Ryzen 9 9900X vs Intel Core i9-14900k – Can the Intel powerhouse keep up with Zen 5?

The Ryzen 9000 series launch is on the horizon. The lineup was originally scheduled to launch on July 31st but was later delayed to the second and third weeks of August.

However, while some fans are disappointed with the delay, others are not hurt as this gives them more time to decide between different CPUs. And to let you know how the Ryzen 9900X performs against Team Blue’s CPUs, we’ve decided to pit it against the Core i9-14900K, which is a top-tier processor. We reviewed the 14900K and found it to be a great processor for multiple tasks.

If you want to get your hands on the Ryzen 9900X as soon as it launches, check out our Where to Buy 9900X page, where we’ve listed different retailers that will have this CPU in stock when it arrives.

AMD Ryzen 9 9900X

Cores

12

Threads

24

Boost clock speed

5.6 GHz

Base clock speed

4.4 GHz

L3 Cache

64 MB

TDP

120 W

Platform

AMD Socket AM5

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Intel Core i9-14900K

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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Specifications

If you look at the specifications, you can already tell that both CPUs are very different from each other. This is mainly because we’re comparing processors from two different companies. 

Foundation 

To begin with, the Ryzen 9 9900X is based on the latest Zen 5 architecture, which is the foundation of the entire 9000 series lineup. This architecture is the most powerful one yet, as it introduces various improvements, including a 16% IPC uplift, which translates to faster overall performance in various tasks. In fact, it is rumored that Zen 5 is around 40% faster than Zen 4 in terms of SEPC.

On the other hand, the 14900K is a refresh of 13th-generation architecture, Raptor Lake. However, Intel still lists it within the 14th-gen processors. It also has a 10 nm process technology. If you look at the 9900X, it is based on the 4 nm technology. This means that even though the 14900K comes with 8 more cores, the 9900X can still handle more data and execute more instructions thanks to the quantity of the transistors. 

Cores and clock speed

The 9 9900X has 12 cores and 24 threads, which enable it to handle demanding tasks efficiently. It also uses hyperthreading to make sure each core is using two threads for intense tasks. This helps with improving the overall performance of the system.

The 9900X’s base frequency, which is the processor’s standard operating speed when it’s not under heavy load or utilizing advanced power-saving features, is 4.4 GHz. However, you can boost it up to 5.6 GHz. 

On the other hand, the 14900K has 24 cores, divided into 8 P-cores and 16 E-cores. The P-cores are meant for performance and handle demanding tasks, while the E-cores focus on efficiency and are optimized for low-power tasks like email, web browsing, and multitasking.

As far as the clock speeds are concerned, the P-cores run at a base speed of 3.2 GHz, and their maximum frequency is 5.6 GHz, the same as the 9900X. However, with overclocking, you can get 0.3 GHz more speed by taking the speed up to 6 GHz. Even though it may have a higher frequency, the 9900X may be able to outperform it thanks to the Zen 5 architecture and 4 nm process technology.

When we tested the 14900K, we were able to get 927.6 points in CPU Z single-core benchmarks and 17,074 points in CPU Z multi-core benchmarks. On the other hand, in Cinebench R23 single and multi-core benchmarks, the CPU was able to achieve 2,143 and 33,973 points, respectively. We also tested its gaming performance in Cyberpunk 2077, where we were getting 219 FPS at 1080P with the RTX 3080, which we’ve reviewed. So, as 9900X offers 4nm process technology and a bigger cache size, you can expect to get better results with it.

TDP and cache

Even though it is the second most powerful card in the AMD 9000 series lineup, the 9900X only has a TDP of 120W. This means that you don’t have to worry about throwing in one of the most powerful PSUs in your rig for it. On the other hand, the 14900K offers a TDP of 125W, which can go up to 253W. And as Intel CPUs tend to run hotter than AMD, you might want to consider pairing it with one of the best AIO coolers.

So, in terms of TDP, the 9900X takes the lead. Not only will it consume less power, but will also generate less heat. However, do keep in mind that with overclocking, the TDP will increase.

AMD’s powerhouse also takes the lead in terms of cache size. It offers a 64 MB L3 Cache, while the 14900K has half of it, 36 MB. This means that the 9900X can store more data which the CPU needs to access frequently. What does this translate to? Faster performance.

Pricing

The 14900K is a high-end processor and was launched with an MSRP of $589. However, according to CamelCamelCamel, the price often gets slashed, and you can get it right now for $546.43. The lowest we’ve seen yet for the 14900K is $529.99.

As for the Ryzen 9 9900X, we currently don’t know what the official price is going to be. However, according to a recent leak, it will have a price tag of $549. This will put it in the same bracket as the 14900K.

What has improved compared to the last generation?

As you can see in the table above, both processors are pretty similar to their predecessors. The biggest change we can see between the AMD processors is the TDP, as the 9900X consumes around 50W less power than the 7900X. However, it falls behind in terms of base clock speed. 

On the other hand, the 14900K has a slightly better base and boost clock speed than the 13900K. Other than that, it’s pretty much the same. You can say that the 14900K is more or less the same CPU as before with pumped-up speeds.

Alternatives to the 9900X and 14900K

If you don’t think the two CPUs will match your needs, then you can check out some alternate options below. We’ve reviewed all of them, and you can learn about their performance through their respective reviews.

Which one is right for you?

The Ryzen 9 9900X, built on the advanced Zen 5 architecture and a 4nm process, excels in overall performance due to its higher IPC (instructions per clock). Its larger L3 cache and lower TDP make it a great choice for tasks demanding high performance and efficiency, such as video editing, 3D rendering, and content creation.

On the other hand, the 14900K is a power-hungry CPU that delivers excellent performance in multiple tasks. However, it may not match the capabilities of the 9900X, which features AMD’s powerful Zen 5 architecture and advanced 4nm process technology. Given that both CPUs might have similar price points, the 9900X is likely the better choice for superior performance.