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Intel announced the Core i9-14900KS Special Edition desktop processor on March 14, 2024. Its headline specification is a maximum turbo frequency of 6.2 GHz; the chip also has 24 cores, 32 threads, and a 150 W processor base power rating. The 6.2 GHz figure is a maximum turbo specification, not a promise of sustained all-core operation at that speed.
What Intel announced
The Core i9-14900KS is a Special Edition desktop CPU in Intel’s 14th Gen Core family, formerly codenamed Raptor Lake. Intel said boxed processors and integrated systems would begin sales through retailers and Intel channel and OEM partners on March 14, 2024. That is the launch announcement, not confirmation of present-day stock or local availability. Intel’s launch announcement
Core i9-14900KS specifications
| Specification | Intel-listed value |
|---|---|
| CPU cores | 24 total: 8 Performance-cores and 16 Efficient-cores |
| Threads | 32 |
| Maximum turbo frequency | 6.2 GHz |
| Turbo Boost Max 3.0 frequency | 5.9 GHz |
| Maximum Performance-core turbo | 5.7 GHz |
| Maximum Efficient-core turbo | 4.5 GHz |
| Intel Smart Cache | 36 MB |
| L2 cache | 32 MB |
| Processor base power | 150 W |
| Maximum turbo power | 253 W |
| Memory support | Up to 192 GB; DDR5-5600 or DDR4-3200 |
| Integrated graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| PCIe lanes | 20 total: 16 PCIe 5.0 and four PCIe 4.0, per Intel’s launch announcement |
The listed turbo frequencies describe maximums, not guaranteed speeds for every core or workload. Actual operation depends on the system and its conditions. These specifications are from Intel’s product specification page and the launch announcement.
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What the 6.2 GHz figure means
Intel specifies 6.2 GHz as the processor’s maximum turbo frequency. It should be read as a peak capability under applicable operating conditions, not as a fixed clock speed or a claim that all 24 cores run at 6.2 GHz continuously. Intel separately lists maximum turbo frequencies of 5.7 GHz for Performance-cores and 4.5 GHz for Efficient-cores, underscoring that the headline number is not an all-core specification.
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Motherboard, memory, and power considerations
Board compatibility
Intel names Z790 and Z690 motherboards as compatible platforms and recommends installing the latest BIOS. Support depends on the specific board and firmware, so verify the exact 14900KS CPU-support listing with the motherboard maker before purchasing or installing it. The processor’s PCIe lane capability also does not by itself establish how a particular motherboard routes or exposes those lanes. Intel’s launch announcement
DDR4 or DDR5
The CPU supports up to 192 GB of DDR5-5600 or DDR4-3200 memory, but the choice is determined by the motherboard. A given board uses the memory type it was designed for; the two types are not interchangeable within a single board configuration. Check the motherboard’s memory specifications and supported modules.
Rank #2
- Game without compromise. Play harder and work smarter with Intel Core 14th Gen processors
- 24 cores (8 P-cores + 16 E-cores) and 32 threads. Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 770 included
- Up to 5.9 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
Power planning
Intel rates the processor at 150 W processor base power and 253 W maximum turbo power. These ratings are useful when assessing system power delivery and cooling, but they are not a measurement of power draw in every workload. Intel cautions that overclocking may void warranty or affect system health; consult Intel’s overclocking guidance before manual tuning.
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Intel’s launch performance claims
Intel’s March 2024 announcement claimed up to 15% better performance generation over generation in its stated comparison with the Core i9-13900KS, and up to 73% improvement in a compute-intensive multitasking workflow compared with AMD Ryzen 9 7950X. These are Intel-reported results tied to its comparisons and workloads, not independent benchmark conclusions or guarantees for other applications and configurations. Intel also claimed up to 11% uplift in supported titles from Application Optimization compared with the feature turned off; that support list is software- and date-dependent. Intel’s announcement
Rank #3
- 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
Launch price, current price, and packaging
Intel’s March 14, 2024 announcement set a starting recommended customer price (RCP) of $699. Intel’s product listing shows an RCP range of $689–$699. These are Intel price references, not verified current retailer prices; actual sale prices may differ by seller and market, and current stock was not established here. Launch RCP · Product listing
Intel later said it discontinued the premium silver wafer-style box for this model in favor of standard boxed packaging. Both package styles may still be encountered; Intel said the processor itself did not change. Packaging appearance therefore does not identify a different CPU. Intel’s packaging notice
Rank #4
- 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
Warranty depends on how the processor was sold
Intel’s processor warranty policy, last reviewed February 5, 2025, lists the i9-14900KS among desktop processors eligible for a two-year extended limited warranty. The policy describes a general three-year limited warranty for boxed processors fulfilled by Intel, with exceptions; end-user buyers of tray processors generally seek support from the place of purchase, while OEM-system processors are generally supported by the system maker. Confirm the processor’s boxed or tray status, purchase date, region, and applicable terms rather than assuming one warranty applies to every sale. Intel’s boxed and tray processor warranty policy
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Best Value
- 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. Discrete graphics required
- 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
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
