Intel 9600K vs 14600K – battle of the i5s

The i5 is certainly a good value option, so how has it changed between generations

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With the latest generation of processors, Intel is updating what it has to offer. Now the i5 range is known for being the cheaper gaming option for those wanting a good brain to their build. With that in mind, we have a look at how it compares to the older generation.

The Intel refresh brings a slight update to the Raptor Lake lineup rather than a whole new proper generation as it was rumored to be. That does mean its release does save some people from a lot more trouble. As the 14th gen socket is staying the same. That means the LGA 1700 compatible boards and coolers will be usable for those wanting an upgrade from their CPU.

Now with so many generations, we can see what the Intel CPUs have to offer. Bringing the latest in tech to what the processor can achieve, we see what has changed in all this time. If you want to know more about the newer processor, you can read our 14600K review.

Intel Core i5-14600K

Cores:

14 (6+8)

Threads:

20

P-Core Speed:

5.3GHz (boost) 3.5GHz (base)

E-Core Speed:

4.0GHz (boost) 2.6GHz (base)

DDR5 support:

Yes @ 5600MHz

TDP

125W base 253W PL1 & PL2

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Intel 9600K vs 14600K specifications and differences

	i5-9600K	i5-14600K
Generation	Coffee Lake	Raptor Lake Refresh
Socket	LGA 1151	LGA 1700
Manufacture process	Intel 14nm	Intel 7 (10nm)
Cores	6	14 (6 efficiency, 6 performance)
Threads	6	20
Boost/Base Frequency	4.60/3.70GHz	5.30/3.50GHz
Graphics	UHD 630	UHD 770
TDP (Base/max)	95W	125/181W
Release date	October 2018	October 2023
Release price	$262	$319

As you can tell a lot has changed since the 9th generation CPU. This is understandable considering the fact it’s been 5 years between the two generations. But if you’re upgrading now it’s rather useful information to have.

Architecture and build changes

Now one of the biggest changes, and easiest the spot is the architecture and process changes between the CPUs. It was seemingly for a while that every two generations Intel would change the socket. The 9660K was one of those LGA 1151 CPUs, then of course the 9600K is in the LGA 1700 family. With there being a 1200 option in between as well, it does make it hard to upgrade without having to change a lot of components in your system even with good compatibility. Unlike AMD who just switched to AM5 after years of AM4.

That progress also brings with it changes to how it is made. Intel makes its own silicon and does not rely on TSMC or others as we see in GPUs. The process has shrunk in the years, although not as much as they make you believe. Renaming their process, the 14th Gen is based on a 10nm process compared to 14nm of the 9th Gen. So it does provide a smaller and more compact design.

Cores, frequencies, and power

As for what the makeup of the dies is, the cores and threads have been improved and updated. Including a great change in how they actually function in general. The cores are independent processing units in the CPU. Now we see that jump from 6 cores and threads in the 9600K, to 14 and 20 respectively in the 14600K. But the newer processor also has the advantage of performance and efficiency cores. Split apart these work on different workloads and can provide a much more efficient performance in general.

We also see an increase in how quickly the cores run as the frequency of the cores increases. The 14th Gen processor has a base clock of 2.6 and 3.5 for efficient and performance cores respectively. But it can boost up to 4 and 5.3 GHz respectively. That is much different from the 3.7 base and 4.6GHz boost on the 9th Gen option. It gives a much more overclocked CPU that can push a lot.

All of that culminates into a different spec of power entirely. The TDP (thermal design power) is the average power in watts when working at the base frequency. That comes to 95W on the 9600K, but the 14600K is given with a base power of 125W. So if they are equivalent, the newer processor does run a lot more hungry and requires the best cooler for the job. As it then also maxs turbos to even 181W, needing quite the cooling capacity to keep it under wraps.

Release date and price

It’s good to see consistency in the releases of Intel’s processors. With an October release once again, just with many years between them, 5 to be precise and a lot has changed in that time. But could be a good upgrade time for those looking.

As for price, at a base, it has gone up by around $57. According to an inflation calculator that does seem to track the years between these and is still roughly the same value.

Intel 9600K vs 14600K final word

Those are the differences between the two options. Bringing a new power and feel to your PC, the newer CPU has a lot to offer. Between the 9600K vs 14600K, there has been a lot that’s changed. With new technologies and features, there is plenty to expect, even if the refresh itself isn’t too exciting. So if it’s an upgrade you’re after, then this could be the jump for you.

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