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MSI’s reportedly public training video revealed prelaunch details about Intel’s Raptor Lake-S Refresh desktop processors, including a slide estimating an average 3% performance gain over 13th Gen. That number was MSI’s estimate—not an Intel-confirmed result or a universal benchmark finding. Intel later announced the 14th Gen desktop lineup on October 16, 2023, confirming six unlocked models and their launch specifications.
What MSI reportedly leaked
On August 24, 2023, Tom’s Hardware reported that an MSI training video intended to remain private had become publicly accessible and contained confidential information about Intel’s forthcoming desktop processors. The reported material used the name Raptor Lake-S Refresh and included processor core counts and expected performance ranges. TechSpot separately described screenshots showing those details.
Most notably, a slide in the leaked material reportedly estimated an average performance advantage of 3% over 13th Gen. This was a prelaunch estimate attributed to MSI in contemporaneous reporting, not a claim from Intel’s later product announcement. The reviewed reporting does not establish an independent benchmark study validating 3% across defined workloads. Treat it as a reported estimate, not a reliable prediction for every application or system.
What Intel officially launched
Intel announced six unlocked 14th Gen desktop processors on October 16, 2023. The company said retail and OEM partner availability would begin October 17, 2023.
#1 Best Overall
- Game without compromise. Play harder and work smarter with Intel Core 14th Gen processors
- 24 cores (8 P-cores plus 16 E-cores) and 32 threads. Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 770 included
- Leading max clock speed of up to 6.0 GHz gives you smoother game play, higher frame rates, and rapid responsiveness
- Compatible with Intel 600-series (with potential BIOS update) or 700-series chipset-based motherboards
- DDR4 and DDR5 platform support cuts your load times and gives you the space to run the most demanding games
| Processor tier | Announced unlocked models |
|---|---|
| Core i9 | Core i9-14900K and Core i9-14900KF |
| Core i7 | Core i7-14700K and Core i7-14700KF |
| Core i5 | Core i5-14600K and Core i5-14600KF |
Intel’s launch materials described the top of the announced lineup as offering up to 24 cores and 32 threads, with the Core i9-14900K reaching up to 6 GHz out of the box. Intel’s press presentation specifies the Core i7-14700K as a 20-core, 28-thread processor, with 8 P-cores and 12 E-cores. These are product specifications, not evidence that applications generally became faster by a corresponding percentage.
Intel’s support reference places the 14th Gen desktop collection in Q4 2023 and describes the processors as products formerly codenamed Raptor Lake. The desktop designation Raptor Lake-S Refresh should not be confused with the separate Meteor Lake mobile launch context.
Rank #2
- Get ultra-efficient with Intel Core Ultra desktop processors that improve both performance and efficiency so your PC can run cooler, quieter, and quicker.
- Core and Threads 24 cores (8 P-cores plus 16 E-cores) and 24 threads. Integrated Intel Graphics included
- Performance Hybrid Architecture Integrates two core microarchitectures, prioritizing and distributing workloads to optimize performance
- Performance Unlocked Up to 5.7 GHz unlocked. 40MB Cache
- Compatibility Compatible with Intel 800 series chipset-based motherboards
Was the leaked 3% estimate confirmed?
No. Intel’s official announcement confirmed the processor lineup and launch details, but the sources here do not show Intel adopting MSI’s 3% average estimate as an official performance claim. Nor do they establish independent testing that validates it across workloads. Actual results depend on the specific processor, application, system configuration, and comparison method; use workload-specific reviews rather than the leaked average to judge performance.
What the leak means if you are considering an upgrade
The leak explains what MSI reportedly expected before launch, but it is not enough on its own to rank a 14th Gen processor or decide whether to replace a 13th Gen chip. Compare current, workload-specific review results and street prices, and account for power and cooling needs. For example, the Core i7-14700K is an officially documented 14th Gen desktop processor, but whether it suits a particular system depends on those factors and the intended workload.
Rank #3
- 10 cores (6 P-cores + 4 E-cores) and 14 threads. Integrated Intel Graphics included
- Performance hybrid architecture integrates two core microarchitectures, prioritizing and distributing workloads to optimize performance
- Up to 4.9 GHz. 22 MB Cache
- Compatible with Intel 800 series chipset-based motherboards
- PCIe 5.0 & 4.0 support. Intel Optane Memory support. No thermal solution included.
Check compatibility before buying or installing a processor. MSI described its Z790 MAX motherboards as paired with Intel Core 14th Gen processors, but that does not establish compatibility for every MSI board or every Intel 600- or 700-series motherboard. Look up the exact board model’s CPU support list and required BIOS version.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Thunderbolt 5: Intel’s correction
Intel’s October 2023 launch announcement included an editor’s note correcting an earlier error: “Intel Core 14th Gen desktop processors, specifically, will not support Thunderbolt 5.” Do not read the original launch copy as confirmation that these desktop processors support Thunderbolt 5.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Game Without Compromise. Play harder and work smarter with Intel Core 14th Gen processors
- 20 cores (8 P-cores plus 12 E-cores) and 28 threads. Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 770 included
- Up to 5.6 GHz with Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 gives you smooth game play, high frame rates, and rapid responsiveness
- Compatible with Intel 600-series (with potential BIOS update) or 700-series chipset-based motherboards
- DDR4 and DDR5 platform support cuts your load times and gives you the space to run the most demanding games
Rank #4
- 【Next-Gen Performance】Powered by the Intel Core i7-12700K processor with 12 cores, 20 threads, and speeds up to 5.0GHz, the Dell QCT1250 delivers fast, responsive performance for advanced multitasking, demanding business applications, content creation, data processing, and smooth everyday productivity.
- 【High-Speed RAM & Ample Storage】Configure your system with up to 64GB of DDR5 Memory for ultra-smooth multitasking and performance. Choose up to a 4TB PCIe M.2 SSD for blazing-fast boot times and generous storage capacity to easily handle large files and demanding applications.
- 【Comprehensive Connectivity】Stay connected with a versatile selection of ports, including 4 USB 3.2 Gen 2, 3 USB 3.2 Gen 3, 1x USB-C, HDMI-in 1.4, HDMI-out 2.1, Display Port, Ethernet (RJ45), and a headphone/microphone combo jack. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth combo ensure fast and reliable wireless connectivity for all your devices.
- 【Ready for business】Keep your data secure with a hardware TPM security chip. And when you need to step away from your desk, simply secure your desktop using the built-in lock slot or padlock loop.
- 【Miscrosoft Powered Windows 11Pro with Accessories】Run the latest applications with Windows 11Pro, offering a user-friendly and efficient experience. The package includes both US English keyboard and mouse, completing your setup with renowned attention to quality and style.
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