Intel has officially launched its latest desktop processor family, the 14th Gen Core, codenamed Raptor Lake-S Refresh. This release is spearheaded by the Intel Core i9-14900K. The new lineup consists of six unlocked desktop processors, offering up to 24 cores and 32 threads, with impressive out-of-the-box frequencies of up to 6GHz. Intel’s Extreme Tuning Utility (XTU) now includes the new AI Assist feature, enabling one-click AI-guided overclocking for select unlocked Intel Core 14th Gen desktop processors. These processors will be available both at retail stores and through OEM partner systems starting from October 17, 2023.

At the pinnacle of the Intel 14th Gen desktop processor series sits the Core i9-14900K. It delivers 25 percent more cores compared to the Core i7-14700K and is compatible with existing 600-series motherboards (with a possible BIOS update). Intel is targeting hardcore gamers and performance enthusiasts with this chip. It boasts 36MB of L3 cache, maximum turbo frequencies reaching 5.6GHz for the P-cores and 4.4GHz for the E-cores, and features Intel UHD Graphics 770 onboard. Additionally, there’s a Core i9-14900KF with the same specs but without integrated graphics.

Moving on to the Intel Core i7 models, the lineup includes the i7-14700K and the i7-14700KF (lacking integrated GPU). Both models offer a total of 20 CPU cores, 33MB of L3 cache, and turbo frequencies similar to the Core i9 models. Notably, the Core i7 models have higher base frequencies of 3.4GHz for the P-cores and 2.5GHz for the E-cores compared to the i9 counterparts.

Lastly, there are two Core i5 models in the lineup: the Core i5-14600K and Core i5-14600KF. Both include 14 cores in total (6P+8E) and 24MB of L3 cache. Only the Core i9 models support Intel Thermal Velocity Boost Frequency, reaching up to 6GHz. The Core i7 models feature Intel Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0, while the Core i5 models do not support either technology.

Intel’s latest desktop processor family integrates support for Wi-Fi 6/6E and Bluetooth 5.3, along with discrete support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 wireless technologies. Furthermore, these processors are compatible with Thunderbolt 4 and upcoming Thunderbolt 5 wired connectivity, offering bi-directional bandwidth speeds of up to 80Gbps.

Roger Chandler, Intel VP and GM for Enthusiast PC and Workstation, Client Computing Group, expressed, “Since the introduction of our performance hybrid architecture, Intel has consistently raised the bar for desktop performance. With our Intel Core 14th Generation processors, we’re showing once again why enthusiasts turn to Intel for the best desktop experience available on the market today.”