Update, Oct 19 15:00 PT: Intel sent us a correction for their updated press release stating that while some Intel Core 14th Gen processors will include support for Thunderbolt 5, desktop Intel Core 14th Gen desktop processors will not support it. The full update is included below.
While some processors in the Intel Core 14th Gen processor family will include support for Thunderbolt 5, Intel Core 14th Gen desktop processors, specifically, will not support it. The Intel Core 14th Gen launch announcement incorrectly said, "Intel Core 14th Gen desktop processors include support for … upcoming Thunderbolt 5 wired connectivity – supporting up to 80 Gbps of bi-directional bandwidth." Intel will share additional details on Intel Core 14th Gen CPUs that support Thunderbolt 5 at a later date.
The original article follows.
Intel has officially unwrapped its 14th-gen processor lineup aimed at PC enthusiasts, gamers, and other customers needing high-performance desktop processors. The new CPU trio delivers the "fastest desktop frequencies," the "best desktop experience," and "unparalleled overclocking."
“Since the introduction of our performance hybrid architecture, Intel has consistently raised the bar for desktop performance. With our Intel Core 14th Generation processors, we’re showing once again why enthusiasts turn to Intel for the best desktop experience available on the market today.”
The lineup consists of three unlocked models (plus iGPU-less KF variants) with up to 24 cores and 6GHz max clocks. The Core i7-14700K model received four extra E-cores, bumping the spec up to 8 P-cores and 12-E cores for 20 cores and 28 threads. Intel claims the change results in significant performance gains in multi-threaded workloads.
Overall, the new lineup promises up to 23% gaming performance uplift compared to "leading competitor processors," AI-assisted overclocking, and improved DDR5 memory support. Additionally, the 14th-gen lineup maintains compatibility with DDR4 RAM on compatible motherboards with 600 or 700 Chipsets. Therefore, you can upgrade your existing rig without spending on a new board or RAM.
Additional features include integrated support for Wi-Fi 6/6E, Bluetooth 5.3, Thunderbolt 4, and the upcoming Thunderbolt 5. Besides, you can pair new processors with discrete Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 network cards.
Here are detailed specs:
| i9-14900K and KF | i7-14700K and KF | i5-14600K and KF | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cores | 24 (8P + 16E), 32 threads | 20 (8P + 12E) 28 threads | 14 (6P + 8E) 20 threads | |||
| Cache | 36MB L3 + 32MB L2 | 33MB L3 + 28MB L2 | 24MB L3 + 20MB L2 | |||
| Clocks | 3.2/2.4GHz base 6.0GHz max | 3.4/2.5GHz base 5.6GHz max | 3.5/2.6GHz base 5.3GHz max | |||
| Unlocked | Yes | |||||
| Graphics | Intel UHD 770, no iGPU in KF models | |||||
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | |||||
| Memory | DDR5-5600 or DDR4-3200, up to 192GB | |||||
| Base TDP | 125W | |||||
| Turbo TDP | 253W | 181W | ||||
| Price | $589 | $564 | $409 | $384 | $319 | $294 |
The Intel Core 14th-gen processor lineup will be available on October 17, 2023.