Intel’s Core i9-14900KS Boasts Impressive Performance, But You Shouldn’t Buy It | Lifehacker

A CPU that may hit 6.2 GHz max turbo frequency proper out of the field would possibly seem to be a dream come true, however Intel’s latest CPU is a far cry from the most suitable choice available on the market proper now.

Intel formally revealed the Core i9-14900KS this week, boasting a formidable and milestone-setting 6.2 GHz turbo frequency. Sure, the CPU is spectacular with its 24 CPU cores and 32 threads, however there’s a purpose you’re in all probability not going to see this CPU in lots of high-end techniques: it simply isn’t a possible choice by way of warmth and energy consumption.

There are, in fact, quite a few the explanation why this CPU might sound engaging. For starters, it’s probably the most top-of-the-line Intel product available on the market. And, in fact, that max turbo frequency is a big accomplishment. However, benchmarks from TechPowerUp paint a sobering image of what you possibly can count on with this CPU should you had been so as to add it to your construct.

First, you’re taking a look at some wild energy consumption. According to TechPowerUp’s benchmarks, the brand new Intel i9-14900KS attracts greater than thrice as a lot energy based mostly on a 13-game common energy consumption take a look at. Considering these high-end CPUs are sometimes acclaimed by avid gamers, that in all probability isn’t one thing that any gamer goes to wish to put anyplace close to their PC. 

Whether you care about how a lot power your PC makes use of or not, although, that a lot of an influence draw implies that this CPU goes to create tons of warmth that you simply’ll want to drag out of your PC one way or the other. Sure, a water cooler would possibly do the trick, however you’re going to be working that unhealthy boy on the highest attainable settings to maintain issues cool. And, should you pair this with one of many newer Nvidia 4090s, you’re taking a look at much more energy consumption and warmth output.

There’s additionally the truth that even with these high-powered specs, the Intel i9-14900KS isn’t probably to supply any enormous efficiency increase in comparison with different processors available on the market proper now. In reality, the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D typically noticed barely increased scores for relative gaming efficiency in TechPowerUp’s benchmarks, and it is priced at roughly half of the I9-14900KS’ advisable $699.99 price ticket—although some listings on Amazon have already got it at over $1,000 on the time of this text’s writing.

There’s little question that what Intel has achieved with this new CPU is thrilling. A CPU hitting 6.2 GHz out of the field is spectacular. Unfortunately, Intel has a protracted approach to go together with the way it handles warmth and energy consumption earlier than this sort of CPU is definitely possible for avid gamers and high-end PC customers.