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Ryzen 9 5900XT vs. Intel Core i9-14900K, see who wins in this battle of the refreshers

Can the 5900XT hold its ground, or will it be a one-sided massacre?
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Ryzen 9 5900XT vs. Intel Core i9-14900K, see who wins in this battle of the refreshers
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The i9-14900K is a Raptor Lake refresh, meaning it is almost the same as the 13900K but with higher clock speeds. The Ryzen 9 5900XT is also in the same boat as AMD, which decided to launch two AM4 processors alongside the Ryzen 9000 series. 

That said, while the Ryzen 9000 series is experiencing a delay, the Ryzen 9 5900XT launched on time and is available for purchase. As for the question of how it would fare against the 14th-generation behemoth, the answer may be as clear as day as to which CPU is better. We'd still like to see how different they are, and that is what we're exploring in this article. 

If you want to get your hands on this processor as soon as it hits the shelves, check out our Where to Buy 5900XT page, which lists multiple retailers in one place to save you time and effort.

AMD Ryzen 9 5900XT

Ryzen 9 5900XT

Cores

16

Threads

32

Boost clock speed

4.8 GHz

Base clock speed

3.3 GHz

L3 Cache

64 MB

TDP

105W

Platform

AMD Socket AM4

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Intel Core i9-14900K

A close-up of an Intel Core i9-14900K CPU

Cores

24 (8P-16E)

Threads

32

Boost clock speed

P-Core 5.8GHz / E-Core 4.4GHz

Base clock speed

P-Core 3.2GHz / E-Core 2.4GHz

L3 Cache

36 MB

TDP

253W

Platform

Intel Socket 1700

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Specification

To see the hardware difference between the two processors, we've listed their specifications below.

SpecificationsRyzen 9 5900XTIntel Core i9-14900K
ArchitectureZen 3Raptor Lake-R
Socket AM4LGA 1700
ProcessTSMC 7nm FinFET10 nm
Cores1624
Threads3232
Base clock speed3.3 GHzE-core 2.4 GHz, P-core 3.2 GHz
Boost clock speed4.8 GHz6 GHz
L3 Cache64 MB36 MB
TDP105W125W/253W
Integrated graphicsIntel UHD Graphics 770

At first glance, these processors are leagues apart. The only aspect they have in common is that they both have 32 threads. That means that every core of the 5900XT is multithreaded, and that isn't the case with the 14900K. 

Foundations and cores

The Ryzen 9 5900XT is based on the Zen 3 architecture, which is two generations old, while the 14900K is a Raptor Lake refresh. The former requires an AM4 socket and DDR4 RAM, while the latter is most likely the last generation to use the LGA1700 socket but is compatible with both DDR4 and DRR5 RAM

The differences don't stop there. The 5900XT has 7nm CPU process technology, while the 14900K has 10nm processes. While the 7nm is better, the latter has eight more cores, meaning more transistors. 

The 14900K is reported to have around 25 billion transistors, and while we don't know the transistor count for the 5900XT, we can take the 5900X as a reference, which has around 8,300 million or 8.3 billion transistors. 

That said, the 5900XT has four more cores, so we should see a significant increase in the transistor count, which means better efficiency and performance. However, the 14900K still overpowers the 5900XT and takes the crown in this domain.    

Clock speed

The clock speed is how fast a processor can execute instructions. One cycle consists of calling for the data, the data arriving, being processed, and going out as the final product. The Ryzen 9 5900XT has a 3.3 GHz base clock speed, meaning it can execute 3.3 billion instructions per clock cycle, and the 14900K's P-core base clock speed is around 3.2 GHz, 0.1 GHz slower. 

That said, the 14900K has many more cores working for it, so even if it’s 0.1 GHz slower, it can make up for it by the sheer number difference. 

As for the boost clock speeds, there is no competition. The 14900K can reach 6 GHz, while the 5900XT can only manage 4.8 GHz, which is decent but pales in comparison. One thing to note is that while the 14900K has more cores and faster clock speeds, it will generate more heat and require robust cooling solutions to keep it tame. We recommend using the best CPU cooler for 14900K to keep it running cool. 

Cache and TDP

This is a surprising turn of events, as the 5900XT has a 64 MB L3 cache, while Team Blue's champion has only a 36 MB L3 cache. That said, the 14900K should be able to make better use of its cache as it is accessible by all cores, meaning there is no waiting around to get the data they want. 

The 5900XT can store more frequently required data, increasing its output and efficiency. So, both processors do well in this regard. 

As for the TDP, the 5900XT has a 105W power draw, while the base TDP of the 14900K is 125W, with a maximum turbo power of 253W. This is a massive difference, with the base and maximum TDP being 20W and 148W higher than 5900XT's power draw.

So, regarding energy efficiency, the Ryzen 9 5900XT is the winner, without a doubt. 

Graphic capabilities

Another big difference between these processors is their graphical capabilities. The 5900XT doesn't have integrated graphics, while the 14900K comes with Intel UHD Graphics 770. This means that you'll have to install a discrete GPU with the 5900XT to complete and boot your system. We recommend using the best graphics card for the top-notch performance. 

This isn't something you have to do with the 14900K, as its integrated graphics allow you to turn on the PC, run basic applications like Microsoft Office, and even get some gaming done, albeit not at a high setting—think 720p high gaming. 

Potential pricing 

The Ryzen 9 5900XT has been potentially delayed until 15 August, and we'll have to wait for its release to see how much it costs. However, we can use previous launches and pricing trends to make an informative guess. 

For the 5900XT, we'll look at the 5900X and 3900X because there aren't any “XT” variants to compare it with. These CPUs were launched with an MSRP of $549 and $499, respectively. The 14900K was launched with an MSRP of $589, but according to Camelcamelcamel, you can get it for as low as $546.25.  

That said, the Ryzen 9 5900XT's price was leaked on Amazon Germany, and it had a price tag of €582.35 or $630.66 after a direct conversion. So, it goes without saying that if AMD decides to launch this CPU at this price, it'll create an uproar in the community, as not even the 14900K had such a high price tag. 

However, take these leaks with a pinch of sale and wait till the processor is officially released, as everything will become clear. I think the 5900XT should cost around $299 at max because you can get a new 5900X for $262.56, according to Camelcamelcamel

How have these CPUs changed from the last generation?

Specifications5900XT5900X3900X
Cores161212
Threads322424
Cache 64 MB64 MB64 MB
Max boost clock4.8 GHz4.8 GHz4.6 GHz
Base clock speed3.3 GHz3.7 GHz3.8 GHz
TDP105W105W105W
ArchitectureZen 3Zen 3Zen 2

The cache and TDP are the only two specifications that are the same across all the processors. The 5900XT has more cores and threads, giving it an edge over the other two. The boost clock is shared between the 5900XT and 5900X with 4.8 GHz, and the 3900X takes the crown for the fastest base clock speed. 

The 5900XT and 5900X are based on the Zen 3 architecture, so there isn't much difference between them, while the 3900X is based on the 5-year-old Zen 2 architecture. 

We compared the 14900K to the 13900K and 12900K and saw a similar but reversed scenario. 

Specifications14900K13900K12900K
Cores242416
Threads323224
Cache36 MB36 MB30 MB
Max boost clock6 GHz GHz5.8 GHz5.2 GHz
Base clock speedE-core 2.4 GHz, P-core 3.2 GHzE-core 2.2 GHz, P-core 3.0 GHzE-core 2.4 GHz, P-core 3.2 GHz
TDP125W/253W125W/253W125W/241W
Architecture Raptor Lake-RRaptor Lake-SAlder Lake

This time around, the two newer additions have the same core count, threads, and L3 cache, with the 12900K having a lower number across all three specifications. The i9-14900K has a 0.2 GHz faster boost clock sitting at 6 GHz, while the base clock speeds aren't that different from each other.  

Alternatives to the 5900XT and the 14900K

There are some processors that you could opt for instead of the 9600X and the 5900XT, and we've listed them below. We've reviewed some of these alternative options, and you can also check out their in-depth reviews. 

5900XT alternatives 

14900K alternatives

Which one should you go for?

Both processors are on two different ends of the spectrum. The 14900K is a power-hungry processing giant and we’ve experienced that in our 14900K review, and the 5900XT is a much tamer but still an efficient option for those wanting to upgrade to the AM4 platform. 

In terms of performance, the 14900K undoubtedly overpowers the 5900XT, but the 5900XT is easier on the pocket and consumes less, meaning you won't have to spend much on cooling solutions. 

There aren't any upgrade options for their respective platforms after this. To upgrade, you'll have to move to the AM5 platform or choose the new socket type that Intel might release for the 15th-generation processors. 

So, moving between platforms might be beneficial if you're upgrading to the 14900K, but that is also the upper limit of the LGA1700 socket. That said, the 14900K should last you a good couple of years before you need to upgrade. 

The 5900XT should be a good option for those who want something new on the AM4 platform, as it’s right between the 5900X and 5950X. However, some would argue that it'd be better to spend a little extra and go for the Ryzen 5000 series flagship CPU. Ultimately, it comes down to your budget, personal preference, and use case. 

I asked our hardware experts, Jack Howarth and Seb Kozlowski, about their thoughts on this, and this is what they had to say:

Comparing these two CPUs is like comparing a Lamborghini to a Nissan Micra, the lambo is much faster, but that doesn’t mean the Micra has no place in the world.

While the 5900XT sits somewhere between the 5900X and the 5950XT, it’s a top performer in the Zen 3 arena. This CPU is perfect if you don’t mind shelling out a little to get almost the best offering that AM4 has. It will be efficient, only having a TDP of 105W, which is mountains more efficient than the 14900K.  But I don’t know how much i can recommend investing in a platform that has already been around almost 10 years.

On the other hand, you have the 14900K, a flagship 2 generations ahead of the 5900XT, which can’t even claim the flagship title from it’s own generation. This 24-core 32-thread beast is loaded with high performance cores, and low power efficiency cores, to help keep the power usage down. If you want raw performance, then this is the CPU for you.

However, Intel have been in some pretty hot water lately regarding the self immolating properties of the 13th and 14th generation CPUs. So investing there right now probably isn’t the best option either.

If we have to compare these like they are the only CPUs in the world, then the 14900K is miles ahead of the 5900XT in pretty much all aspects accept efficiency. Funnily enough, all this performance will only cost you about $120 more.

Jack Howarth

Comparing these Intel and AMD CPUs is a vastly different and quite easy. They certainly occupy two different levels, and platforms. Although both are near the top of their areas they offer plenty of different values depending on your needs.

As the Intel 14900K is on the latest platform with DDR5 support and bringing 24 cores split between performance and efficient ones. That also comes with a  boost frequency between 5.6-6GHz and requires a power of between 125-253W. That makes it a powerhouse for productivity tasks. But it has also been plagued with Intel’s instability issues and causing self destruction of themselves that makes it a harder recommendations.

As for the 5900XT, it’s a new upgrade to an old platform of AM4. With no new upgrades and stuck on AM4 its much more of a value upgrade to those not wanting to shill out for a whole new system but an upgrade. As it comes with 16 cores with a boost clock up to 3.8GHz and a TDP of 105W, it does hold up in its capabilities for multi threaded tasks but certainly lacking behind the Intel option.

Seb Kozlowski

About the Author

Ussamah works as a content writer and editor at BGFG. He is experienced in tech, hardware, gaming, and marketing.