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Core i9 14900K vs Core i9 12900K – a giant leap?

Pitting the upcoming Intel CPU against an older favorite
Last Updated on January 3, 2024
Intel core i9 14900k vs Core i9 12900k.
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In this comparison, the focus is squarely on Intel’s evolution: Core i9 14900K vs Core i9 12900K specs. As the landscape of computing shifts, Intel presents its first and possibly last offerings in the LGA 1700 CPU category.

This article aims to dissect and analyze the nuances and performances of these two powerhouses, guiding you through the technological advancements and enhancements that Intel has curated from one generation to the next. Let’s dive in and explore how the established Core i9 12900K stacks up against the upcoming contender, the Core i9 14900K.

Core i9 14900K vs Core i9 12900K: Specs

The CPU comparison between the Intel Core i9-14900K and the Core i9-12900K reveals several enhancements that could redefine performance expectations. One of the most notable upgrades in the i9-14900K is in its cores and threads. The 14900K boasts a substantial increase, featuring 24 cores (8 performance and 16 efficiency cores) and 32 threads, as opposed to the 12900K’s 16 cores (8 performance and 8 efficiency cores) and 24 threads. This enhancement means that the i9-14900K is geared to handle multitasking and parallel processing more adeptly, driving improved outcomes in various uses such as gaming and content creation.

Intel’s decision to maintain the same Thermal Design Power (TDP) across both generations, standing at 125W, speaks volumes about their advancements in power efficiency. Despite the increased cores and threads in the 14900K, the power consumption remains in line with its predecessor, highlighting a commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency. This adherence to power efficiency, without compromising on enhanced performance, signifies a thoughtful and user-centric approach to design and development.

Focus also shifts towards the impressive boost speed of the i9-14900K, which peaks at 6.0 GHz compared to the 12900K’s 5.2 GHz. This improvement, coupled with the increase in cores and threads, amplifies the processor’s capability, promising faster and smoother performance. Whether you are gaming, creating content, or managing intensive applications, the optimized boost speed ensures that the system can handle these demands with improved responsiveness and performance stability.

Intel Core i9 14900K desktop CPU

Intel Core i9 unlocked box featuring the 14900K desktop CPU.
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SpecsIntel Core i9 14900KCore i9 12900K
CORES8+16 (24)8+8 (16)
THREADS3224
BASE CLOCK3.2 GHz3.2 GHz
BOOST CLOCK6.0 GHz5.2 GHz
L2 / L3 CACHE32 / 36 MB30 MB (L3)
TDP (PL1)125W125W
MSRP$589 US$599 US
Rumored Core i9 14900K vs Core i9 12900K Specs

Core i9 14900K vs Core i9 12900K: Performance

The performance realm of CPUs is always abuzz with anticipations and speculations, and the clash between the Intel Core i9-14900K and the i9-12900K is no exception. The i9-14900K is a potent performer, outshining its 13th-gen counterpart by a considerable 6% in both multi-core and single-core executions. This performance leap emphasizes the i9-14900K’s prowess, illustrating a CPU that’s not just an incremental upgrade but a substantial leap forward in the next generation. Moreover, it’s been quoted by Intel as the “world’s fastest desktop processor”.

Considering the enhanced specifications of the i9-14900K, such as its augmented cores and threads, along with a higher boost speed, it stands as a formidable contender for superior performance against the i9-12900K.

The architectural refinements and optimizations promise a processor that’s more attuned to multitasking, faster in response, and overall more efficient. In synthesizing the available information and speculations, it becomes evident that opting for the Core i9-14900K would likely usher in a realm of enhanced computational performance and responsiveness compared to the Intel Core i9-12900K.

Core i9 14900K vs Core i9 12900K: Price

In the intricate matrix of choosing a CPU, pricing often clinches the decision. The Intel Core i9-14900K makes a compelling entry with a lower Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), signaling Intel’s strategic pricing maneuvers. It’s a welcoming nod to consumers, aligning high-end performance with a somewhat gentler touch on the wallet.

However, the marketplace tells a nuanced tale. The i9-12900K, with its current traction in the market, can be snagged at around $379, carving almost a $200 niche of savings compared to the i9-14900K’s confirmed price of $589. But savings don’t stroll alone; they bring along the intrinsic value of upgrading. Embracing the i9-14900K means navigating through a boulevard of enhanced performance, all under the familiar, upgrade-friendly canopy of the LGA 1700 socket. Thus, the scales of the decision seem to balance the immediate, wallet-friendly appeal of the i9-12900K against the promising horizon of superior performance and future readiness offered by the i9-14900K.

PC Guide’s thoughts 

In the grand theatre of CPU performance, the Intel Core i9-14900K confidently steps into the spotlight, emanating the vibrance of enhanced specifications and a promise of superior performance. With its powerful ensemble of augmented cores and threads, paired with an exceptional boost speed, it sings a melody of advanced computing that resonates with the rhythms of both gaming and content creation.

Navigating through the realms of price and performance, the i9-14900K carries a beacon of value, portraying a narrative where a moderate investment unlocks doors to impressive upgrades, all harmonizing with the familiar tune of the LGA1700 socket. The i9-12900K, while offering a symphony of savings, takes a step back, allowing the i9-14900K to conduct the orchestra of overall performance and innovation. In the concert of technological advancement, the i9-14900K echoes as a crescendo of Intel’s ingenuity, directing users towards a performance that promises to resonate with brilliance and efficiency.

Camilo is a contributor for PC Guide. He's been into tech since he was a teen, surfing through the web and local stores trying to find the cheapest way to play the latest Half-Life on his old Windows