As said, the Core i9-14900KS is a higher-clocked version of the Core i9-14900K, using the same 8 P-core and 16 E-core configuration, leaving it with a total of 24 cores and 32 threads. It still comes with 36MB of L3 and 32MB of L2 cache. Unlike the Core i9-14900K, the Core i9-14900KS has higher boost clocks, reaching up to 6.2GHz for P-cores, a good 200MHz over the Core i9-14900K, while E-cores boost up to 4.5GHz, a 100MHz increase.

In addition to the slightly higher clocks, Intel also has another ace up its sleeve, and that is the 320W Extreme Power Delivery Profile, which kicks in on select Intel Z790 and Z690 motherboards with two 8-pin EPS power connectors and allows the Core i9-14900KS to draw more power and maintain those boost clocks.

"The Intel Core i9-14900KS showcases the full power and performance potential of the Intel Core 14th Gen desktop processor family and its performance hybrid architecture. Extreme PC enthusiasts – especially gamers and creators – can now enjoy the i9-14900KS’ record-breaking 6.2 GHz frequency while taking their desktop experience to higher levels of performance than ever before,” said Roger Chandler, Intel vice president and general manager, Enthusiast PC and Workstation Segment, Intel Client Computing Group.

According to Intel, users can expect up to 15% better performance in games, thanks to all those improvements and Intel’s Application Performance Optimization (APO) feature, as well as up to 73% performance improvement in compute-intensive workflows, such as 3D production multitasking. In reality, the Core i9-14900KS is indeed the fastest processor on the market, at least in most applications, but when it comes to games, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D is still the king. The Core i9-14900KS does make some difference at the highest resolutions, which is not a surprise considering those clocks, all the features, power consumption, and price.

Intel says that the Core i9-14900KS should be available as of today, with a recommended customer price (RCP) starting at $689, and will be available as a boxed processor and integrated into systems from its OEM partners. Currently, Newegg.com is selling it at a slight premium of $729.99.