14th Generation Intel Processors: Overview of Features, Versions and Prices
On October 16, Intel announced a lineup of 14th generation processors: the Core i9-14900K/KF, Core i7-14700K/KF, and Core i5-14600K/KF.
All three models received increased frequency
and the i7 version has four more energy-efficient cores.
more than the 13th generation CPU.
Each of the announced models comes in K version - with overclocking capability and integrated graphics card, or KF, - without graphics cores. Processors without overclocking will come later.
I will tell you whether you should upgrade to the new processors and where to buy them.
Main differences from Intel's 13th generation
There are few differences in the new series of processors. They mainly came to increase the clock frequency and smart neural network technologies.
The design of processors has not changed. As, by the way, they have been for the last few years.
Frequencies. The clock frequency of each of the three processors in the lineup has increased by 100-200 Hz. In theory, it affects the speed of programs, but such a small increase is unlikely to result in a noticeable performance boost.
The most powerful model, the Core i9-14900K, is now able to automatically increase the frequency of the performance P-core up to 6 GHz in resource-intensive tasks. Intel explains that this is important for gaming, where frequency often matters more than the number of cores and threads.
The mid-range and low-end models are also able to automatically boost clock speeds, up to 5.6GHz and 5.3GHz respectively.
The difference in frequencies between generations is almost imperceptible.
Only one of the three new models - Core i7-14700K - has additional energy-efficient cores. There are now 12 of them, up from eight in the previous generation.
Energy-efficient cores, or simply E-core, operate at a reduced frequency and provide performance gains without dramatically increasing temperature or power consumption. For example, they handle Windows background processes or other tasks for which the power of the main P-core is excessive.
Temperature is especially important for the built-in Thermal Velocity Boost feature. It increases the processor's frequency, but only if it is colder than 70 degrees.
The processor needs to be cooled by an impressive cooler - the 14th generation Core i7 can consume up to 290W.
Firmware. Similar to many modern hardware manufacturers, Intel puts a great emphasis on neural networks. True, the Raptor Lake Refresh fixed line of processors did not get any additional cores or embedded subprocessors for neural network computing.
However, the new AI technologies in all chips still appeared:
- Intel Application Optimization, a feature that allows optimal allocation of CPU resources for demanding tasks. Available only in some games and programs. Supported by 14th generation i9 and i7 chips.
- AI Assist is a feature inside Intel XTU utility . With the help of neural networks it analyzes CPU performance and gives overclocking recommendations. Only available for Core i9-14900K for now.
Connections. The new chip lineup supports:
- Wi-Fi 7 - speeds up to 8 Gbps, but you need the appropriate module in your computer and a router that supports the standard.
- Bluetooth 5.4 - the latest version of the standard, which further reduces battery consumption during data transfer.
- Thunderbolt 5 - speeds up to 10 Gbps, but it's unclear which specific processors will support it.
Compatibility. Processors connect to sockets
LGA 1700 on 600-series and 700-series motherboards, such as the Z690 or Z790. Simply put, if you already have a 12th or 13th generation Intel, the motherboard will fit a 14th generation.
The processors are also compatible with most RAM cards, from DDR4 at 3200MHz to DDR5 at 8600MHz. But it's important to check the motherboard specs, as usually the connectors on the motherboard will only be for one of the standards.
Processor performance in tests and games
In the official slides, Intel hardly compares the performance of the 14th generation with the previous one. The company limits itself to the wording "The world's best processor for enthusiasts." It's easy to guess why: no one except overclocking enthusiasts will notice the difference between the previous generations.
In games the line of processors shows itself well - at the level of flagship models from AMD and previous generations of Intel processors.
But the processor has less influence on games than the video card. Increased frequency when overclocking will help to squeeze out 10-12 frames, but you should not count on more.
Is it worth upgrading to the 14th generation?
In general, the new lineup from Intel doesn't impress: it's almost identical to last year's CPUs with increased clock speed and a couple of AI-functions that don't work in all programs.
Tests in most resource-intensive applications do not show a significant improvement - the increase compared to the previous generation is usually less than 10%.
We can recommend to buy 14900K, 14700K and 14600K to those who have been thinking about a powerful Intel-based build for a long time and want to have the latest hardware in it. Or if the 13th generation chips will quickly disappear from sale.
