
Core i5-14600K vs Core i5-14600KF

Core i5-14600K

Core i5-14600KF
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-14600K
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-14600KF
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-14600K | Core i5-14600KF |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | Balanced gaming performance | Balanced gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($275) | ✅ More affordable ($239) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-14600K | Core i5-14600KF |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+15%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($275) | ✅ More affordable ($239) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-14600K and Core i5-14600KF

Core i5-14600K
The Core i5-14600K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 17 October 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) architecture. It features 14 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 5.3 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 38,579 points. Launch price was $319.

Core i5-14600KF
The Core i5-14600KF is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 17 October 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) architecture. It features 14 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 5.3 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-5600, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 38,664 points. Launch price was $294.
Processing Power
Both the Core i5-14600K and Core i5-14600KF share an identical 14-core/20-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 5.3 GHz on the Core i5-14600K versus 5.3 GHz on the Core i5-14600KF — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.5 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). Both are built on the Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) architecture using a Intel 7 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i5-14600K scores 38,579 against the Core i5-14600KF's 38,664 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i5-14600KF. Both processors carry 24 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i5-14600K | Core i5-14600KF |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 14 / 20 | 14 / 20 |
| Boost Clock | 5.3 GHz | 5.3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.5 GHz | 3.5 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 24 MB (total) | 24 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (per core) | 2 MB (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm | Intel 7 nm |
| Architecture | Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) | Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) |
| PassMark | 38,579 | 38,664 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 24,700 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 2,900 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 18,000 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA1700 socket with PCIe 5.0. Maximum memory speed reaches 5600 on the Core i5-14600K versus DDR5-5600 on the Core i5-14600KF — the Core i5-14600K supports 199.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 192 of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 20 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Z790,B760 (Core i5-14600K) and Intel 700 Series,Intel 600 Series (Core i5-14600KF).
| Feature | Core i5-14600K | Core i5-14600KF |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 5600+111900% | DDR5-5600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 192 | 192 GB+104857500% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 20 |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-14600K) vs Yes (Core i5-14600KF). The Core i5-14600K includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the Core i5-14600KF requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-14600KF targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-14600K rivals Ryzen 7 7800X3D.
| Feature | Core i5-14600K | Core i5-14600KF |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | Yes |
| Target Use | — | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-14600K launched at $329 MSRP, while the Core i5-14600KF debuted at $304. At current prices ($275 vs $239), the Core i5-14600KF is $36 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-14600K delivers 140.3 pts/$ vs 161.8 pts/$ for the Core i5-14600KF — making the Core i5-14600KF the 14.2% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-14600K | Core i5-14600KF |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $329 | $304-8% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $275 | $239-13% |
| Performance per Dollar | 140.3 | 161.8+15% |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2023 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.















