Intel Core i9-14900KS Review: The Fastest Consumer CPU Yet

Introduction

The Intel Core i9-14900KS is the latest special edition processor from Intel, pushing performance boundaries to new heights. As the successor to the i9-13900KS, it aims to deliver even faster speeds, improved efficiency, and better multitasking capabilities. But does it truly justify its premium price tag? Let’s dive into the details.

Specifications

• Cores / Threads: 24 (8 Performance + 16 Efficiency) / 32 Threads
• Base Clock (P-Core / E-Core): 3.2 GHz / 2.4 GHz
• Boost Clock (P-Core): Up to 6.2 GHz
• L3 Cache: 36MB
• TDP: 150W (Base) / Up to 320W (Max Turbo Power)
• Socket: LGA 1700
• Memory Support: DDR5-7600, DDR4-3200
• PCIe Support: PCIe 5.0 & 4.0

Performance Benchmarks

The Core i9-14900KS builds upon the already powerful i9-14900K but with higher out-of-the-box clock speeds. Here’s how it performs in key benchmarks:

Synthetic Benchmarks

• Cinebench R23: ~41,000 (Multi-core), ~2,350 (Single-core)
• Geekbench 6: ~32,000 (Multi-core), ~3,100 (Single-core)
• 3DMark CPU Score: ~20,500

Gaming Performance

Paired with an RTX 4090 and 32GB DDR5 RAM, the i9-14900KS delivers top-tier gaming performance:

• Cyberpunk 2077 (4K Ultra, RT On): ~120 FPS
• Call of Duty: MW3 (1440p Ultra): ~250 FPS
• Baldur’s Gate 3 (4K Ultra): ~140 FPS

Content Creation & Productivity

The Core i9-14900KS excels in heavy workloads such as 3D rendering and video editing:

• Blender (BMW Render): ~42 seconds
• Adobe Premiere Pro (4K Export): ~45 seconds

Power Consumption & Thermal Performance

While the i9-14900KS is incredibly powerful, it also demands robust cooling solutions. Under full load, it can hit power draws of 300W+, requiring high-end AIO liquid cooling. Idle temperatures hover around 40°C, but peak loads can push it beyond 90°C if not adequately cooled.

Overclocking Potential

Out of the box, the i9-14900KS already reaches 6.2 GHz on P-cores, but with extreme cooling, some users have reported stable overclocks of 6.5 GHz. However, power consumption skyrockets, making LN2 cooling necessary for pushing beyond that.

Price & Value Proposition

The i9-14900KS carries a premium price tag of ~$699-$749, making it a niche choice for enthusiasts and professionals who need the absolute best. For most gamers and content creators, the standard i9-14900K offers nearly identical performance at a lower cost.

Conclusion

Pros:

✅ Unmatched single-core and multi-core performance
✅ 6.2 GHz out of the box
✅ Excellent for gaming and content creation
✅ PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 support for future-proofing

Cons:

❌ High power consumption
❌ Requires top-tier cooling
❌ Expensive compared to alternatives

Final Verdict: The Intel Core i9-14900KS is an absolute powerhouse, setting new records in raw performance. However, its high power demands and premium price make it a luxury rather than a necessity for most users. If you want the fastest consumer CPU available and are willing to invest in high-end cooling, this is the chip for you. Otherwise, the i9-14900K or even AMD’s Ryzen 7950X3D may offer better value.