Intel ks processor
Hem / Teknik & Digitalt / Intel ks processor
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.
These processors have an integrated GPU, and the i5 variant offers even better performance. Using a K series chip at its base frequency negates the entire purpose of having a CPU with an unlocked multiplier.
It is also worth noting the K series CPUs have integrated graphics or iGPU, meaning there is a graphics processing unit built directly into the CPU.
In other words, it’s a graphic solution embedded into the CPU itself, as opposed to a dedicated graphics card, like the ones you see produced by NVIDIA, AMD, and other third-party GPU manufacturers.
INTEL KS PROCESSORS
KS Series processors are nearly identical to K Series processors except for a higher frequency and higher TDP.
However, this series is limited to Intel Core i9 processors and will require a more substantial budget due to a more limited production volume.
This series is designed for those who want to maximize performance with the fastest processor on the market. With the KF series, you must have a dedicated GPU in the system to have video output.
Still, the former is a significantly expensive CPU.
I recommend you check out Hardware Unboxed’s full review here.
See also: Intel 14th Gen vs 13th Gen Desktop CPU
Pricing and Availability
The 13th gen Intel Core i9-13900KS special edition processor is now available and comes with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $699.
It also consumes more power, which may be fine for the target market.
As for me, I’m not the target market, and I don’t find it worth it for my use case. In this article, let’s compare the Core i9-13900KS to the Core i9-13900K and find out if the KS is worth it over the K variant.
13th Gen Intel Core i9-13900KS vs Core i9-13900K(F) CPU: 6GHz vs 5.80GHz
The Intel Core i9-13900KS is a special edition CPU marketed towards gamers and overclockers.
of Performance-cores
Just like the previous “KS” variant of processors, the Core i9-13900KS is simply a heavily binned or carefully selected silicone that can reach 6GHz easily. That’s almost a 19% price difference.
Aside from that, the Core i9-13900KS can easily reach a toasty 100°C on full load. The Ryzen 7000X3D CPUs are expected to be released next month, February 2023.
Finally, now that you have one of the fastest CPUs in the market, why not pair it with the fastest GPU available in this current generation?
But let’s say you are more on the blue team (Intel); you will probably run into CPU models with letters like F, KF, and K. These were not part of the processor options in the past, so it might be a bit confusing initially.
Intel® Core i9-14900KF and Intel® Core i9-14900K both perform very well in terms of average CPU mark, even if only slightly better than their 13th gen predecessors.
The Intel® Core i9-14900KS comes out on top when compared to the F, K, and KF series CPUs, although the last two are not too far behind.
Take into account how much you can afford to spend and the value of the processor over time.
Below we discuss in detail four popular designations: K, KS, KF and F, their strengths and weaknesses, and their target applications.
Intel "K" - processors with an unlocked multiplier
What it means
Processors with the suffix K have an unlocked clock multiplier, which means they can be overclocked (overclocked) beyond their factory settings.
Strengths
- Overclocking capability - for advanced users, increases processor performance beyond standard clocks.
- Higher base clocks and Boost in practice, often a tad higher than standard models without suffix.
Weaknesses
- Requires better-grade cooling - overclocking generates more heat and requires more powerful coolers.
- Often higher power consumption in configurations with overclocking.
Purpose
The ideal choice of gaming and PC enthusiasts who want to maximize the potential of the CPU, especially when combined with powerful cooling and a motherboard with a Z-series chipset.
Intel "KS" - special versions with higher clock rates
What it means
The suffix KS is a special "overclocked selection" of CPUs, usually in top models (generally only in the Core i9 series), which have higher frequencies than the standard K.
Strengths
- Higher factory clocks than the K versions.
- Slightly better performance in single-threaded and multi-threaded tasks.
Weaknesses
- Higher price than standard K.
- Still require solid cooling and often more expensive motherboard.
Purpose
For the most demanding gamers, streamers and professionals who want maximum performance without further manual overclocking.
Intel "KF" - Unlocked, but without integrated graphics
What it means
Processors with the KF designation combine the features of K (unlocked multiplier) with F (no integrated GPU).
Strengths
- Ability to overclock as in K processors.
- Lower price than the counterpart with iGPU, because stripped of GPU lithography costs
Weaknesses
- No integrated graphics - requires a dedicated graphics card for on-screen display.
Purpose
An excellent option gaming and content creators who plan to use a dedicated graphics card anyway and want to save costs without sacrificing overclocking capabilities.
Intel "F" - no integrated graphics
What it means
Processors marked with the letter F do not have integrated graphics (iGPU).
Strengths
- Lower price compared to the counterpart without the F mark.
- Smaller design may generate slightly lower temperatures.
Weaknesses
- Requirement of a dedicated graphics card for system operation.
- Lack of overclocking capabilities (unlike K/KF models).
Purpose
Mainly for systems with a dedicated GPU - such as in gaming kits or workstations with powerful graphics cards, where integrated graphics are not needed.
Completion
Understanding the Intel K, KS, KF and F suffixes helps you consciously select a processor for specific applications - from budget kits with a graphics card, to gaming rigs, to high-performance units for professionals.
But keep in mind that as shown by the people over at anandtech.com, despite its marginally lower clock speeds (we are talking only a 0.1-0.2 GHz difference) compared to the KS series CPU, the Intel® Core i9-14900K is still a fantastic option, only slightly outperformed by the Intel® Core i9-14900KS on single-threaded tests.
Regarding the Intel® Core i9-14900F, we don’t feel like recommending it at this point in time for its current price, mainly because of its relatively low performance compared to cheaper alternatives.
back to top
Intel K, KS, KF and F - How to Read Processor Labels and What They Actually Mean (Guide 2025)
Introduction
In the naming of Intel processors, the letters at the end of the model (so-called suffixes) carry important information about the functions and purpose of a particular chip.
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. (#ad)
Intel Core i9-13900KS is available on Amazon.com here or Amazon.UK here.
Intel Core i9-13900K is available on Amazon.com here or Amazon.UK here.
Should You Buy The Core i9-13900KS?
The only difference between the two series is the K series' integrated graphics, making the KF series slightly lower in price. Those looking to kick it old-school might opt for our A115 air cooler, instead.
Overclocking a CPU requires a deep understanding of how the CPU functions when pushed beyond its default speed.