Hey everyone! I'm on the hunt for the best Intel CPU to upgrade my current setup. I know there's a lot of talk out there about AMD being better, but I'm sticking with Intel for now since my motherboard supports LGA 1700 and I don't want to swap. My budget is roughly 1k NZD and from what I've seen, I'm leaning towards the Intel Core i9-14900K. I've heard about the power issues with Intel's current generation, but I think those have been mostly patched, affecting only a small percentage of users. I also have a solid power supply, RAM, and cooling in place. What do you all recommend? Would love some expert opinions on the best Intel CPU to buy!
4 Answers
Go for the 14900KS! If there are any degrading issues, that’s why warranties exist, right? Just make sure to keep an eye on those specs.
The 14900K is a solid choice, though I’d recommend checking the power draw when you get it. One person I know with this CPU had to disable the boost clock for better stability. While the degradation issue is said to be minor, it’s worth being cautious and ensuring it stays below 255 watts. Also, no overclocking for me either, just to be safe!
That's good to know! I plan on keeping it at stock settings and maybe undervolting a bit. Just want to keep an eye on performance.
I've had a 13900KF for about 10 months now and never faced any issues. I’ve been running an unpatched BIOS with the 14900K that spikes above 253W, and it’s been problem-free. These degradation concerns are a bit overhyped, just RMA within your warranty if something does happen. The upgrade should be smooth!
What about power supply? I’ve got an 850W too and haven’t had issues with my 13400F. Should I expect any new problems with the 14th gen?
If you’re focused on gaming and developing, the 14900KS is the way to go. Just be sure to flash the latest BIOS to tackle any potential issues. Even if you don’t have a new motherboard, you’re limited to the strongest 14th gen Intel in this case, which is definitely the 14900KS. Performance should meet your needs!
Yeah, I’m definitely looking for something that can handle game dev duties too, like Unity and Unreal. The latest BIOS is done and my PSU is good for 850 watts.
What’s the main difference between the K and KS models? I noticed a price gap but the KS seems out of stock everywhere!