Intel’s recently launched 14th Generation Intel CPUs including intel core i9, i7, i5, i3 and Celeron core sparked excitement around the world, at least among custom PC builders eager to get their hands on them and benchmark their favorite games. Intel is particularly excited about AI-assisted overclocking. 14th Gen unlocked desktop processors, such as the 14900k, now include the new Intel XTU (Extreme Tuning Utility) AI Assist feature, which can be used to overclock 14th Gen K-series CPUs for even greater performance gains.
We recently reviewed the Intel Core i7-14700K and Intel Core i7-13700K, with similar results. Surprisingly, the Intel Core i7-14700K outperformed its 13th Generation counterpart more than the i9-14900K did the i9-13700K. So, whether you’re looking for an i7 or the best of the best in the i9, Windows Central has you covered.
One of the most impressive aspects of the new CPUs is their forward-facing connectivity. Intel promises support for Wi-Fi 6/6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and the upcoming Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. They also support Thunderbolt 4 and possibly Thunderbolt 5, with bidirectional bandwidth of up to 80 Gbps.
Intel has since backtracked, stating that support for desktop CPUs will be announced in the future. In my opinion, this is the best and most appealing feature of the 14th-generation CPUs. Still, given how slowly these new technologies spread, the 13th Gen i9-13700K should provide full support for several years, so don’t be concerned about choosing it over the newer i9-14900K. There’s also the possibility that the 14th Gen will not support Thunderbolt 5, which came as an unusually vague surprise.
While there isn’t much of a difference between the two CPUs, it’s important to note that they’re both powerhouses with support for DDR5 XMP and speeds that exceed 8,000 mega transfers/second (MT/S), which will help AAA video games and the ever-devouring Chrome browser keep up with RAM-intensive tasks.
Price Comparison: Intel Core i9 14900K VS 13900K
The price comparison between the Intel core i9-14900K and 13900K is currently tied, with both chips priced at $589 in the United States. Prior to the launch, I was unable to obtain a clear answer on UK and Australia pricing for the i9-14900K, so it is currently unclear what this latest Intel processor will sell for in those markets.
However, the intel core 13900K has a long price history in those countries, currently priced at £699/AU$929 in the UK and Australia, respectively. I fully expect the intel core i9-14900K to sell at or near these prices as well.
The real question is what will happen to the price of the intel core i9-13900K now that the i9-14900K is available in stores? It will almost certainly fall, so even though the price difference hasn’t shaken out yet, it will almost certainly favor the 13900K in just a few weeks.
It’s worth noting that Intel hasn’t moved away from the 1700 socket, which it has been using for years. So, regardless of which CPU you choose, the motherboard should support it as long as it has an FCLGA1700 socket.
These CPUs remain some of the best and most powerful options on the market for consumer processors. I consider the 14th generation to be more of a mid-gen upgrade than an entirely new generation, and this makes it much easier to recommend the 13th Generation CPU to those looking to upgrade.
The additional features of the 14th Generation, such as the Intel XTU, could be significant upgrades. Still, they have yet to be proven, and given the specifications, it is nearly impossible to argue that this is a generational leap. Let’s compare the specifications.
| Techs | Intel Core i9-14900K | Intel Core i9-13900K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 24(8P, 16E) | 24(8P, 16E) |
| Threads | 32 | 32 |
| Processor Base Power | 125W | 125W |
| Base clock | P: 3.2GHz E: 2.4GHz | P: 3.0 GHz E: 2.2GHz |
| Boost | P: 5.6GHz E: 4.4GHz | P: 5.4GHz E: 4.3GHz |
| Turbo Boost Max 3.0 | 6.0GHz | 5.8GHz |
| Overclockable | Yes | Yes |
| cache | 36 MB Intel® Smart Cache | 36 MB Intel® Smart Cache |
| Memory | Up to DDR5 5600 MT/s Up to DDR4 3200 MT/s | Up to DDR5 5600 MT/s Up to DDR4 3200 MT/s |
| Integrated graphics | Intel® UHD Graphics 770 | Intel® UHD Graphics 770 |
| Socket | LGA 1700 | LGA 1700 |
| Cooler | None | None |
The similarities between the two CPUs demonstrate that this can in no way be considered a new generation. Both CPUs have the same memory types and speeds, integrated GPUs, core and thread counts, and power consumption. However, at the maximum turbo frequency, the 14900K operates at slightly higher frequencies (6.0 GHz vs. 5.8 GHz).
Even if you’re upgrading from an older generation of CPU, the 14900K is difficult to recommend. The slight cost savings that should be available with the 13th Generation option should be more than enough to offset the minor decrease in clock speed.
The million-dollar question is which CPU should you choose. As with everything else, it will depend on your personal preferences. Personally, if I were to upgrade to the best of the best, I would choose the 13th Gen i9-13900K over the 14th Gen i9-14900K because it is less expensive while providing nearly the same performance.
However, we all know that there are times when you just need to have bragging rights, and nothing beats knowing you have the best technology available. If you find yourself in that situation, the 14900K provides just enough of an upgrade to justify purchasing it. If you’re upgrading from the 12th generation or earlier, it’s easier to justify the purchase.
We wanted to release a guide that provides a side-by-side comparison so that you can make an informed decision and understand exactly what is going on with the new 14th-generation CPU without any marketing jargon clouding the actual specifications.
Conclusion
Since we’re talking about Core i9 flagship chips here, people are looking for performance, and the i9-14900K is the clear winner in that regard.
However, if you’re looking for value, the Core i9-13900K still has a lot to offer, especially if its price drops as expected now that the 14900K has been released. If you want a high-performance upgrade that will stretch your money as far as possible, the i9-13900K is likely the better option.
FAQ for Intel’s 14th Generation CPUs:
What are the standout features of Intel’s 14th-generation CPUs?
Intel’s 14th Generation CPUs boast AI-assisted overclocking through the new Intel XTU (Extreme Tuning Utility) AI Assist feature. They also offer forward-facing connectivity with support for Wi-Fi 6/6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and upcoming technologies like Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. Additionally, they support Thunderbolt 4 with a possible future upgrade to Thunderbolt 5.
How do the 14th-generation CPUs compare to their predecessors in terms of performance?
In benchmark tests, the 14th Generation CPUs, such as the Core i7-14700K, have shown significant performance gains compared to their 13th Generation counterparts, particularly in AI-assisted overclocking. However, the degree of improvement varies between models.
What are the connectivity options for Intel’s 14th-generation CPUs?
These CPUs promise support for Wi-Fi 6/6E, Bluetooth 5.3, Thunderbolt 4, and potentially Thunderbolt 5, providing bidirectional bandwidth of up to 80 Gbps.
What is the pricing comparison between the i9-14900K and i9-13900K?
Currently, both CPUs are priced at $589 in the United States. Prices for other regions like the UK and Australia are expected to be similar to historical pricing for the i9-13900K, which is around £699/AU$929.
Will the release of the i9-14900K impact the pricing of the i9-13900K?
It’s anticipated that the introduction of the i9-14900K will cause the price of the i9-13900K to decrease in the near future, making it a potentially more cost-effective option.
Are there any significant differences between the 14th-generation CPUs and their predecessors?
While the 14th Generation CPUs offer some enhancements, such as AI-assisted overclocking, forward-facing connectivity, and slight performance improvements, they share many similarities with their 13th Generation counterparts, including core counts, memory types and speeds, integrated graphics, and power consumption.
Which CPU should I choose, the i9-14900K or i9-13900K?
The choice between these CPUs ultimately depends on personal preferences and budget. While the i9-14900K offers some upgrades over the i9-13900K, such as slightly higher clock speeds, the cost savings associated with the i9-13900K may make it a more attractive option for some users, especially considering the minor performance differences.
Is it worth upgrading to Intel’s 14th-generation CPUs from older generations?
For users considering an upgrade from older generations, the decision to opt for a 14th-generation CPU over a 13th-generation one may depend on factors like budget and specific performance needs. However, the minor improvements in the 14th-generation CPUs may not justify the additional cost for some users, especially considering the potential cost savings available with the 13th-generation CPUs.
Where can I find a side-by-side comparison of Intel’s 14th-generation CPUs?
For an unbiased comparison of Intel’s 14th Generation CPUs without marketing jargon, you can refer to guides like the one provided, which offer detailed specifications and insights to help you make an informed decision.
