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Intel Core i9 14900K Review | 78 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£400
Avg. price in US: ~$470
PassMark benchmark result: 58537
N. of physical cores: 24
CPU boost clock speed: 6.0 GHz

Intel Core i9 14900K review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

8.5

Excellent

8.5

Excellent

8.8

Excellent

8.8
Gaming
Score components:
30.0%
9.3
PassMark single-core benchmark score
25.0%
8.9
Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
20.0%
10
CPU boost clock speed
17.0%
6.1
L3 cache
8.0%
10
N. of physical cores
9.1
Video editing
Score components:
45.0%
9.3
Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score
20.0%
10
N. of physical cores
20.0%
10
CPU threads
15.0%
6.1
L3 cache

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Verdict

The Intel Core i9-14900K is a high-end 14th-generation desktop processor based on the Raptor Lake Refresh architecture, featuring 24 cores (8 Performance-cores and 16 Efficient-cores) and 32 threads. It boasts a world-first mass-produced boost clock of up to 6.0 GHz, supported by 36MB of Intel Smart Cache, 32MB of L2 cache, and compatibility with both DDR5-5600 and DDR4-3200 memory. Its main strengths include industry-leading single-core performance for gaming and massive multi-threaded power for professional creative workloads like 4K video editing and 3D rendering. However, it faces notable drawbacks such as extreme power consumption peaking over 300W, high operating temperatures reaching 100°C that require premium liquid cooling, and minimal performance gains over its predecessor, the i9-13900K.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i9 14900K

Overall score

8.5

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.

Platform

8.6

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Brand name

What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.

When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel

Processor type

What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.

When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

CPU socket

What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.

When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: HIGH

Chipset

What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.

When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: HIGH

CPU architecture

What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.

When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

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Performance

9.2

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N. of physical cores

What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.

When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

CPU threads

What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.

When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

Threads per core

What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.

When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 2

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CPU boost clock speed

What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.

When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

CPU base clock speed

What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.

When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Cache & Architecture

8.0

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Semiconductor size

What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.

When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <10 nm

Foundry

What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.

When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

L3 cache

What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.

When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

L2 cache

What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.

When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

L1 cache

What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.

When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

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Memory & PCIe

9.1

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DDR memory version

What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.

When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

Maximum memory speed

What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.

When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

Max memory speed (JEDEC)

What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.

When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)

What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.

When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

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Maximum memory capacity

What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.

When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

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Integrated Graphics

8.1

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Integrated graphics

What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.

When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

Integrated GPU model

What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.

When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

Integrated GPU execution units

What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.

When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

Integrated GPU base frequency

What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.

When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

Integrated media encoders/decoders

What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.

When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode), VP8 (HW decode), MPEG-2 (HW deco

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Power & Thermal

2.0

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TDP (Thermal design power)

What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.

When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <30 W

Base power (PL1)

What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.

When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

Boost power (PL2)

What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.

When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

Tau (power duration limit)

What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.

When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

N/A

Configurable TDP

What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.

When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

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Intel Core i9 14900K vs the average processor

Why is Intel Core i9 14900K better than the average processor?

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18 more CPU cores
Intel Core i9 14900K has more CPU cores than the average processor (24 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: 8+
Intel Core i9 14900K has more CPU cores than the average processor (24 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.24 vs 6
4.42x higher multi-core score
Intel Core i9 14900K has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (21,175 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects multi-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
When it matters: When you want a quick picture of multi-core speed in everyday mixed workloads, multitasking, and broadly optimized software.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >8500
Intel Core i9 14900K has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (21,175 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.21,175 vs 4,793
5.56x higher PassMark score
Intel Core i9 14900K has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (58,537 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
What it is: A benchmark score that gives a broad idea of overall processor performance.
When it matters: When you want a quick overall performance comparison.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >19000
Intel Core i9 14900K has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (58,537 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.58,537 vs 10,532.5
5.65x better multi-core performance
Intel Core i9 14900K has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (15,725 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
What it is: A Cinebench R20 score that reflects how well the processor handles long, heavy rendering workloads across many cores.
When it matters: When you care about sustained multi-core performance in rendering, compiling, heavy creation work, or productivity workloads that use many threads.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >4700
Intel Core i9 14900K has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (15,725 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.15,725 vs 2,783
89% better single-core performance
Intel Core i9 14900K has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (4,693 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
What it is: A benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
When it matters: When you care about responsiveness in lighter or older software.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >3200
Intel Core i9 14900K has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (4,693 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.4,693 vs 2,483
2.07x higher single-core score
Intel Core i9 14900K has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (3,048 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects single-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
When it matters: When you care about snappy everyday performance in lighter apps, browsing, office work, or tasks that do not scale well across many cores.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >2000
Intel Core i9 14900K has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (3,048 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.3,048 vs 1,471
39.5% higher boost clock
Intel Core i9 14900K has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (6 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >4.7 GHz
Intel Core i9 14900K has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (6 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.6.0 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
24 more CPU threads
Intel Core i9 14900K has more CPU threads than the average processor (32 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: 16+
Intel Core i9 14900K has more CPU threads than the average processor (32 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.32 vs 8
Modern CPU socket
Intel Core i9 14900K uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1700 vs FP2).
Supports HMP
Intel Core i9 14900K supports HMP, the average processor does not.
3 year/s newer release date
Intel Core i9 14900K has a newer release date than the average processor (2023 vs 2020).
Includes crypto acceleration
Intel Core i9 14900K includes crypto acceleration, the average processor does not.
18 more CPU cores
Intel Core i9 14900K has more CPU cores than the average processor (24 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
4.42x higher multi-core score
Intel Core i9 14900K has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (21,175 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
5.56x higher PassMark score
Intel Core i9 14900K has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (58,537 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
5.65x better multi-core performance
Intel Core i9 14900K has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (15,725 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
89% better single-core performance
Intel Core i9 14900K has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (4,693 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
2.07x higher single-core score
Intel Core i9 14900K has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (3,048 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
39.5% higher boost clock
Intel Core i9 14900K has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (6 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
24 more CPU threads
Intel Core i9 14900K has more CPU threads than the average processor (32 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
86.4% higher Cinebench R20 single-core score
Intel Core i9 14900K has a higher Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (902 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
Unlocked for overclocking
Intel Core i9 14900K has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
57.5% faster Blender rendering
Intel Core i9 14900K has a lower Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (522.6 vs 331.88). The average processor needs 331.88 for the Blender BMW27 test.
2 wider front-end design
Intel Core i9 14900K has a higher front-end width than the average processor (6 vs 4). The average processor uses front-end width of 4.
12.8x larger L2 cache
Intel Core i9 14900K has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (32 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
4.5x larger L3 cache
Intel Core i9 14900K has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (36 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
4x more L2 per core
Intel Core i9 14900K 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.
More advanced microarchitecture
Intel Core i9 14900K uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Raptor Lake Refresh vs Kaby Lake).
Uses big.LITTLE design
Intel Core i9 14900K uses a big.LITTLE design, the average processor does not.
5.67x larger L1 cache
Intel Core i9 14900K has a higher L1 cache than the average processor (2,176 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
More advanced foundry
Intel Core i9 14900K uses a more advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 7 vs Intel 14 nm).
16.7% smaller process node
Intel Core i9 14900K has a lower process node than the average processor (10 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
Newer PCIe version
Intel Core i9 14900K supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (5.0 + 4.0 vs 3.0).
3x more memory capacity
Intel Core i9 14900K has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (192 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
95.6% higher memory bandwidth
Intel Core i9 14900K has a higher memory bandwidth than the average processor (89.6 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
Newer DDR support
Intel Core i9 14900K supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR4/DDR5 vs DDR4).
Supports memory overclocking
Intel Core i9 14900K supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
90.9% higher memory speed
Intel Core i9 14900K has a higher maximum memory speed than the average processor (5,600 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
4 more PCIe lanes
Intel Core i9 14900K has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (20 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
Supports ECC memory
Intel Core i9 14900K supports ECC memory, the average processor does not.
1 more supported displays
Intel Core i9 14900K has more supported displays than the average processor (4 vs 3). The average processor supports 3 displays.

Cache & Architecture

Integrated Graphics

Why is Intel Core i9 14900K worse than the average processor?

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Narrower instruction support
Intel Core i9 14900K supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
34% slower classroom rendering
Intel Core i9 14900K has a higher Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (522.6 vs 791,745). The average processor needs 791,745 for the Blender Classroom test.
50% lower bus speed
Intel Core i9 14900K has a lower bus speed than the average processor (4 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor runs at bus speed of 8 GT/s.
44.4% larger die size
Intel Core i9 14900K has a higher die size than the average processor (257 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
12.5% less L3 per core
Intel Core i9 14900K has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1,714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1,714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
3.95x higher boost power
Intel Core i9 14900K has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (253 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
2.78x higher base power
Intel Core i9 14900K 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.
2.78x higher TDP
Intel Core i9 14900K has a higher TDP than the average processor (125 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
No configurable TDP
Intel Core i9 14900K does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
3.95x higher boost power
Intel Core i9 14900K has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (253 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <50 W
Intel Core i9 14900K has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (253 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.253 W vs 64 W
2.78x higher base power
Intel Core i9 14900K 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.
What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <30 W
Intel Core i9 14900K 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
Narrower instruction support
Intel Core i9 14900K supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
What it is: The supported CPU instruction sets and extensions.
When it matters: When you run software that depends on specific CPU instructions.
Importance: MEDIUM
Intel Core i9 14900K supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA
44.4% larger die size
Intel Core i9 14900K has a higher die size than the average processor (257 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
What it is: The physical area of the processor die, usually measured in square millimeters.
When it matters: When you are comparing chip scale, packaging density, or broader design differences rather than direct user-visible performance.
Importance: LOW
Good value: <150 mm²
Intel Core i9 14900K has a higher die size than the average processor (257 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².257 mm² vs 178 mm²
2.78x higher TDP
Intel Core i9 14900K has a higher TDP than the average processor (125 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: <30 W
Intel Core i9 14900K 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
No configurable TDP
Intel Core i9 14900K does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.
Importance: LOW
Intel Core i9 14900K does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
12.5% less L3 per core
Intel Core i9 14900K has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1,714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1,714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
What it is: The amount of L3 cache effectively available per CPU core.
When it matters: When you are comparing how much shared cache each core can draw on in deeper technical analysis.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=2 MB/core
Intel Core i9 14900K has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1,714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1,714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.1.5 MB/core vs 1,714 MB/core
34% slower classroom rendering
Intel Core i9 14900K has a higher Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (522.6 vs 791,745). The average processor needs 791,745 for the Blender Classroom test.
What it is: A Blender render result based on the Classroom scene, used to show how quickly the processor can complete a demanding rendering workload.
When it matters: When rendering speed matters for 3D work, content creation, or other workloads that behave like long multi-core renders.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >1500
Intel Core i9 14900K has a higher Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (522.6 vs 791,745). The average processor needs 791,745 for the Blender Classroom test.522.57 vs 791,745

Cache & Architecture

Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i9 14900K and other processors

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about Intel Core i9 14900K?

Elite single-core performance with a 6.0GHz peak boost clock out of the box.
Strong multi-threaded capability with 24 cores (8 Performance, 16 Efficiency) and 32 threads.
Excellent for intensive professional workloads like 4K video editing, 3D rendering, and multitasking.
Native support for both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, plus PCIe 5.0 compatibility.
No price increase at launch compared to its predecessor, the i9-13900K.
Maintains compatibility with existing LGA 1700 motherboards (600 and 700 series chipsets).

What customers dislike about Intel Core i9 14900K?

Extreme thermal output that frequently leads to throttling, even with high-end 360mm AIO liquid coolers.
High power consumption, with peak draws often exceeding 300W-330W under heavy loads.
Well-documented stability issues and crashes (BSODs) reported by many users, often requiring BIOS microcode updates to mitigate.
Reports of permanent CPU degradation over time due to high voltages and heat, sometimes leading to RMA requests.
Minimal performance gains over the previous generation i9-13900K, making it a poor value for those already on 13th gen.
Often requires manual BIOS tuning (undervolting or power limits) by the user to ensure long-term stability and manageable temps.

Expert reviews

ocinside.de

01/12/2023

Intel Core i9-14900K Review Benchmark results OCinside.de

According to the OCinside.de review, the Intel Core i9-14900K is a high-performance "Raptor Lake Refresh" flagship that achieves 6 GHz speeds, offering top-tier single-core and multi-core performance for professional workloads. Pros include exceptional processing speed, leading benchmark scores, and compatibility with existing LGA1700 motherboards. However, the chip demands extreme...Read more

wepc.com

18/12/2024

Intel Core i9-14900K review - Is Intel's new flagship worth it?

According to the WePC review, the Intel Core i9-14900K is a 14th-gen "refresh" of the Raptor Lake architecture, pushing performance to its limit with a 6GHz max turbo frequency. While it maintains the 24-core/32-thread configuration of its predecessor, it delivers impressive results in synthetic tests like Cinebench R23 and high-end gaming scenarios, particularly with Intel...Read more

digitalcitizen.life

08/10/2025

Intel Core i9-14900K review: Faster than light, hotter than a supernova

The Intel Core i9-14900K is a high-end desktop processor, acting as a Raptor Lake "refresh" on the LGA1700 socket, offering unmatched, out-of-the-box 6 GHz boost speeds suitable for heavy gaming and rendering. Its main advantages include this top-tier, raw performance and support for both DDR4 and DDR5 memory. However, the chip requires an extremely high-end cooling system and a...Read more

cogconnected.com

06/05/2024

Intel i9-14900K Review - The Best In The Business

The COGconnected review calls the Intel Core i9-14900K an "absolute titan" and the most powerful consumer CPU the reviewer has tested, featuring 24 cores and 6.0 GHz speeds. Pros include unmatched performance in high-fidelity gaming, streaming, and editing, along with LGA 1700 motherboard compatibility for easier upgrades. However, the chip requires extreme cooling (360mm AIO...Read more

trustedreviews.com

19/01/2024

Intel Core i9-14900K Review

The Intel Core i9-14900K is a high-performance processor, featuring 24 cores (8 P-cores and 16 E-cores) and a 6.0 GHz boost clock, that excels in both content creation and gaming workloads. Key advantages include its versatility across applications and consistent launch pricing compared to the previous generation, though it offers limited innovation over the i9-13900K. However, the...Read more

au.pcmag.com

18/10/2023

Intel Core i9-14900K - Review 2023

The PCMag Australia review characterizes the Intel Core i9-14900K as a powerful, yet ultimately unoriginal "refresh" of its predecessor, the i9-13900K, offering top-tier performance for high-end gaming and multi-threaded tasks. A key advantage is the 6.0GHz peak turbo speed, providing industry-leading single-core performance while maintaining compatibility with LGA 1700...Read more

tweaktown.com

17/10/2023

Intel Core i9-14900K "Raptor Lake Refresh" CPU Review

TweakTown characterizes the Intel Core i9-14900K as a "Raptor Lake Refresh" designed to maintain performance leadership by pushing the LGA1700 platform to its limits with 24 cores and 6.0 GHz boost clocks. The CPU shows marginal gains over the 13900K in single-core and multi-threaded workloads while maintaining the same $589 launch price, offering top-tier productivity and gaming...Read more

pcgamer.com

17/10/2023

Intel Core i9 14900K review

The PC Gamer review characterizes the Intel Core i9-14900K as a top-tier gaming processor, though it represents a minor, "boring" refresh of the 13th Gen Raptor Lake architecture rather than a significant architectural leap. It boasts industry-leading, out-of-the-box 6GHz clock speeds on the existing LGA 1700 platform with no price increase, making it a powerful, direct replacement...Read more

pcmag.com

17/10/2023

Intel Core i9-14900K Review - PCMag

The PCMag review characterizes the Intel Core i9-14900K as a powerful but uninspired "refresh" of the Raptor Lake architecture, offering marginal real-world performance gains over the 13900K despite achieving a 6GHz peak clock. Key pros include top-tier single-core and multi-threaded performance for demanding tasks, alongside compatibility with existing LGA 1700 motherboards and a...Read more

techradar.com

17/10/2023

Intel Core i9-14900K review: more of a Raptor Lake overclock than a true generational step forward

The TechRadar review of the Intel Core i9-14900K labels it an iterative "refresh" of the i9-13900K, boasting 6.0GHz speeds on the same LGA 1700 platform, but with only modest performance gains. While excelling in creative, multi-threaded workloads, the CPU faces stiff competition in gaming from the more efficient AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D. Major downsides include extreme power...Read more

techpowerup.com

17/10/2023

Intel Core i9-14900K Review - Architecture

The Intel Core i9-14900K, a "Raptor Lake Refresh" flagship, offers exceptional gaming and multi-threaded performance by pushing 8 P-cores and 16 E-cores to 6.0 GHz. Key pros include best-in-class out-of-the-box speeds, compatibility with LGA1700 motherboards, and new software features like Application Optimization. However, the 14900K is an extremely power-hungry chip, frequently...Read more

theverge.com

17/10/2023

Intel Core i9-14900K review: a refresh in name and nature

The Intel Core i9-14900K is identified by The Verge as a "refresh" of the 13900K, featuring a 6GHz clock speed but lacking significant architectural changes or core count increases. While offering top-tier performance for workstations and backward compatibility with LGA1700 motherboards, performance gains are described as marginal, often under 5% in creative tasks. The processor's...Read more

club386.com

17/10/2023

Intel Core i9-14900K review – 13900KS deja vu Would you like to see a comparison table of the benchmark scores from these specific reviews?

The Intel Core i9-14900K is a 24-core (8 E), 32-thread refresh of the 13900KS, offering a 6.0GHz turbo boost but featuring minimal architectural changes. While delivering top-tier performance for creators, it suffers from extreme power consumption (up to 330W) and severe thermal throttling, often reaching 90°C+ even on high-end 360mm AIO liquid coolers. Ultimately regarded as a...Read more

gamersnexus.net

07/12/2023

Intel's 300W Core i9-14900K: CPU Review, Benchmarks, Gaming, & Power

The Gamers Nexus review describes the Intel Core i9-14900K as an "impressively disappointing" refresh of the 13900K, offering nearly identical architecture with only 1% to 3% performance gains in many scenarios despite a 6GHz boost. While maintaining 8 E cores and LGA 1700 compatibility, the CPU delivers only marginal improvements over its predecessor. Pros include high performance...Read more

custompc.com

26/06/2024

Intel Core i9-14900K review - Custom PC

The Intel Core i9-14900K, reviewed by Custom PC, is a 24-core "Raptor Lake Refresh" flagship featuring a 6GHz boost clock, offering minor speed improvements over the i9-13900K. It delivers top-tier single and multi-threaded performance, utilizing Intel’s Application Optimization (APO) for enhanced gaming, while maintaining LGA1700 platform compatibility. However, the chip requires...Read more

ign.com

05/08/2024

Intel Core i9-14900K & Core i5-14600K Review - IGN

The Intel Core i9-14900K and i5-14600K are identified by IGN as leading mainstream processors for gaming and creative applications, with the i9-14900K hitting a 6GHz clock speed and the i5-14600K delivering top-tier 1080p gaming performance. However, these 14th-gen chips face significant drawbacks, with the i9-14900K drawing up to 329W of power and hitting 102°C, making robust...Read more

guru3d.com

17/10/2023

Intel Core i9-14900K review - Guru 3d

The Intel Core i9-14900K, a 24-core "Raptor Lake Refresh" processor, delivers top-tier 6.0 GHz performance, making it a powerful choice for gaming and intensive, multithreaded workloads. Pros include exceptional single-threaded speed and maintained compatibility with the LGA1700 platform, allowing for easy upgrades on existing Z690/Z790 motherboards. However, the processor suffers...Read more

techspot.com

17/10/2023

Intel Core i9-14900K, i7-14700K and i5-14600K Review

The TechSpot review describes the Intel Core 14th Gen "Raptor Lake Refresh" as a minor update, with the Core i7-14700K standing out for its additional efficiency cores and the i9-14900K reaching 6.0 GHz, although overall performance gains over 13th-gen models are marginal. While the series maintains competitive performance for content creation and offers platform compatibility with...Read more

computerbase.de

17/10/2023

Intel Core i9-14900K, i7-14700K & i5-14600K Review

ComputerBase characterizes the Intel 14th-gen "Raptor Lake Refresh" as a minor update, where the Core i9-14900K delivers top-tier 6.0 GHz performance at the cost of extreme power consumption and thermal demands. The Core i7-14700K is the most significant upgrade in the lineup, introducing four extra E-cores that provide up to a 24% boost in multi-threaded tasks, though it requires...Read more

ocinside.de

17/10/2023

Intel Core i9-14900K Review

The OCinside.de review highlights the Intel Core i9-14900K as a high-performance "Raptor Lake Refresh" flagship, featuring 24 cores and a 6 GHz boost clock that leads in benchmarks like Cinebench R23 and PCMark 10. Pros include exceptional gaming and multi-threaded performance, support for both DDR4/DDR5, and backward compatibility with LGA1700 motherboards, earning it an...Read more

charlestech.fr

02/09/2024

Intel Core i9-14900K Review: Full and Detailed Benchmarks

The Intel Core i9-14900K, as reviewed by CharlesTech, is a 24-core/32-thread "Raptor Lake Refresh" that pushes existing architecture to its limits with a stock 6 GHz max turbo frequency. While offering a slight performance boost in synthetic benchmarks like Geekbench 6 and PCMark 10, real-world gains over the 13900K are modest, representing an incremental upgrade for the LGA 1700...Read more

digitec.ch

17/10/2023

The new i9-14900K is actually an improved i9-13900KS

The Digitec review characterizes the Intel Core i9-14900K as a "classic refresh" offering minimal performance gains over the 13900KS, effectively acting as an improved, pre-binned version of its predecessor. While it boasts high 6.0 GHz clock speeds and leads in productivity applications, the processor suffers from extreme power consumption and heat output, frequently hitting 100°C...Read more

overclocking.com

17/10/2023

Review: Intel i9-14900K, i7-14700K, and i5-14600K

According to Overclocking.com en.overclocking.com/review-intel-i9-14900k-i7-14700k-and-i5-14600k/, the 14th-gen Raptor Lake Refresh brings minor, 2-4% performance gains to the i9-14900K and i5-14600K through increased frequencies, while the i7-14700K stands out by adding four E-cores, significantly narrowing the gap with the flagship model. Pros include high 6.0 GHz stock clocks,...Read more

pausehardware.com

11/04/2024

Intel Core i9-14900K Review: Raptor Lake Even Better?

The Intel Core i9-14900K is a 14th-gen Raptor Lake Refresh processor featuring 24 cores and 32 threads, boasting a 6.0 GHz boost frequency. It provides elite, though marginally improved (1-4%), performance over the i9-13900K in gaming and professional applications. The CPU maintains compatibility with LGA 1700 motherboards, offering an accessible upgrade path, and keeps the same...Read more

hardwarecooking.fr

17/10/2023

Intel Core i9-14900K Review: The king is dead, long live the king!

The Intel Core i9-14900K, reviewed by HardwareCooking, acts as a refined, top-tier Raptor Lake Refresh CPU featuring 24 cores and 32 threads with out-of-the-box 6.0 GHz clock speeds. A major pro is its backward compatibility with LGA1700 motherboards, facilitating an easy upgrade path for existing users. Despite minor architectural updates, it delivers exceptional performance for...Read more

ginjfo.com

17/10/2023

Core i9-14900K and Core i5-14600K Review

GinjFo’s review characterizes the Intel 14th Gen "Raptor Lake Refresh" (i9-14900K and i5-14600K) as a refinement of the existing hybrid architecture, featuring 6 GHz max frequencies and LGA 1700 socket compatibility. While offering a modest 3-7% performance increase over previous generations, the i5-14600K is praised for its high value in gaming. However, the chips face criticism...Read more

lesnumeriques.com

01/12/2023

Intel Core i9-14900K Review: It’s getting hot in here!

The Intel Core i9-14900K is presented as a modest refresh of the Raptor Lake architecture rather than a major upgrade, utilizing the LGA1700 socket to reach 6 GHz turbo frequencies. While maintaining top-tier performance in both gaming and productivity applications, the real-world performance gains over the 13900K are marginal, the review notes. A central issue highlighted is the...Read more

elchapuzasinformatico.com

17/10/2023

Intel Core i9-14900K Review: Intel's New Top-of-the-Line at 6.00 GHz

The Intel Core i9-14900K is identified as the fastest consumer CPU, acting as a high-clock-speed (6.0 GHz) Raptor Lake Refresh of the 13900K, offering top-tier performance for gaming and multitasking. While maintaining LGA 1700 socket compatibility and featuring Intel Application Optimization (APO), the performance uplift over the previous generation is marginal in many cases. Pros...Read more

profesionalreview.com

17/10/2023

Intel Core i9-14900K Review (Complete Analysis)

The Intel Core i9-14900K, analyzed by Profesional Review, is a "Raptor Lake Refresh" processor utilizing 24 cores (8P + 16E) to achieve 6 GHz boost clocks on the LGA 1700 platform. It offers leading single-core performance, ideal for gaming and high-end creative work, while introducing Intel Application Optimization (APO) for better frame rates. However, the chip requires extreme...Read more

gameit.es

29/11/2023

Intel i9-14900K, Full Review - Game It

The Intel Core i9-14900K, as reviewed by Game It, serves as the premier Raptor Lake Refresh processor featuring a 24-core configuration and a 6 GHz turbo frequency. While offering exceptional single-core and multi-threaded performance suitable for gaming and heavy workloads, it represents a minor, incremental update over the i9-13900K, sharing similar cache and core structures. Key...Read more

hardzone.es

03/11/2023

Intel Core i9-14900K Review: Testing This Powerful Processor

The Intel Core i9-14900K is a high-performance "Raptor Lake Refresh" CPU, featuring 24 cores (8P + 16E) and a 6 GHz peak boost for top-tier productivity, according to analysis in the Hardzone review. While offering elite performance for demanding tasks, it suffers from extreme power consumption exceeding 350W and high thermal output. The processor is seen as a marginal improvement...Read more

geeknetic.es

17/10/2023

Intel Core i9-14900K Review - Geeknetic

The Geeknetic review describes the Intel Core i9-14900K as a high-performance "beast" pushing the Raptor Lake architecture to its limits with a 6 GHz factory turbo speed. Key pros include top-tier gaming and workstation performance, alongside compatibility with existing LGA 1700 motherboards. However, the chip requires extreme cooling due to high thermal output and significant power...Read more

robadainformatici.it

28/02/2026

Intel Core i9-14900K - Full Review - IT Stuff

The Intel Core i9-14900K, a 24-core/32-thread Raptor Lake Refresh flagship for the LGA 1700 socket, delivers unparalleled performance by pushing stock frequencies up to 6.0 GHz. It provides a substantial, albeit marginal, upgrade for creators and gamers, balancing high-speed Performance cores with Efficiency cores. However, this peak performance requires immense power and generates...Read more

tuttotech.net

17/10/2023

Intel Core i9-14900K is the king of CPUs, but is it worth it? Head-to-head with the 13900K - TuttoTech

The Intel Core i9-14900K is a "Raptor Lake Refresh" offering a 200 MHz boost over the i9-13900K to hit 6 GHz, while retaining the same 24-core architecture and LGA 1700 socket compatibility. Performance gains are marginal, with roughly 4-6% improvements in synthetic tests, though the new Intel Application Optimization (APO) software can improve gaming frame rates in supported...Read more

tuttotech.net

17/10/2023

Intel Core i9-14900K Review: Screaming Power and Platform Maturity

The Intel Core i9-14900K, a "Raptor Lake Refresh," maximizes the existing 24-core architecture to reach 6 GHz, offering peak performance for gaming and content creation, though gains over the 13900K are minimal (1-5%). Pros include dominant single/multi-threaded performance, support for Intel Application Optimization (APO) to boost frame rates, and continued LGA 1700 socket...Read more

smartworld.it

17/10/2023

Intel Core i9-14900K Review: A powerhouse for PC gaming, in every sense

The Intel Core i9-14900K is identified as a 24-core (8 E), 32-thread processor that reaches 6 GHz out-of-the-box, representing the pinnacle of the Raptor Lake architecture. While offering top-tier performance for gaming and content creation, the review indicates only marginal gains (2-3%) over the 13900K, notes the reviewer. Key advantages include immense productivity power, LGA...Read more

tomshw.it

17/10/2023

Intel Core i9-14900K Review: Benchmarks & Testing - Tom's Hardware

The Intel Core i9-14900K is a 14th-gen Raptor Lake refresh featuring 24 cores (8 E) and a 6.0 GHz max turbo frequency, designed for the LGA 1700 platform. It delivers top-tier performance for productivity and gaming, though it only offers a marginal 1-4% increase over the i9-13900K, accompanied by extreme power consumption exceeding 300W and significant thermal output. While...Read more

tweakers.net

30/10/2023

Intel Application Optimization - Massive FPS boost in games with this new trick

Intel Application Optimization (APO) boosts gaming performance on 14th Gen Core processors by intelligently directing threads to P-cores via Intel Dynamic Tuning Technology (DTT), specifically targeting improved thread management for supported titles. The review reports substantial, free performance gains, including a 19% increase in Metro Exodus and up to 80fps more in Rainbow Six...Read more

notebookcheck.nl

18/10/2023

Intel Core i9-14900K and Intel Core i5-14600K Review: 6GHz Out of the Box Against AMD's X3D CPUs

The Intel Core i9-14900K and i5-14600K "Raptor Lake Refresh" focuses on high clock speeds, with the i9-14900K hitting 6 GHz out of the box, while maintaining compatibility with existing LGA 1700 motherboards. The processors excel in multithreaded tasks, but the 14th-gen models offer only marginal performance gains of 1-3% over their 13th-gen counterparts, making them a poor upgrade...Read more

techfi.nl

17/10/2023

Intel 14th Gen Core i9-14900K Review

The Intel Core i9-14900K, as reviewed by TechFi, acts as the peak of the Raptor Lake Refresh architecture, offering 24 cores and a 6GHz boost clock for top-tier performance on the LGA1700 platform. It excels in productivity and gaming, supported by features like Intel Application Optimization (APO), but provides only marginal performance gains over the i9-13900K. The processor...Read more

techgaming.nl

17/10/2023

Intel Core i9-14900K Review

TechGaming defines the Intel Core i9-14900K as a high-performance yet iterative "refresh," reaching landmark 6 GHz clock speeds while maintaining the same 24-core architecture as the 13900K. While delivering top-tier performance for gaming and productivity, the processor offers minimal generational improvements over its predecessor. Key advantages include out-of-the-box 6 GHz boost...Read more

tweakers.net

17/10/2023

Intel Core i5-14600K, i7-14700K, and i9-14900K Review

The Tweakers.net review characterizes Intel's 14th Gen "Raptor Lake Refresh" as a minor, iterative update, with the Core i7-14700K being the only significant model to receive four additional E-cores, boosting multi-threaded performance by 15-20%. While the Core i9-14900K delivers leading performance, it is notoriously hard to cool and often thermally throttles, and the Core...Read more

tweakers.net

01/12/2023

Intel Core i9-14900K Review

The Intel Core i9-14900K, a 24-core Raptor Lake refresh, acts as a "powerhouse" reaching 6GHz out of the box, offering elite single-core and multi-threaded performance for gaming and professional tasks. As a minor 14th-gen upgrade over the 13900K, it provides minimal performance gains (1-3%) while maintaining compatibility with LGA1700 sockets. However, this requires extreme power...Read more

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