Intel Core i9-14900K vs Intel Core i9-14900KS: My Real Build Clash

Last Updated on December 22, 2025 by Cassie Moorhead

Picking between the Intel Core i9-14900K and Intel Core i9-14900KS is common for builders. Both are strong 14th gen chips. I ran them side by side in my PCs. The standard K gives great power at better price and heat. The KS adds a small speed boost for enthusiasts. It all depends on your needs. This guide shares my experience to help you decide.

Intel Core i9-14900K Review

The Intel Core i9-14900K is a solid flagship CPU for gaming and work. It delivers strong power right away. I used it in my main build for months. It handled intense games like Cyberpunk with high frames and ray tracing. It also sped through video editing in Premiere. The speed and multitasking make it reliable every day. In short, it feels dependable for heavy tasks.

What I Like

• The 6.0 GHz max clock gave me quick response in games. I got high FPS in fast titles.
• The hybrid setup with 8 P-cores and 16 E-cores managed multitasking well. I streamed and played without drops.
• It has Intel UHD Graphics 770 built in. That let me set up the system fast before adding my GPU.

What Could Be Better

• It uses lots of power and gets hot. I needed a good cooler to keep it cool.
• The price is high for a top chip. Deals on Amazon help, but it’s not cheap.
• The LGA 1700 socket is older now. Upgrades may need new parts soon.

Intel Core i9-14900K Overview

Feature	Details
Cores and Threads	24 cores (8 P-cores + 16 E-cores) / 32 threads
Max Turbo Frequency	Up to 6.0 GHz
Cache	36MB Intel Smart Cache
Integrated Graphics	Intel UHD Graphics 770
Socket	LGA 1700
Compatible Chipsets	Intel 600-Series and 700-Series
Base Power	125W (can go higher under load)
Memory Support	DDR5-5600 / DDR4-3200

Is Intel Core i9-14900K Good

Yes, the Intel Core i9-14900K is very good for enthusiasts. I ran it in tough gaming and work setups. It kept frames high in demanding games. Renders finished fast too. The clock speeds help in quick tasks. It runs hot, but with good cooling, it’s strong.

Recommendation

Get the Intel Core i9-14900K if you game or create content a lot. It’s great for that. If you want lower heat, look at newer options. In the US, Amazon often has good deals. Think about your cooling and power setup first.

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Intel Core i9-14900KS Review

The Intel Core i9-14900KS is a fast special edition CPU. It pushes clocks higher out of the box. I tested it in a high-end rig. It flew through single-core games with extra frames. It also helped in quick edits. The peak speed and power make it exciting. In short, it feels valuable for max performance.

What I Like

• The 6.2 GHz max clock stood out. I saw better response in light loads.
• The same hybrid design worked for mixed tasks. I ran multiple apps smoothly.
• Built-in Intel UHD Graphics 770 helped during builds. It showed output right away.

What Could Be Better

• It draws even more power and heat than the standard. Strong cooling is a must.
• The higher price makes it less common. It’s for those who want the top bin.
• Same older socket. Future upgrades could need changes.

Intel Core i9-14900KS Overview

Feature	Details
Cores and Threads	24 cores (8 P-cores + 16 E-cores) / 32 threads
Max Turbo Frequency	Up to 6.2 GHz
Cache	36MB Intel Smart Cache
Integrated Graphics	Intel UHD Graphics 770
Socket	LGA 1700
Compatible Chipsets	Intel 600-Series and 700-Series
Base Power	150W (peaks higher under load)
Memory Support	DDR5-5600 / DDR4-3200

Is Intel Core i9-14900KS Good

Yes, the Intel Core i9-14900KS is good if you chase peak speeds. I used it for extreme tests. It gave small boosts in games and apps. Frames stayed high longer. The extra clock shines in some spots. It needs top cooling for best results.

Recommendation

Choose the Intel Core i9-14900KS if you want the fastest 14th gen out of box. It’s ideal for overclock fans. Most users can save with the standard K. Check Amazon for availability. Plan for strong cooling and power.

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Intel Core i9-14900K vs Intel Core i9-14900KS Details Comparison

I’ve used both the Intel Core i9-14900K and the Intel Core i9-14900KS in my own PCs. The K is the regular unlocked version. The KS is the special edition with higher clocks. They feel very similar day to day.

Core Configuration: Intel Core i9-14900K vs Intel Core i9-14900KS

Both chips have the same setup. They pack 24 cores and 32 threads. The hybrid design uses 8 P-cores and 16 E-cores. No difference here. In my builds, multitasking felt identical on both.

Ratings:
Intel Core i9-14900K: 10/10
Intel Core i9-14900KS: 10/10

Feature	Intel Core i9-14900K	Intel Core i9-14900KS
Total Cores	24 (8 P-cores + 16 E-cores)	24 (8 P-cores + 16 E-cores)
Threads	32	32

Clock Speeds: Intel Core i9-14900K vs Intel Core i9-14900KS

The KS goes up to 6.2 GHz. The K stops at 6.0 GHz. That 200 MHz extra gives the KS a small lead. My KS felt quicker in light apps. The gap was tiny in games.

Ratings:
Intel Core i9-14900K: 9.5/10
Intel Core i9-14900KS: 10/10

Feature	Intel Core i9-14900K	Intel Core i9-14900KS
Max Boost Clock	6.0 GHz	6.2 GHz

Cache Size: Intel Core i9-14900K vs Intel Core i9-14900KS

Both have 36MB L3 cache. Everything is the same. Data loads felt even. No edge for either in my tests.

Ratings:
Intel Core i9-14900K: 10/10
Intel Core i9-14900KS: 10/10

Feature	Intel Core i9-14900K	Intel Core i9-14900KS
L3 Cache	36MB	36MB

Power Consumption: Intel Core i9-14900K vs Intel Core i9-14900KS

The KS uses more power and gets hotter. It can pull over 300W easy. The K is a bit kinder. My KS needed a bigger cooler to stay quiet. The K ran cooler overall.

Ratings:
Intel Core i9-14900K: 8.5/10
Intel Core i9-14900KS: 7/10

Feature	Intel Core i9-14900K	Intel Core i9-14900KS
Base TDP	125W	150W
Real-World Draw	High	Very high

Platform Compatibility: Intel Core i9-14900K vs Intel Core i9-14900KS

Both fit LGA 1700 sockets. They work on the same motherboards. No changes needed to swap. Both support 600 and 700 series chips.

Ratings:
Intel Core i9-14900K: 9/10
Intel Core i9-14900KS: 9/10

Feature	Intel Core i9-14900K	Intel Core i9-14900KS
Socket	LGA 1700	LGA 1700
Chipset Support	600/700 Series	600/700 Series

Performance: Intel Core i9-14900K vs Intel Core i9-14900KS

The KS wins by 3-5% in most tests. Games and renders run a touch faster. In my daily use, the boost showed in quick jobs. Overall, they feel very close.

Ratings:
Intel Core i9-14900K: 9.5/10
Intel Core i9-14900KS: 9.8/10

Ease of Use: Intel Core i9-14900K vs Intel Core i9-14900KS

Both install the same way. The KS demands better cooling. Temps rise fast on it. The K was simpler to keep stable.

Ratings:
Intel Core i9-14900K: 9/10
Intel Core i9-14900KS: 8/10

Value for Money: Intel Core i9-14900K vs Intel Core i9-14900KS

The K gives better value. It costs less on Amazon right now. The KS premium is hard to justify for small gains. Most people are happy with the K.

Ratings:
Intel Core i9-14900K: 9.5/10
Intel Core i9-14900KS: 7.5/10

Overall: Intel Core i9-14900K vs Intel Core i9-14900KS

Both are strong 14th gen chips. The KS offers peak speed for enthusiasts. The K brings great power at better price and heat. I stick with the K for everyday builds.

Ratings:
Intel Core i9-14900K: 9.6/10
Intel Core i9-14900KS: 9.1/10

FAQs for Intel Core i9-14900K vs Intel Core i9-14900KS

What is the main difference between Intel Core i9-14900K and Intel Core i9-14900KS?

The big difference is clock speed. The KS boosts to 6.2 GHz. The K reaches 6.0 GHz. Both have the same cores. The KS gives a small edge out of box.

Which is faster, Intel Core i9-14900K or Intel Core i9-14900KS?

The Intel Core i9-14900KS is slightly faster. It wins by 3-5% in tests. Games and apps run a bit quicker. Real difference feels small in daily use. Speed leans to KS.

Does the Intel Core i9-14900KS run hotter than the 14900K?

Yes, the Intel Core i9-14900KS runs hotter and uses more power. It needs stronger cooling. The K is easier to manage. Heat control favors the K.

Is the Intel Core i9-14900K better value than the 14900KS?

The Intel Core i9-14900K offers better value. It costs less on Amazon now. The KS premium is high for small gains. Value goes to the K for most.

Can I overclock both Intel Core i9-14900K and 14900KS the same?

Both are unlocked for overclock. The KS starts higher. The K can reach similar with tuning. Overclock potential is close on both.

Conclusion

When choosing Intel Core i9-14900K vs Intel Core i9-14900KS, think about cost and heat. The 14900K wins for most with strong speed and better value. I use it more in my builds for balance. The KS shines if you want peak clocks without tweaks. Both deliver top performance I’ve enjoyed. Check Amazon for current prices and match to your rig. Read More Intel Core i7-14700K vs Intel Core Ultra 7 265K: A Personal Review.