Last October, Intel unveiled the 14th Gen i5 14600K processor, boasting a substantial improvement over its forerunner, the 13600K. The burning question remains: does it live up to the hype, and is it a worthwhile investment or upgrade? In this review, we'll delve into a detailed comparison of the processor's specifications with those of its predecessors, the 13600K and 12600K, to assess the extent of the enhancements. Let's uncover the reasons behind the buzz surrounding this processor, often likened more to a hypothetical 13600KS, a variant that doesn't even exist.
Specs comparison and differences
Between the 12600k and 13600k, there was a significant change due to the addition of many cores and a slight boost in clock speed, resulting in an increase of 400MHz. It is essential to focus on the 14600k and 13600k since they have the same number of cores and threads: 14 cores, 20 threads, six performance cores and eight efficient cores.
The P cores have hyperthreading, and the maximum turbo frequency is the same at 5.3 GHz, but there are slight differences. Previously, the 13600K boosted momentarily to 5.3 GHz, but now the 14600K can maintain 5.3 GHz all the time. If needed, all P cores can stay at multicore workloads, resulting in a slight performance boost. The 13600K had a 5.1GHz all-core boost frequency.
The PCIe generations and lanes are the same, as well as the RAM compatibility, which is good because the 14600K is now the best i5 that supports DDR4. Therefore, it is a good choice if you want to upgrade your Z690 or Z790 motherboards.
Items | 14600K | 13600K | 12600K |
Cores/Threads | 14C 20T (6P+8E) | 14C 20T (6P+8E) | 10C 16T (6P+4E) |
P max Turbo Frequency | 5.3GHz | 5.3GHz | 4.9GHz |
P All Core Max Frequency | 5.3GHz | 5.1GHz | 4.5GHz |
P Base Freq | 3.5GHz | 3.5GHz | 3.7GHz |
E Base Frequency | 2.6GHz | 2.6GHz | 2.8GHz |
E Max Turbo | 4.0GHz | 3.9GHz | 3.6GHz |
Max PCIe Gen | PCIe 5 | PCIe 5 | PCIe 5 |
PCIe Lances | 20 | 20 | 20 |
RAM | DDR4+DDR5 | DDR4+DDR5 | DDR4+DDR5 |
Cache | 24MB | 24MB | 20MB |
L2 Cache | 20MB | 20MB | 9.5MB |
Base Power (TDP) | 125W | 125W | 125W |
Max Power (PBO/Turbo) | 170W (181W) | 148W (181W) | 113W (150W) |
iGPU | UHD770 | UHD770 | UHD770 |
Process Node | 10nm (Intel 7) | 10nm (Intel 7) | 10nm (Intel 7) |
The cache and base power of the processor are the same as the previous model, but the Turbo Power has increased significantly. Although the Turbo Power is still listed as 181 Watts, the new model draws more power than the previous 13600K model when running Cinebench R23.
This extra power, however, allows the processor to boost an additional 200 MHz higher on the P course.
The E core's max frequency is now 4 GHz, compared to the 3.9 GHz of the previous 13600K model. An extra 100MHz also boosts the E cores. The iGPU and process (10-nanometer process, which Intel calls the Intel 7) remain unchanged. Some argue that Intel 7 is equivalent to TSMC's 7 NM process, but officially, they are still 10nm and 7nm, respectively.
IMC and max memory speed support
The Intel 14th Gen processors boast increased memory frequency support compared to the previous generation. While the stock configuration remains at 5600 MT/s, the refined 10 NM process and improved memory controller allow for higher frequencies, especially beneficial for creators seeking enhanced RAM performance.
Memory frequency support is contingent on the integrated memory controller (IMC) within the CPU. Intel's standard IMC spec is now 4,000 MT/s, surpassing AMD's 3,600 MT/s for single-rank or dual-rank RAM on two sticks per channel. Although Intel recommends a base setting of 5600 MT/s for dual channels, it doesn't limit users from utilizing faster RAM by tweaking settings in the BIOS or employing XMP profiles.
The 14th Gen processors outshine the 13th Gen counterparts in handling faster RAM, thanks to a similar 10 NM process as the KS or best Bend versions of the 13th Gen processors, known for superior overclocking potential and stability. Intel's reviewer guide even suggests using faster RAM settings, indicating a more capable memory controller in the 14th Gen processors.
While running faster RAM may increase power consumption and heat output—illustrated by the 14600K using slightly more power than the 13600K at stock settings—this becomes a notable concern only under extreme overclocking conditions with a robust CPU cooling system in place.
Test results
If you look for different CPU benchmark results, you will find that the difference between the 14600K and the 13600K processor is small. However, the 14th Gen has a slight advantage in most tests, especially in gaming and productivity scenarios. It has a bit more power in single-core and multicore performance.
According to some reviews, the 14th Gen can achieve up to 7% higher FPS in some games and up to 10% faster rendering times in some Adobe applications. However, these results may vary depending on the system configuration, the RAM speed, and the cooling solution.
The not-so-good news
Intel's latest 14 Gen 14600K processor may not appeal to everyone as it is not entirely new but rather a KS version of the 13th Gen, similar to the 12th Gen. It offers a slight increase in frequency but not much overall improvement. Generally, we expect to see between 15% and 20% improvement between generations, but that is not the case with the 14th Gen. The new architecture is not entirely different from the previous one, and the performance increase is within the margin of error.
Moreover, the official RAM support has not changed compared to previous generations. Even though the IMC can handle higher frequencies, the base specifications are still the same. Intel claims that the new processor can handle higher frequencies, but there is no significant increase in memory frequency. For instance, Intel seems hesitant to increase memory support to 6,000 MT/s. The new generation only slightly improves core speeds and power consumption, which is not very impressive.
The good news
The 14600K has better IMC support, meaning it can run faster memory more efficiently. Moreover, it is compatible with the 600 or 700 series motherboards from Intel, so you do not need to buy a new one if you want to upgrade.
Moreover, the new generation is similarly priced to the previous generation. This means you will get slightly better performance with a bit of extra money. You may just need to update the BIOS to support the latest-generation CPU.
If you already have a 13th Gen processor, you do not need to upgrade to the 14th Gen. However, if you are looking for a new processor for a substantial upgrade from a much older generation, the 14th Gen processor is a better choice.
Md Zahurul Al Mamun is a writer and tech enthusiast
