Intel ks processor

of PCI Express Lanes2020Launch DateJanuary 2023October 2022Launch Price$699 $589

Core i9-13900KS vs i9-13900K Benchmarks

It looks like Intel did not seed any Core i9-13900KS to third-party reviewers.

You will need at least a 360mm custom or AIO liquid cooler to tame this beast.  

However, it’s important to point out that the higher performance of the Intel® Core i9-14900KS depends on it being cooled efficiently. Most notably, Its average CPU mark beats the flagship of the competition, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D, even if only by a small margin.

You can save money by choosing the KF series and use that extra cash to invest in high-quality PC hardware such as PSUs and DRAM.

In terms of use case, the KF processors are more than capable of handling what the K series CPUs can handle. For the latest pricing and availability, kindly follow the links below.

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.

It also consumes more power, which may be fine for the target market.

As for me, I’m not the target market, and I don’t find it worth it for my use case. Still, the former is a significantly expensive CPU.

I recommend you check out Hardware Unboxed’s full review here.

See also: Intel 14th Gen vs 13th Gen Desktop CPU

Pricing and Availability

The 13th gen Intel Core i9-13900KS special edition processor is now available and comes with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $699.

That’s almost a 19% price difference.

Aside from that, the Core i9-13900KS can easily reach a toasty 100°C on full load. If you're a PC enthusiast who enjoys pushing the limits of your CPU's performance beyond its standard speed, then the K series is likely the ideal choice. Whether for gaming, streaming, content creation, or video editing, the KS processor's capabilities are unmatched among Intel processors.

The Core i9-13900K came with a launch price of $589 USD. Meanwhile, the Core i9-13900KS has a launch price of $699. What separates the F series from the K and KF is the CPU’s multiplier is locked, meaning you cannot run the processor past its base frequency or advertised speed. Is It Worth It?

Currently, there is no doubt that the special edition Core i9-13900KS is the fastest processor in the market.

We will break it down for you below.

Four powerful CPUs

All four of these processors perform very well in gaming tasks, but there are some small differences.

As you can see from the summary table above, the F series processor has the lowest clock speeds (frequencies), but also the lowest power consumption.

Although, I’m positive that the Core i9-13900KS performs much better in productivity than the Ryzen 7 7700X. of Performance-cores88No. 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.