Because of its higher clock speeds, the KS series CPU also has a higher base power consumption, which translates into higher temperatures and the need for a more efficient cooling system.
Performance
According to data from cpubenchmark.net, while the Intel® Core i9-14900F is still one of the best CPUs available for gaming, it isn’t the best deal in terms of performance vs price.
Perhaps somewhere in between the 253W to 300W on full load.
You can check out the rest of the specifications in the table below.
Intel Core i9-13900KS vs Core i9-13900K Specs Comparison
Specifications
Core i9-13900KS
Core i9-13900K
Lithography
Intel 7
Intel 7
Total Cores
24
24
No.
But the 7700X is 52% cheaper than the Core i9-13900KS in today’s retail market. The CORSAIR PC Builder is a tool that makes the process easy and straightforward. Building a PC nowadays is not cheap, so spending less on a CPU would be helpful. And they used a faster DDR5-7200 memory with the KS just to outperform the i9-13900K by up to 6%.
When it comes to gaming, the i9-13900KS is around 5% faster in 1080p, and around 4% faster in 1440p than the i9-13900K.
He offers a genuine, no-nonsense perspective, helping consumers make informed choices in the ever-changing world of technology.
What is the difference between the K, KS, F and KF CPUs from Intel?
Intel has been a household name for decades and is globally renowned for manufacturing CPUs (Central Processing Unit) for OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and mainstream PC consumers.
This can be beneficial for energy efficiency in systems that already have dedicated GPU solutions.
RECAP
Intel processors with a “K” suffix indicate that you can overclock the CPU above its stock frequency and have integrated graphics or iGPU, meaning you don’t necessarily need a dedicated graphics card in your system to provide video output.
Over the top "KS" series processors are a supercharged version of the "K" series processors, designed for those seeking performance at any price.
The "KF" series processors are very similar to the "K" variants in terms of raw processing power and performance because they both have the same core architecture and have an unlocked multiplier.
And it is geared towards overclockers and enthusiasts who demand the best of the best regardless of the price.
Aside from the high price, you’ll also need a high-end CPU cooler since it can get really toasty. If you go over its thermal limit, you will be unable to squeeze out all that extra power.
So, if your budget allows it, and you can splurge on a top-notch cooling system such as AIO liquid cooling (read more about cooling systems here), then we would definitely recommend spending the extra money to buy an Intel® Core i9-14900KS.
Pricing
As of the date of this post, Intel’s recommended price ranges for the Intel® Core i9-14900F, Intel® Core i9-14900KF, Intel® Core i9-14900K, and Intel® Core i9-14900KS are $524.00-$554.00, $564.00-$574.00, $589.00-$599.00, and $689.00-$699.00, respectively.
Final Considerations
According to Intel.com, the Intel® Core i9-14900KS, delivering up to 6.2 GHz max turbo frequency, holds the title of the world’s fastest desktop processor and is ideal both for gamers and content creators.
Understanding them helps PC enthusiasts and hardware buyers alike - so you can consciously choose a CPU for your needs without making wrong assumptions about its capabilities. That’s only a 200MHz difference. However, at what cost?
While the Core i9-13900KS is indeed faster, it is also significantly more expensive than the regular Core i9-13900K(F) CPU.
Well, this wasn’t a value CPU in the first place. Is It Worth It?
Currently, there is no doubt that the special edition Core i9-13900KS is the fastest processor in the market. Overclocking enthusiasts will also find this series particularly appealing, as these processors have been pre-trimmed by Intel to run at higher frequencies.
But worry not; we’ve got you covered here, as we have put together a guide explaining the differences between Intel’s K, KS, KF, and F processors to help demystify the whole mystery behind the Intel processor suffix.
Intel K vs KS vs KF vs F: What's the Difference?
Let’s look at the Intel F, K, KS, and KF processors and learn their differences so you can choose the right CPU for your build.
INTEL K PROCESSORS
Let's begin with the most popular line of Intel processors, the K series.
Over the years, Intel has consistently produced CPUs known for their performance, reliability, and compatibility with a wide range of software and hardware platforms.
If you have built your desktop PC in the past, I’m sure you have looked at both Intel and AMD CPUs to see which option is best for your build. You will be paying a premium for top-tier performance, though, so keep in mind whether the value proposition makes sense for you.
INTEL KF PROCESSORS
The KF series processors are essentially the same as the K processors, with the only difference being that they do not have integrated graphics.
On top of its locked multiplier, the F series also does not have integrated graphics like the KF series.
Despite not having an iGPU and the multiplier being locked, the F series processors have their advantages. To date, only Hardware Unboxed was able to publish a review of the Core i9-13900KS.
While KF and K series CPUs are almost the same, the difference is that the latter also comes with integrated graphics (
K and KS series CPUs are also almost identical, both include integrated graphics but the latter can achieve slightly higher clock speeds.
In October last year, Intel® released its 14th generation of desktop processors (CPUs), all based on the Raptor Lake Refresh architecture.
What separates the F series from the K and KF is the CPU’s multiplier is locked, meaning you cannot run the processor past its base frequency or advertised speed.