24 Core i9 14900 Raptor Lake Refresh CPU/Processor

The Intel Core i9-14900K is an absolute powerhouse. With 24 cores (8 performance + 16 efficiency) and boost speeds of up to 6.0 GHz, it handles everything I throw at it with ease. Gaming performance is exceptional, and multitasking or heavy workloads like video editing, compiling, or running virtual machines are effortless. Even under load, performance remains consistent when paired with a good cooler. I’m using it with a Corsair NAUTILUS 360 AIO, and temperatures stay well within safe limits. It’s also highly responsive in day-to-day use — apps open instantly and there’s no slowdown even with lots running at once. Power draw and heat are high, but that’s expected for a chip this strong. Overall, it’s one of the best CPUs available for high-end builds, especially if you want top-tier performance for both gaming and productivity.

Firstly, I have purchased this CPU with my own hard-earned money so, this is a genuine Review and not one that has been er, cough, cough, otherwise encouraged. For any self-build PC, that is also intended to do some useful work for its living, then there are just three requirements that matter, namely: Stability, Stability and Stability. If that's what you need, then this is probably the CPU for you. It was certainly the CPU for me, as I am building a machine for a purpose, and that is not to play Games, nor engage in pointless contests to extract the momentary best peak performance before calling the Fire Brigade, just after all the street lights outside have gone dim because the PC is drawing so much power! The Intel i9 14900 has the potential to be the rock steady Eddie of the i9 14th Generation line-up, simply because it is NOT designed to be Overclocked. The CPU multiplier has been locked, which limits that potential. Great, that is exactly what I wanted, so I was delighted when INTEL launched this one at the start of this year (2024). The Thermal Design Power ("TDP") is also just 65 Watts, so this CPU should run considerably cooler than the alternatives that can be overclocked, that all seem to operate at 125 Watts or more when under the same comparative load. Basically, the TDP is the amount of heat the CPU is expected to output when under a set load. Intel also refer to this as the Processor Base Power. Unlike most, if not all, of the others in the i9 range, this CPU has the INTEL UHD Graphics 770 Integrated Graphics Solution which means that, provided your MotherBoard has the necessary video out Ports, you will generate a display even without a primary video card being fitted. This also provides a very useful fall back should the main video card (AKA Graphics Processing Unit or "GPU") play up. In turn, having video on the CPU, can also be very handy and useful when troubleshooting problems with the main GPU, or when testing generally. I've gone for the ASUS ProArt Z790 Creator MotherBoard, which seemed to be the best option for the work I have in mind for the PC I am building (Design, 3D, Animation, Video and general creativity in both RGB and CMYK colour spaces). That board has many non-Gaming useful extras such as Thunderbolt, and both 2.5 Gigabit 10 Gigabit RJ45 network ports. Before buying, I could not tell if this CPU came with a Thermal Solution (AKA a CPU Cooler). I can now confirm that it does, as shown in the images. I have already gone for a water cooled AIO, but at least I also now have a back up CPU cooler, should that ever be needed. I've also gone for a matched set of 128GB Kingston Fury DDR 5 5600 MHz RAM, which comes as 4x 32GB Sticks. Before Ordering, I treble checked both the INTEL and ASUS Hardware Compatibility Lists, and the options for 128GB of RAM was, in fact, quite limited no matter which ASUS MotherBoard I went for. I can also confirm that the CPU has a THREE YEAR WARRANTY from INTEL, starting from purchase, or from the purchase of a commercially pre-built PC with this CPU in it. I have added an image of the INTEL Terms that came in the box as confirmation. The INTEL i9 14900 runs at 2000 GHz by default, which is automatically boosted up to 5800 GHz if the workload requires it. Again, this is what I wanted, a low tick over that can be accelerated when needed. I went for a Corsair iCUE 5000X Case, and Corsair 1200 SHIFT PSU, because that has the connections on the side, which should allow me to use the two Hard Drive bays that are just in front of the PSU in that Case (so in the middle bottom visually). I gather the usual PSUs with connections inboard, can interfere with the Hard Drive bays, as the cables clash with the Hard Drive bay. This may be useful to know. Lastly, I've also gone for a Thermal Grizzly CPU Mounting or Contact Frame, so will not be using the usual spring loaded CPU Clip on the MotherBoard, which I will remove. This option should provide even pressure and so avoid any potential problems with bending of the CPU when fitted. That Contact Frame is also said to aid cooling. I have also included an image of the Box when I was having dinner, as that was when Amazon delivered it, which may give you an idea of size, and specifically the size of the included Cooler. I may add the dimensions later, just for reference. I'm not anticipating any snags but, I may update this Review if anything of interest comes to light over the coming weeks. I hope this helps to decide if this CPU is for you. There are faster alternatives but, if reliability is paramount, then this CPU looks to be a pretty safe bet.

Arrived quickly. Updated to the latest Asus Bios then put the new CPU in my computer, put on my Corsair AIO, Had Bios come up showing the CPU was replaced as expected. Windows started fine, found 2 of my 4 monitors working ok but no desktop picture showing on 2 of them although the mouse pointer would go onto them ok, reinstalled Nvidia and my Wallpaper Engine, All then fine. Altered a couple of settings to make sure temps was going to be ok, Did have to play about in iCue a bit to get the fans not to run too fast. I now have all working with the CPU resting at 37 deg and below 80 deg when stress testing it. Very happy with the performance and temps.

The chip is fine and works as specified giving one star though because in thier vodeo they show it comming in a cool metal box which it does not just a dull cardboard box, i was going to keep my screwa in that so very disapointed with lying sales pitch

Runs hot. 105'c in Cinebench within seconds. Better off using the 13th Gen as the performance is almost identical and the temps are a little lower.

powerful cpu 24 cores very stable with a GOOD cooler im using the thermalright 360 radiator sits around 39c jumps up to around 85 under 100% load speedy delivery would purchase again

Bought this CPU for my first ever self build. I ensured the motherboard BIOS was updated to prevent encountering the known issues the 14th gen CPU’s have been experiencing. Having done this, I’ve noticed that 2 cores do run at a max of 5.7ghz. I have no qualms with this. One thing to note, is that it does generate a lot of heat. I have 7 fans in total and under strenuous gaming load, the CPU can reach up to 81 degrees centigrade. Although this is hot, it is within spec. Haven’t had any issues thankfully so really happy with the purchase. (UPDATE 29/07/24) having looked more closely, two performance cores do run at 6.0Ghz so it is operating as stated. Thankfully no issues. Have updated the BIOS and haven’t noticed any reduction in performance. Will be looking at updating the BIOS again once intel releases its micro code update. Have noticed temperatures reaching 84-87 degrees during gaming, I think the ambient temperature contributes towards this slightly raised temperature as it has been quite warm in the UK over the last few days.

It’s a great piece of kit very expensive for what it is came in a crap box you would expect for the price it would come in a decent package.have not installed it yet but looking forward to seeing it working