I'm trying to figure out whether it's worth getting a 'K' version of an Intel CPU if I'm using a 'B' chipset motherboard. I believe the 'K' models are unlocked for overclocking, but a 'B' motherboard won't let me take advantage of that feature, right? So, if I go with a B760 motherboard, should I just stick with something like the 14700F instead of a 'K' version?
3 Answers
The 'F' designation just means the CPU lacks integrated graphics; it has nothing to do with overclocking capabilities. Sure, you could go for the 14700 or 14700F, but the 'K' variants will still function—they just won't allow for manual power adjustments which could limit your overclocking potential down the line.
The 'K' CPUs do run slightly higher clock speeds compared to non-'K' models, and while you can’t manually adjust the CPU frequency on a B760, options for undervolting and memory overclocking might still be available. Under default settings, that could actually be a decent trade-off.
It's not totally a waste to get a 'K' CPU. You still get all the performance benefits even without manually overclocking it. The 'K' parts generally have higher power limits which can lead to better performance overall, so keep that in mind!
I thought undervolting was disabled on the B760 motherboards, isn’t that right?