Intel Core i9-14900K vs Core i9-9900K

Seems like an odd comparison, but an important one. Here's the core i9-14900K vs the Core i9-9900K

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For some reason, we felt compelled to serve up the comparison of the ages, the Core i9-14900k vs the Core i9-14900K is the flagship of the latest generation, meanwhile the i9-9900K is the flagship of the 9th generation. Bear in mind, the i9-9900K is around 5 years old now. Meaning we’re likely to see some noticeable differences.

The i9-9900K was once revered as the best gaming processor money can buy, and it was still a fan favorite for a couple of generations after. So why are we putting it into an unfair fight? Because Google Trends told us to? No! We want to see how the once-favorite Intel processor stacks up against the new kid on the block.

So with that being said, let’s dive into the Core i9-14900K vs the Core i9-9900K. If you were wondering where to buy a 14th gen CPU, you can pick one up below for a reasonable price. If you want to know how the 14900K performs, we have a Core i9-14900K review live. Want more 14th gen reviews? Then our 14600K review is out there too.

Intel Core i9-14900K

Core configuration:

24 (8+16)

Threads:

32

P-Core Speed:

5.8GHz (boost) 3.2GHz (base)

E-Core Speed:

4.4GHz (boost) 2.5GHz (base)

DDR5 support:

Yes @ 5600MHz

TDP

125W base 253W PL1 & PL2

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Intel Core i9-14900K vs Core i9-9900K – Specifications

Here we will list the specifications for both the 14900K and the 9900K, you might be surprised at just how different they are.

Intel Core i9-14900K vs Core i9-9900K

Specification	i9-14900K	i9-9900K
Process size	10nm	14nm
Die size	257mm²	180.3mm²
No. of cores	24	8
No. of threads	32	16
P-Cores	8	8
E-Cores	16	N/A
Frequency	3.2GHz	3.6GHz
Turbo clock	6GHz	5.0GHz
Base TDP	125W	95W
Release date	October 17th, 2023	October 19, 2018
Launch price	$589	$488

Intel core i9-14900K vs i9-9900K

The i9-14900K stands as a vastly superior CPU in comparison to the i9-9900K across multiple specifications, making it the clear choice for those seeking top-tier performance and efficiency out of their CPU.

Process Size

The i9-14900K excels with a cutting-edge 10nm process size, which signifies smaller, more power-efficient transistors. In contrast, the i9-9900K lags with a 14nm process, resulting in less efficiency and performance. The smaller transistors in the i9-14900K enable it to perform tasks more swiftly while consuming less power, enhancing its overall performance.

Number of Cores and Threads

The i9-14900K significantly outpaces the i9-9900K with a remarkable 24 cores and 32 threads, compared to the latter’s 8 cores and 16 threads. This abundance of cores and threads in the i9-14900K is a game-changer for intensive multitasking, high-end gaming, and resource-demanding applications. The i9-9900K, in contrast, struggles to match the sheer computing power and responsiveness that the i9-14900K offers.

P-Cores and E-Cores

What sets the i9-14900K apart is its ingenious combination of P-Cores and E-Cores. The i9-14900K offers 8 high-performance P-Cores, on par with the i9-9900K, but additionally, it introduces 16 efficient E-Cores. Intel’s E-cores excel in power-efficient performance, significantly improving the CPU’s versatility. In stark contrast, the i9-9900K lacks E-Cores entirely, limiting its capacity to balance performance with energy efficiency.

Frequency and Turbo Clock

Clock speeds are another area where the i9-14900K shines. It features a base frequency of 3.2GHz and an astounding turbo clock speed of 6GHz. The i9-9900K, on the other hand, has a higher base frequency of 3.6GHz but a much lower turbo clock of 5.0GHz. The i9-14900K’s higher clock speeds translate to snappier, more responsive performance, ensuring that tasks are executed faster and more efficiently.

1GHz may not seem like much, but when you apply that over all 8 of the main CPU cores it starts to paint a very different picture. Core speed is not solely indicative of a superior processor, you have to look at the entire picture.

Base TDP

While the i9-14900K has a slightly higher base TDP of 125W compared to the i9-9900K’s 95W, this increased power consumption is justified by the immense performance improvements and efficiency gains that it brings. The i9-14900K’s sophisticated architecture allows it to make the most of this power without compromising on performance.

Release Date and Price

The i9-14900K was released on October 17th, 2023, making it a cutting-edge option for the latest computing and gaming demands. In contrast, the i9-9900K was launched back in October 2018, which means it’s no longer at the forefront of technology. Despite its advanced features, the i9-14900K is reasonably priced at $589, offering a great balance between performance and affordability, making it a smart investment for those who demand the best.

Core i9-14900K vs i9-9900K – Final Word

In the head-to-head battle of the i9-14900K versus the i9-9900K, the winner emerges clear and triumphant. The i9-14900K is a CPU powerhouse, excelling in every critical aspect that matters to users demanding top-tier performance and efficiency.

However, that doesn’t take away from the value that the i9-9900K once held in the community, it is a triumphant CPU that can still hold its own in some games today, just not specifically against a CPU 5 years more advanced than itself. If you see one for a good price and are on a tight budget, the i9-9900K won’t steer you wrong.