Buzz
It's that time again, Intel has officially launched its 14th generation Core processors for desktops, code-named Raptor Lake Refresh. The new CPU lineup from the blue team maintains a similar product structure as before, with 6 unlocked multiplier variants, with the highest being Core i9-14900K. The test kit received by Mytour this time also includes 2 models: Intel Core i5-14600K and Intel Core i9-14900K.
Raptor Lake Refresh, as the name suggests, will build upon the 13th generation Raptor Lake platform, with some slight improvements, delivering higher performance for demanding users. The 14th generation Core supports the latest features such as PCI Express 5.0, DDR5 memory, but still provides DDR4 options to cater to cost-effective desktop setups. Users of Alder Lake (12th generation) and Raptor Lake (13th generation) processors can easily upgrade to Raptor Lake Refresh with just a BIOS update. As for motherboards, any product equipped with Intel 600 Series or Intel 700 Series chipsets will provide good support.
In terms of internal configuration, Raptor Lake Refresh maintains its Performance cores based on the Raptor Cove architecture, tailored for heavy tasks, delivering optimal performance for gaming or software that benefits from single-thread advantage. Efficient cores, built on Gracemont architecture, similarly to the previous generation, contribute to background tasks or those requiring multi-thread processing like encoding and video editing. The socket remains LGA 1700, users simply need to remove the old processor and install a 14th generation Core, of course, after updating the BIOS.
Highlighting key features of the Intel Core 14th generation Raptor Lake Refresh:- Performance Cores: These are the highest-performing cores ever produced by Intel, designed to meet the needs of single-thread tasks, light computational tasks, or sudden surges, such as 4K gaming or 3D design.
- Efficient Cores: Designed to handle multi-thread tasks and background operations, such as tab management in browsers, IT services, cloud data synchronization. Efficient cores alleviate the burden on Performance cores, enabling P-cores to focus on high-performance demands.
- Hybrid Performance Architecture: Integrating two types of cores on a single die allows better task prioritization and distribution, optimizing performance.
- Intel Thread Director: This 'thread director' optimizes workload by assisting the operating system in scheduling tasks to the appropriate processing cores.
- PCIe 5.0 up to 16 lanes: Ready for high-speed connections and access to components like graphics cards, storage, and peripherals, with bandwidth up to 32 GT/s.
- PCIe 4.0 up to 4 lanes: 16 GT/s bandwidth for storage and peripherals.
- DDR5-5600 and DDR4-3200: Simultaneous support for both DDR4 and DDR5, providing users with flexible options, optimizing configurations based on budget.
- Intel Deep Learning Boost: Accelerates AI inference to enhance performance for deep learning workloads.
- Gaussian & Neural Accelerator 3.0: Handles AI audio and speech applications such as noise reduction through neural networks during simulations, reducing CPU resource usage to enhance overall system performance.
- Intel Adaptive Boost Technology, Intel Thermal Velocity Boost, Intel Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0: Technologies that increase clock speed and performance to meet heavy workloads, dynamically optimizing for various tasks.
- Intel Extreme Tuning Utility: A suite of tools supporting precise overclocking, including both processor and memory, enhanced by AI to simplify customization.
- Intel Extreme Memory Profile 3.0: XMP 3.0 enables quick activation of pre-tuned custom RAM configurations, enhancing performance and reducing latency.
- Intel Dynamic Memory Boost: Smart memory overclocking to enhance performance as needed, optimizing platform performance based on usage levels.
- CPU: Intel Core i9-14900K
- Mainboard: ASUS ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming Wi-Fi II
- RAM: Kingston FURY Renegade DDR5-7200 32 GB (16 GB x 2)
- VGA: ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 4060
- SSD: ADATA LEGEND 960 MAX 1 TB
- Cooler: Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360 ATMOS
- PSU: ASUS ROG THOR 1600 W Titanium
The most surprising aspect is that the Core i9-14900K outperforms expectations. Across all default settings, the chip achieves higher Cinebench R23 scores than the Core i9-13900KS, despite both products being theoretically similar. In the 13th generation, the Core i9-13900K boasted a maximum boost clock of 5.8 GHz, with only select dies named Core i9-13900KS reaching 6 GHz. In the 14th generation, these select dies become standard. This means Intel's process has once again been optimized to produce enough high-quality dies to become non-S versions. It's speculated that any select dies in this Raptor Lake Refresh batch, if present, would become the Core i9-14900KS, with boost clocks around 6.2 GHz. Familiar tests like 3DMark CPU Profile, BAPCo CrossMark, Blender, and Corona also yield corresponding performance improvements.
To address the initial question, the current release of Raptor Lake Refresh offers its own advantages. Essentially, AMD's competitor, specifically the Ryzen 9 7950X, still doesn't match up to the Core i9-13900K (at default settings and within the same system components), so Intel doesn't need to rush out a new process but rather takes the time to further refine. The Core i9-14900K outperforms even the special edition Raptor Lake - Core i9-13900KS, making it a worthwhile purchase for PC enthusiasts always seeking the latest and most powerful products on the market. Furthermore, the arrival of Raptor Lake Refresh implies price drops for 12th and 13th generations, benefiting users in need of new desktop builds. Regardless, with LGA 1700 spanning three processor generations, Alder Lake remains the top choice for cost-conscious users while still allowing for two generations of upgrades if desired. For those already owning a Raptor Lake i9, upgrading to the Core i9-14900K may not be necessary or compelling enough, so it's wise to save up for next year's releases where the LGA 1851 socket might offer more appeal.
