Best Flagship Intel 14th-gen CPU For Gaming | Intel Core i7-14700K |
|
View on amazon |
| Best Mid-range Intel 14th-gen CPU For Gaming | Intel Core i7-14700KF |
|
View on amazon |
| Best Runner-up Intel 14th-gen CPU For Gaming | Intel Core i5-14600K |
|
View on amazon |
| Best Budget Intel 14th-gen CPU For Gaming | Intel Core i5-14600KF |
|
View on amazon |
Conclusion
Intel 14th-gen CPUs are the latest products by the manufacturer so, they present the top-end technologies along with backward compatibility developed so far. We picked the best of the lineup CPUs to ensure your gaming performance as expected from the 14th-gen processor. The premium one i9-14900K to mid-range i5-14600KF we review all of the products in depth.
We recommend the top-end i9-14900K and i9-14900KF for passionate gamers and enthusiasts so that they can enjoy the maximum potential of Intel CPUs for gaming, the other hand we recommend i7-14700K and i7-14700KF for mid-range whereas the i5-14600K and i7-14700KF as the budget-friendly options among 14th-gen CPUs. Also, they offer a number of specific advantages for different types of users.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does CPU matter for gaming?
Yes, the CPU matters for gaming. The CPU is responsible for processing all of the game data, including the physics, graphics, and AI. A faster CPU will allow the game to run more smoothly and with fewer frame drops. Intel Core i9-14900K and AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D are the best options available so for.
What to look when picking a CPU?
When picking a CPU, there are a number of factors to consider, including core count and thread count, clock speed, cache memory, TDP, and compatibility.
How much cores/threads are required for gaming?
For basic gaming, it is generally recommended to have a CPU with at least 4 cores and 8 threads. But for better gaming it is generally recommended to have a CPU with at least 8 cores and 16 threads. This will allow the CPU to handle the most demanding games with ease.
Do Intel cpus run hot?
Intel CPUs can run hot, especially when they are under heavy load. This is because Intel CPUs are designed to operate at high clock speeds, which generates a lot of heat.
Are intel CPUs good for gaming
Yes, Intel CPUs are good for gaming. In fact, some of the best CPUs for gaming are made by Intel. Because they have high clock speeds, strong performance in single-threaded applications, and good overclocking potential.
Rustam Iqbal
Hi, I'm Rustam Iqbal. I love traveling, computer hardware, and software. I’m constantly trying to learn new skills and programming languages. Reviewing new pieces of hardware is one of my favorites hobbies. Drop by any time to leave me a message if you have any questions.
