Intel ks processor

In fact, it is outperformed (average CPU mark) by the older (13th gen) and cheaper Intel® Core i9-13900K and Intel® Core i9-13900KF, and even by the much cheaper Intel® Core i7-14700K. This makes them an excellent option for overclocking, and they are priced lower than the K processors. Take into account how much you can afford to spend and the value of the processor over time.

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.

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. Although, I’m positive that the Core i9-13900KS performs much better in productivity than the Ryzen 7 7700X. Building a PC nowadays is not cheap, so spending less on a CPU would be helpful.

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. 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.

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.

Intel didn’t seed the KS variant to independent reviewers. That’s almost a 19% price difference.

Aside from that, the Core i9-13900KS can easily reach a toasty 100°C on full load.

Is It Worth It?

Currently, there is no doubt that the special edition Core i9-13900KS is the fastest processor in the market. But the 7700X is 52% cheaper than the Core i9-13900KS in today’s retail market. The "K" suffix on Intel chips signifies that they are unlocked, meaning the CPU can be overclocked, enabling you to maximize the processor's potential.

And they got their CPU from another source.

Based on their review, the Core i9-13900KS is around 6% faster than the i9-13900K on the Cinebench R23 benchmark. For the latest pricing and availability, kindly follow the links below. It’s faster than its predecessor, the i9-13900K, and AMD’s current CPUs. To date, only Hardware Unboxed was able to publish a review of the Core i9-13900KS.

Both processors feature 8 performance cores, 16 efficiency cores, and a total of 32 threads.

The second-best choice would be the Intel® Core i9-14900K, thanks to its competitive performance and integrated graphics, absent in the Intel® Core i9-14900KF.