Intel has launched its 14th-generation i5 14600k, i7 14700k and i9-14900K desktop processors, but reviewers are not overly impressed with the not-so-generational leap in performance. Creep would be a better word than leap in this case.
The flagship i9 14900K boasts 24 cores and 32 threads and up to 6 GHz of clock frequency. This is the same number of cores and threads as the 13900K but with a slight boost to clock speed. The i7 14700K has four more efficiency cores than last gen. That’s it.
Intel’s Extreme Tuning Utility (XTU) now has an AI Assist, which supposedly allows one-click AI-guided overclocking to squeeze the most out of a dubiously worthwhile purchase with minimal user effort.
There’s also what Intel calls Application Optimization (APO), which has something to do with ‘scheduling technology’, but details are very scarce. Presumably, it’s a “must have” software feature to enhance your gaming experience. The jury is out until we see it.
Labelling these as next-gen products is a stretch
Built on the same nanometer process, Raptor Lake architecture and socket design as 13th-generation Intel chips, the 14th gen has nothing significant to distinguish itself besides a slight bump to clock speeds and some higher DDR5 memory speed support, albeit at the same power consumption level. So, at least they’re technically more power-efficient.
With an average increase in gaming performance of just 2-4% in review benchmarks compared to their predecessors (almost within the margin of error), upgrading from 13th gen to 14th gen, as ultra enthusiasts may wish to do, is pretty pointless. Those coming from older generation hardware will find a better overall package of performance and efficiency than was previously on offer.
Steve from GamersNexus remarked: “We’re just very disappointed. There’s very little change in stock performance. This isn’t deserving of a new number. It’s going to be confusing for consumers…”.
A different naming scheme, say, 13950K, 13750K and 13650K would have probably made more sense in this case.
The flagship i9 14900K retails at £599, the i7 14700K at £425 and i5 14600K £315. These are the same prices as the outgoing 13th generation, so at least you’re not paying any more for a measly bump in raw performance.
It’s a very underwhelming launch from Intel. If you’re looking for a new gaming CPU, I’d recommend grabbing a 13th gen equivalent if you see it cheaper, otherwise, grab the 14th gen. Or why not check out AMD’s excellent X3D gaming chips, such as the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, instead.
