OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Processors Methodology v3.0
Processors Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Processors Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Processors Methodology v3.0

Intel Core i5-14600K review: 74 specs compared

Avg. price:~£220PassMark multi-core score:38461N. of physical cores:14CPU boost clock speed:5.3 GHzCPU socket:LGA1700TDP (Thermal design power):125 W

Intel Core i5-14600K Review: Compare 74 technical specifications, 40 expert and video reviews and 14 best-of lists to see how this product ranks in the Processors category and whether it is worth buying.

Intel Core i5-14600K
8.3/10

Overall score

Score
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 25%, List score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 98% of models
Score components

40%

8.2

Technical score

25%

7.9

Reviews score

25%

8.6

List score

10%

9.0

Sentiment score

★Better than 98% of processors
8.6

Value for money

Value for money
8.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 98% of models
Score components

70%

8.3

Overall score

30%

9.4

Price

★Better than 98%
8.2

Technical score

Technical score
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 90% of models
Score components

60%

8.9

Performance

18%

7.5

Architecture

10%

8.9

Memory & PCIe

7%

3.6

Power & Thermal

4%

8.5

Platform

1%

8.1

Integrated graphics

★Better than 90%
7.9

Reviews score

Reviews score
7.9/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 66% of models

80%

7.5

Average grade

20%

9.7

Popularity

Grades by review (40)
23 reviews: 20 with a printed score, 3 estimated from the review. 17 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
▲Better than 66%
8.6

List score

List score
8.6/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 25% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (14)
List score: in 14 of 85 lists (16%)
★Better than 99%
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intel-core-i5-14600k
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intel-core-i5-14600k
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the Intel Core i5-14600K

Based on 10 · 17

Solid for gaming, but most reviewers see little improvement over its predecessor; opinions on value and power use are split.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the Intel Core i5-14600K

Based on 160 owners sharing their experience in online comments

71%positive10%mixed19%negative

Owners praise its strong, affordable performance, while heat and high power draw are the main frustrations.

What owners dislike

  • Temperatures can reach 85 to 100°C under load, especially with air coolers or smaller AIOs, and in some cases only a stronger cooler or lower power limits fixed it.31
  • Some owners find the gains smaller than expected, with a few seeing lower scores after a BIOS update or limited gains with DDR4 memory and a midrange GPU.11
  • Owners with air coolers or small AIOs report that heavy loads push temperatures near 95°C, so a 240mm or 360mm AIO or stronger air cooler is recommended.9
  • Power draw is high under demanding loads, often 150 to 180 W when overclocked, and owners say the extra heat gives little gain in games.9
  • Some owners reported faulty units, a damaged motherboard after a chip failure, and unstable memory or XMP profiles that needed manual adjustment.7
  • Many owners had to tune voltage, power limits or memory profiles in the BIOS before it ran stable, with some boards restarting until settings were changed.6
  • Under sustained load, owners report power or thermal throttling that lowers the clock speed and cuts multicore scores, especially on weaker motherboards or with limited cooling.4

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

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Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i5-14600K

Technical score
Technical score
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 90% of models
Score components:

60%

8.9

Performance

18%

7.5

Architecture

10%

8.9

Memory & PCIe

7%

3.6

Power & Thermal

4%

8.5

Platform

1%

8.1

Integrated graphics

8.2
Reviews score
7.9
List score
8.6
Value for money
Value for money
8.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 98% of models
Score components:

70%

8.3

Overall score

30%

9.4

Price

8.6
Processor type
desktop
This processor belongs to the desktop processor class, which is more advanced than that of 54.7% of processors and equal to that of 39.5% of processors.
CPU socket
LGA1700
This processor uses the LGA1700 CPU socket, which is newer than that of 84.5% of processors and equal to that of 8.4% of processors.
Chipset
Z790, H770, B760, Z690, H670, B660, H610
This processor supports Z790, H770, B760, Z690, H670, B660, H610 chipsets, which is broader compatibility than 84.5% of processors and equal to that of 1.2% of processors.
CPU architecture
x86-64
This processor uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.8% of processors and equal to that of 98.2% of processors.
Instruction sets
SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2, FMA3, AES
This processor supports SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2, FMA3, AES instruction sets, which is narrower support than 85.8% of processors and equal to that of 0.3% of processors.
Show more
What reviewers say
N. of physical cores
14
Market range: <2 – >12
This processor has 14 CPU cores, which is more than 85.7% of processors and equal to 4.3% of processors.
CPU threads
20
Market range: <4 – >24
This processor offers 20 CPU threads, which is more than 84.3% of processors and equal to 5% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
5.3 GHz
Market range: <3 GHz – >5.5 GHz
This processor reaches a boost clock of 5.3 GHz which is higher than that of 91.9% of processors and equal to that of 2.3% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
6x 3.5 GHz & 8x 2.6 GHz
This processor has a base clock of 6x3.5 GHz & 8x2.6 GHz which is higher than that of 92.1% of processors and equal to that of 0.2% of processors.
PassMark multi-core score
38,461
Market range: <2.5k – >32.5k
This processor scores 38,461 in PassMark, which is higher than 91.6% of processors.
Show more
What reviewers say
Semiconductor size
10 nm
Market range: <4 nm – >24 nm
This processor uses a 10 nm process node, which is more advanced than that of 50.8% of processors and equal to that of 19.5% of processors.
Foundry
Intel 7
This processor is built on the Intel 7 foundry process, which is more advanced than that of 64.8% of processors and equal to that of 15.7% of processors.
L3 cache
24 MB
Market range: <2 MB – >32 MB
This processor has an L3 cache of 24 MB which is larger than that of 80.1% of processors and equal to that of 5.9% of processors.
L2 cache
20 MB
Market range: <1 MB – >16 MB
This processor has an L2 cache of 20 MB which is larger than that of 92.1% of processors and equal to that of 1.2% of processors.
L1 cache
1,248 KB
Market range: <128 KB – >1.2k KB
This processor has an L1 cache of 1,248 KB which is larger than that of 89.5% of processors and equal to that of 2.2% of processors.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR4/DDR5
This processor supports DDR DDR4/DDR5, which is newer than that of 77.1% of processors and equal to that of 10.7% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
5,600 MHz
Market range: <1.5k MHz – >6.5k MHz
This processor supports memory speeds up to 5,600 MHz, which is higher than that of 77.9% of processors and equal to 4.6% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
DDR5-5600 MHz
This processor supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR5-5600 MHz, which is higher than that of 77.4% of processors and equal to 6.2% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
?
Maximum memory capacity
192 GB
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This processor supports up to 192 GB of memory, which is more than 82.2% of processors and equal to 6.8% of processors.
Show more
What reviewers say
Integrated graphics
yes
This processor includes integrated graphics. 14.7% of processors offer this.
Integrated GPU model
Intel UHD Graphics 770
This processor uses the Intel UHD Graphics 770 integrated GPU, which is more advanced than that in 57.8% of processors and equal to that in 4.7% of processors.
Integrated GPU execution units
32
Market range: <6 – >64
This processor has 32 GPU execution units, which is more than 70.1% of processors and equal to 10.1% of processors.
Integrated GPU base frequency
300 MHz
Market range: <300 MHz – >800 MHz
This processor has an integrated GPU clock of 300 MHz which is lower than that of 57.8% of processors and equal to that of 38.4% of processors.
Integrated media encoders/decoders
H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode)
This processor supports H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode) media codecs, which is broader support than 96.9% of processors and equal to 0.2% of processors.
Show more
TDP (Thermal design power)
125 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a TDP of 125 W which is higher than that of 91.7% of processors and equal to that of 2.9% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
125 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a base power of 125 W which is higher than that of 91.7% of processors and equal to that of 2.9% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
181 W
Market range: <25 W – >150 W
This processor has a boost power of 181 W which is higher than that of 90.1% of processors and equal to that of 0.5% of processors.
Tau (power duration limit)
N/A
Configurable TDP
no
This processor does not support configurable TDP. 53.7% of processors offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say

Intel Core i5-14600K vs the average processor

246810TotalPlatformPerformanceArchitectureMemory & PCIeIntegrated graphicsPower & Thermal
  • 3.35x higher PassMark score
    This processor has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (38,461 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
    38,461 vs 11,469
  • 2.98x higher multi-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (15,500 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    15,500 vs 5,209
  • 66.9% better single-core performance
    This processor has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (4,270 vs 2,558). The average processor scores 2,558 in PassMark single-core.
    4,270 vs 2,558
  • 8 more CPU cores
    This processor has more CPU cores than the average processor (14 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    14 vs 6
  • 84.2% higher single-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,828 vs 1,535). The average processor scores 1,535 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    2,828 vs 1,535
  • 12 more CPU threads
    This processor has more CPU threads than the average processor (20 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    20 vs 8
  • 20.5% higher boost clock
    This processor has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (5.3 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.4 GHz.
    5.3 GHz vs 4.4 GHz
  • More advanced microarchitecture
    This processor uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Raptor Lake Refresh vs Kaby Lake).
    Raptor Lake Refresh vs Kaby Lake
  • 17.9% higher review score
    Reviews score
    7.9/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▲ Better than 66% of models

    80%

    7.5

    Average grade

    20%

    9.7

    Popularity

    Grades by review (40)
    23 reviews: 20 with a printed score, 3 estimated from the review. 17 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    7.9 vs 6.7
  • 10.3% higher list score
    List score
    8.6/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
    How we count it
    Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 25% of the overall score.
    Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
    Lists with this model (14)
    List score: in 14 of 85 lists (16%)
    8.6 vs 7.8
  • 25.0% higher sentiment score
    9.0 vs 7.2
  • 18.6% better value for money
    Intel Core i5-14600K has better value for money than the average processor (8.64 vs 7.3).
    8.64 vs 7.29
  • Modern CPU socket
    This processor uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1700 vs FP5).
    LGA1700 vs FP5
  • Supports heterogeneous scheduling
    This processor uses heterogeneous multi-processing, while the average processor does not. 24.8% of processors use it.
  • 3 years newer release date
    This processor has a newer release date than the average processor (2023 vs 2020).
    October 2023
    2023 vs 2020
  • More extensive crypto acceleration
    This processor offers more extensive crypto acceleration than the average processor (AES, VAES, SHA vs AES, SHA).
    AES, VAES, SHA vs AES, SHA
  • 3.35x higher PassMark score
    This processor has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (38,461 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
    38,461 vs 11,469
  • 2.98x higher multi-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (15,500 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    15,500 vs 5,209
  • 66.9% better single-core performance
    This processor has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (4,270 vs 2,558). The average processor scores 2,558 in PassMark single-core.
    4,270 vs 2,558
  • 8 more CPU cores
    This processor has more CPU cores than the average processor (14 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    14 vs 6
  • 84.2% higher single-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,828 vs 1,535). The average processor scores 1,535 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    2,828 vs 1,535
  • 12 more CPU threads
    This processor has more CPU threads than the average processor (20 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    20 vs 8
  • 20.5% higher boost clock
    This processor has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (5.3 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.4 GHz.
    5.3 GHz vs 4.4 GHz
  • 61.2% higher Cinebench R20 single-core score
    This processor has a higher Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (790 vs 490). The average processor scores 490 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
    790 vs 490
  • Higher base clock
    This processor has a higher base clock than the average processor (6x3.5 GHz & 8x2.6 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz).
    6x3.5 GHz & 8x2.6 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    This processor has an unlocked multiplier, while the average processor does not. 22.6% of processors offer this.
  • 2x higher bus transfer rate
    This processor has a higher bus transfer rate than the average processor (16 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor offers bus transfer rate of 8 GT/s.
    16 GT/s vs 8 GT/s
  • More advanced microarchitecture
    This processor uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Raptor Lake Refresh vs Kaby Lake).
    Raptor Lake Refresh vs Kaby Lake
  • 6.67x larger L2 cache
    This processor has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (20 MB vs 3 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 3 MB.
    20 MB vs 3 MB
  • 4x more L2 per core
    This processor has more L2 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
    E-core cluster: 4 MB shared by 4 cores
    2 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
  • Mixed big and small cores
    This processor uses a big.LITTLE design, while the average processor does not. 22.6% of processors use one.
    P-cores + E-cores
  • 3.25x larger L1 cache
    This processor has a higher L1 cache than the average processor (1,248 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
    1,248 KB vs 384 KB
  • 2.67x larger L3 cache
    This processor has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (24 MB vs 9 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 9 MB.
    24 MB vs 9 MB
  • More advanced foundry
    This processor uses a more advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 7 vs Intel 14 nm).
    Intel 7 vs Intel 14 nm
  • Newer PCIe version
    This processor supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (5 vs 3).
    5.0 vs 3.0
  • 3x more memory capacity
    This processor has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (192 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
    192 GB vs 64 GB
  • 91% higher memory bandwidth
    This processor has a higher memory bandwidth than the average processor (89.6 GB/s vs 46.9 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 46.9 GB/s.
    89.6 GB/s vs 46.9 GB/s
  • Newer DDR support
    This processor supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR4/DDR5 vs DDR4).
    DDR4/DDR5 vs DDR4
  • Supports memory overclocking
    This processor supports memory overclocking, while the average processor does not. 43.9% of processors support memory overclocking.
  • 75% higher memory speed
    This processor has a higher maximum memory speed than the average processor (5,600 MHz vs 3,200 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 3,200 MHz.
    5,600 MHz vs 3,200 MHz
  • 4 more PCIe lanes
    This processor has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (20 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
    20 vs 16
  • Supports ECC memory
    This processor supports ECC memory, while the average processor does not. 32% of processors support it.
  • Higher JEDEC memory speed
    This processor has a higher JEDEC memory speed than the average processor (DDR5-5600 MHz vs DDR4-3200 MHz). The average processor supports JEDEC memory speed of DDR4-3200 MHz.
    DDR5-5,600 MHz vs DDR4-3,200 MHz
  • 1 more supported displays
    This processor has more supported displays than the average processor (4 vs 3). The average processor supports 3 displays.
    4 vs 3
  • No configurable TDP
    This processor does not support configurable TDP, while the average processor does. 53.7% of processors support configurable TDP.
  • Narrower instruction support
    This processor supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V).
    SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V
  • 2.83x higher boost power
    This processor has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (181 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
    181 W vs 64 W
  • 2.78x higher base power
    This processor has a higher base power draw than the average processor (125 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    125 W vs 45 W
  • 45.2% larger die size
    This processor has a higher die size than the average processor (257 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
    257 mm² vs 177 mm²
  • 2.78x higher TDP
    This processor has a higher TDP than the average processor (125 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
    125 W vs 45 W
  • 25.8% slower Blender rendering
    This processor has a higher Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (295.5 vs 398). The average processor needs 398.015 for the Blender BMW27 test.
    295.49 vs 398.015
  • Limited PCIe bifurcation
    This processor supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x16, x8/x8, x8/x4/x4 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4).
    x16, x8/x8, x8/x4/x4 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4
  • Narrower instruction support
    This processor supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V).
    SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V
  • 25.8% slower Blender rendering
    This processor has a higher Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (295.5 vs 398). The average processor needs 398.015 for the Blender BMW27 test.
    295.49 vs 398.015
  • 45.2% larger die size
    This processor has a higher die size than the average processor (257 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
    257 mm² vs 177 mm²
  • Limited PCIe bifurcation
    This processor supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x16, x8/x8, x8/x4/x4 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4).
    x16, x8/x8, x8/x4/x4 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4
  • No configurable TDP
    This processor does not support configurable TDP, while the average processor does. 53.7% of processors support configurable TDP.
  • 2.78x higher base power
    This processor has a higher base power draw than the average processor (125 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    125 W vs 45 W
  • 2.83x higher boost power
    This processor has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (181 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
    181 W vs 64 W
  • 2.78x higher TDP
    This processor has a higher TDP than the average processor (125 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
    125 W vs 45 W

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

7.0
Machines & More
≈ estimated
29/08/2025
Build video · sale deal, cooling and memory tests
Verdict
Intel Core i5-14600K is a good deal for specific builders with compatible boards, but its dead-end socket and heat limit its appeal.
6.0
Techo Mode
≈ estimated
21/11/2023
Benchmark and gaming review · comparison with 12600K and 13600K
Verdict
Intel Core i5-14600K is only a small step up from the 13600K, which remains the better buy for most.
5.0
Gamers Nexus
≈ estimated
22/10/2023
Hands-on review · benchmarks against 13600K and AMD rivals
Verdict
Intel Core i5-14600K offers minimal gains over the 13600K, so the cheaper chip is the better buy; the lineup feels stagnant.
7.0
Tech Notice
≈ estimated
17/10/2023
Hands-on review · productivity benchmarks and RAM support
Verdict
Intel Core i5-14600K brings a disappointing generational gain, but it is still good value.
9.0
Computer Surgeon
≈ estimated
16/09/2025
PC build · value check at a discounted price
Verdict
Intel Core i5-14600K is still a strong CPU for today's builds, despite having no upgrade path.
Not graded
Overview video
Not graded
Hands-on video, no verdict
Not graded
Not graded
Not graded

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

6.3
techradar.com
✓ explicit
17/10/2023
Lab test · Mainstream chip comparison
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-14600K is the fastest mainstream chip tested, but it is so close to the 13600K that the older chip makes more sense.
7.0
pcmag.com
✓ explicit
17/10/2023
Lab test · Raptor Lake refresh
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-14600K performs the same as the 13600K in tests, so the older, slightly cooler chip is the better pick.
7.0
xda-developers.com
✓ explicit
17/10/2023
Hands-on test · Gaming and productivity
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-14600K is a capable all-rounder for gaming and creative work, but its 181W power draw and short upgrade path are downsides.
8.0
trustedreviews.com
✓ explicit
10/01/2024
Benchmark test · Gaming CPU
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-14600K is a capable gaming chip with strong single-core speed, but it barely improves on the Core i5-13600K.
7.7
custompc.com
✓ explicit
26/06/2024
Benchmark test · Gaming and video
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-14600K is a fast all-rounder that beats the Ryzen 7 7700X in most tests, but the Ryzen 7 7800X3D is faster in games.
7.0
uk.pcmag.com
✓ explicit
17/10/2023
Lab test · Mid-range processor review
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-14600K is a fine mid-range processor that matches the 13600K in benchmarks, so the older chip is the better buy.
6.0
hwcooling.net
≈ estimated
03/11/2023
Benchmark review · Refresh gaming CPU
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-14600K is a faster refresh of the 13600K, strong in multi-threaded work and games, but it draws more power.
neowin.net
17/10/2023
Not graded yet
8.7
pcmasters.de
✓ explicit
11/03/2024
Lab test · Cooling requirements
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-14600K is a strong multi-threaded chip that beats the Ryzen 5 7600X in heavy workloads, but in games it only matches that AMD chip.
8.9
connect-living.de
✓ explicit
22/11/2023
Lab test · Gaming CPU
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-14600K is a strong gaming chip for new builds, but it is only a small step up from the Core i5-13600K.
8.0
lesnumeriques.com
✓ explicit
04/01/2024
Lab test · Generational update
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-14600K is fast in applications and solid in games, but it is nearly identical to the Core i5-13600K while drawing more power and running hot.
7.0
clubic.com
✓ explicit
26/10/2023
Lab test · Efficiency and gaming
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-14600K is the least impressive chip in its refresh line, gaining mainly from higher boost clocks and drawing more power than the 13600K.
8.7
charlestech.fr
✓ explicit
05/12/2023
Full review · Mid-range gaming CPU
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-14600K is a solid mid-range chip for gamers, with DDR4, DDR5 and PCIe 5 support, though it changes little from the previous generation.
9.4
geeknetic.es
✓ explicit
17/10/2023
Hands-on test · Overclocking
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-14600K overclocks well, holding about 5.4GHz stable, but it is only a small step up from the 13600K and needs strong cooling.
9.0
muycomputer.com
✓ explicit
17/10/2023
Lab test · Gaming and overclocking
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-14600K is a solid gaming chip, but it is only a small step up from the 13600K, so upgrading from one is hard to justify.
9.5
fanaticosdelhardware.com
≈ estimated
13 de noviembre de 2023
Hands-on test · Mid-range CPU
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-14600K is a solid mid-range chip for gaming and everyday tasks, running cooler than the Core i7 13700KF but trailing it in most games.
9.0
profesionalreview.com
✓ explicit
17/10/2023
Lab test · Gaming and multitasking
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-14600K is a balanced chip for gaming and multitasking, but it only edges out the 13600K, so sticking with the 13600K makes sense.
8.0
gameit.es
≈ estimated
21/11/2023
Full review · Gaming processor
Verdict
The Intel i5-14600K is a good pick for a gaming-only PC, but it runs hot and adds little over the 13600K.
8.0
tomshw.it
✓ explicit
17/10/2023
Lab test · Gaming and workstation
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-14600K is a solid chip that runs a little cooler and draws slightly less power than the 13600K, with only small speed gains.
10
hwlegend.tech
✓ explicit
23/01/2024
Lab test · Overclocking
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-14600K is efficient and easy to overclock, cutting power use sharply at default settings, but it is only a few percentage points faster than the Core i5-13600K.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core i5-14600K

  • Excellent gaming performance, especially for high-refresh-rate titles
  • Strong value for money when priced competitively against AMD rivals
  • Supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, allowing for cheaper build upgrades
  • Versatile performance for both gaming and productivity tasks
  • Compatible with existing LGA 1700 (600/700 series) motherboards
  • Integrated graphics (UHD 770) are useful for troubleshooting and QuickSync encoding

What customers don't like about Intel Core i5-14600K

  • Minimal performance improvement over the Core i5-13600K
  • High power consumption compared to AMD's more efficient alternatives
  • Runs hot under heavy loads, often requiring an expensive AIO or high-end air cooler
  • Does not include a stock cooler, adding to the total build cost
  • LGA 1700 platform is at its 'end-of-life' with no further CPU upgrade path

Verdict

The Intel Core i5-14600K is a 14th Gen Raptor Lake Refresh processor featuring a hybrid architecture with 14 cores (6 Performance-cores and 8 Efficient-cores) and 20 threads, reaching a maximum turbo frequency of 5.3 GHz. Key specifications include 24 MB of L3 cache, a 125 W base TDP (peaking at 181 W), and support for both DDR4-3200 and DDR5-5600 memory on the LGA 1700 socket. Its primary strengths are strong gaming and multi-threaded performance, backwards compatibility with 600 and 700-series motherboards, and an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. However, it suffers from high power consumption under load, minimal performance gains over the previous-gen i5-13600K, and the lack of an included thermal solution, necessitating a high-quality aftermarket cooler.

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