Intel ks processor

Below we discuss in detail four popular designations: K, KS, KF and F, their strengths and weaknesses, and their target applications.

Intel "K" - processors with an unlocked multiplier

What it means

Processors with the suffix K have an unlocked clock multiplier, which means they can be overclocked (overclocked) beyond their factory settings.

Strengths

• Overclocking capability - for advanced users, increases processor performance beyond standard clocks.
• Higher base clocks and Boost in practice, often a tad higher than standard models without suffix.

Weaknesses

• Requires better-grade cooling - overclocking generates more heat and requires more powerful coolers.
• Often higher power consumption in configurations with overclocking.

Purpose

The ideal choice of gaming and PC enthusiasts who want to maximize the potential of the CPU, especially when combined with powerful cooling and a motherboard with a Z-series chipset.

Intel "KS" - special versions with higher clock rates

What it means

The suffix KS is a special "overclocked selection" of CPUs, usually in top models (generally only in the Core i9 series), which have higher frequencies than the standard K.

Strengths

• Higher factory clocks than the K versions.
• Slightly better performance in single-threaded and multi-threaded tasks.

Weaknesses

• Higher price than standard K.
• Still require solid cooling and often more expensive motherboard.

Purpose

For the most demanding gamers, streamers and professionals who want maximum performance without further manual overclocking.

Intel "KF" - Unlocked, but without integrated graphics

What it means

Processors with the KF designation combine the features of K (unlocked multiplier) with F (no integrated GPU).

Strengths

• Ability to overclock as in K processors.
• Lower price than the counterpart with iGPU, because stripped of GPU lithography costs

Weaknesses

• No integrated graphics - requires a dedicated graphics card for on-screen display.

Purpose

An excellent option gaming and content creators who plan to use a dedicated graphics card anyway and want to save costs without sacrificing overclocking capabilities.

Intel "F" - no integrated graphics

What it means

Processors marked with the letter F do not have integrated graphics (iGPU).

Strengths

• Lower price compared to the counterpart without the F mark.
• Smaller design may generate slightly lower temperatures.

Weaknesses

• Requirement of a dedicated graphics card for system operation.
• Lack of overclocking capabilities (unlike K/KF models).

Purpose

Mainly for systems with a dedicated GPU - such as in gaming kits or workstations with powerful graphics cards, where integrated graphics are not needed.

Completion

Understanding the Intel K, KS, KF and F suffixes helps you consciously select a processor for specific applications - from budget kits with a graphics card, to gaming rigs, to high-performance units for professionals.

If you plan on using a dedicated graphics card in your system, which is common among PC gamers and enthusiasts, the KF series is an excellent choice. And it is geared towards overclockers and enthusiasts who demand the best of the best regardless of the price.

Aside from the high price, you’ll also need a high-end CPU cooler since it can get really toasty.

However, it’s important to point out that the higher performance of the Intel® Core i9-14900KS depends on it being cooled efficiently. Among the top-performing new CPUs were the Intel® Core i9-14900K and the Intel® Core i9-14900KF.

This year, Intel® released two new members of its Raptor Lake Refresh CPUs, the Intel® Core i9-14900F and the Intel® Core i9-14900KS, which join the above-mentioned CPUs among the most powerful processors that Intel® has to offer.

But what are the main differences between these four CPUs?

Perhaps somewhere in between the 253W to 300W on full load.

You can check out the rest of the specifications in the table below.

Intel Core i9-13900KS vs Core i9-13900K Specs Comparison

Specifications	Core i9-13900KS	Core i9-13900K
Lithography	Intel 7	Intel 7
Total Cores	24	24
No. Just like the previous “KS” variant of processors, the Core i9-13900KS is simply a heavily binned or carefully selected silicone that can reach 6GHz easily. In other words, the F series processors are not designed for overclocking like the other two. And they used a faster DDR5-7200 memory with the KS just to outperform the i9-13900K by up to 6%. When it comes to gaming, the i9-13900KS is around 5% faster in 1080p, and around 4% faster in 1440p than the i9-13900K. These processors have an integrated GPU, and the i5 variant offers even better performance. They are an excellent option for those PC builders on a budget. The KF processor is a more practical CPU solution for users who know they will use a dedicated graphics card and do not need or want integrated graphics. INTEL F PROCESSORS Like the Intel K and KF series processors, the F series chips are also considered mainstream desktop processors. The Core i9-13900K came with a launch price of $589 USD. Meanwhile, the Core i9-13900KS has a launch price of $699. The real difference between the two CPUs is the clock speeds and price. The Core i9-13900KS has a maximum turbo frequency of 6GHz and an Intel Thermal Velocity Boost frequency of 6GHz. I’m optimistic that the Core i9-13900KS draws more power than the Core i9-13900K as well. Although, I’m positive that the Core i9-13900KS performs much better in productivity than the Ryzen 7 7700X. But Hardware Unboxed was able to test and review one. In this article, let’s compare the Core i9-13900KS to the Core i9-13900K and find out if the KS is worth it over the K variant. 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13900KS vs Core i9-13900K(F) CPU: 6GHz vs 5.80GHz The Intel Core i9-13900KS is a special edition CPU marketed towards gamers and overclockers. But we know the 7700X is a “better” gaming CPU than the 7950X. The second-best choice would be the Intel® Core i9-14900K, thanks to its competitive performance and integrated graphics, absent in the Intel® Core i9-14900KF. That’s almost a 19% price difference. Aside from that, the Core i9-13900KS can easily reach a toasty 100°C on full load.