Even though there ’s more competition than ever in the CPU infinite , Intel ’s processors still stand improbable as some of the good you’re able to bribe . We should sleep together – we ’ve try out them .
It does n’t matter if you ’re build a PC from scratch or adapt an existing build to have more upgrades , having a proper central processor that can keep up with your work load is fundamental . While the more innovative PC detergent builder may just want to take a look at our round - up for thebest CPU(and thebest graphics card / best gaming CPUat that ) , those who are commence out should know that Intel offers some of the most authentic chipping on the market , which is why Intel processors are always a safe wager .
With that said , there are still a lot of differences at period of play between Intel ’s own - marque options which can make things unmanageable , but that ’s exactly where we come up in . Our squad of experts have been intemperate at work , using professional - level benchmarking tests to get a classic idea of how each processor performs under pressure across play , mental object creation and even casual work task .
Our experts also keep tabs on power consumption as well as peak temperature , giving you a full estimation of what it ’s wish to have each C.P.U. as part of your rig and to get a better idea of the additional tools you might need , such as an appropriate chill fan .
If you ’re having second thoughts about build your own microcomputer then you could also check out our guides to thebest laptop , best gaming laptop , best student laptopand thebest desktop personal computer . or else , there are peck of Intel - powered laptop computer uncommitted in our breakdowns of thebest Acer laptop computer , best Asus laptopand thebest Windows laptop computer .
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Learn more about how we test CPUs
We always review multiple CPUs at once to compare data , using consistent components for clean testing where possible .
We use a mix of both man-made and in - game benchmark to estimate functioning , while also considering extra feature and pricing .
We also appraise the likes of power consumption and peak temperature under tension to get an idea of performance efficiency .
Intel Core i9-13900K
Pros
Cons
Intel Core i5-14600K
Intel Core i5-12600K
Intel Core i5-11600K
Trusted Score
TheIntel Core i9 - 14900Kis the most potent consumer screen background processor you could presently bribe , from Intel or any other processor manufacturing business . This should make out as no surprise to anyone looking at the specs sheet , with the check tamp down 24 core , 32 threads and 6GHz top clock speeds .
Our benchmark scores back up these telling performance claims , with the Intel Core i9 - 14900 K posting higher scores than all of the competition . This was the event for both semisynthetic bench mark and in - game tests , showcasing that this screen background chip excels at fairly much everything .
With that said , the carrying into action parachuting is n’t pregnant liken to the last - genIntel Core i9 - 13900 K , but that ’s not really an issue considering both chips are priced the same .
What ’s more , the Intel Core i9 - 14900 K will play prissy with the latest RAM and SSDs thanks to financial support for DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 . So if you ’re see to build up the most powerful PC possible , then the Intel Core i9 - 14900 K is doubtless the good pick .
TheIntel Core i5 - 14600Kmay not be quite as powerful as its i9 sibling , but it ’s not far behind in terms of performance considering its more low-priced price . The chip features 14 cores , 20 thread and is capable of up to a 5.3GHz boosted clock speed .
Despite its pocket-sized specs , it offer great gambling performance , easily outgo theAMD Ryzen 7 7700XandAMD Ryzen 5 7600Xin every unmarried game on test . In fact , we ’d wager that you ’ll skin to find out a upright gaming performance from a background central processing unit for less than the £ 300/$300 price point .
Of course , the constrained gist count does limit the multi - core execution compared to the i9 , but it ’s certainly no slouch for the like of subject matter creation , making it a wondrous all - libertine chip .
in conclusion , the Intel Core i5 - 14600 K provide support for both PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 , which means you could build a PC with all of the latest and greatest components . So if you want to build ( or raise ) a turn off - edge PC without break the banking company , this is our top recommendation .
We ’re pass over back a duet of generations for this one , but we think theIntel Core i5 - 12600Kstill map outstanding value if gaming is your top precedence for your next personal computer build .
With just 10 cores and 16 togs , it ’s severely lagging behind its New siblings in terms of multi - core execution , which entail it ’s credibly not the best option for creatives who consider with 4 K video edits and complex 3D animations .
If you ’re sticking to gaming however , the Intel Core i5 - 12600 K proves to be a more low-priced alternative to the Intel Core i5 - 14600K. Not only were the gaming results first-class , but it also proved to be extremely effective in our bench mark test , so it wo n’t post your energy bills corkscrew out of controller .
Best of all , the Intel Core i5 - 12600 K supports DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 , let you to build a cutting - edge play personal computer . And with the Intel Core i5 - 12600 K being so cheap , you ’ll be capable to spend more money on the likes of a graphics card to give gaming performance a serious push .
TheIntel Core i5 - 11600Klaunched back in 2021 , crap it one of the Old CPU options in this best Intel processor list but it still mob a powerful carrying into action for gamers thanks to its 4.9GHz max clock speed , peculiarly when you consider the buy - friedly Mary Leontyne Price .
It aced our gaming bench mark tests , punching above its weight by remaining competitive with theIntel Core i9 - 11900KandAMD Ryzen 7 5800X. It runs impressively nerveless under stress too , ensuring a consistent functioning that does n’t need an ultra - expensive cooling system .
There are some caveats by going this cheap , with the 6 - core and 12 - ribbon counts highlighting its limitations for multi - threaded workload – Divine may desire to stay clear as a result . Support is limited to DDR4 memory board and PCIe SSDs too , lowering the roof of possible upgrades for your punt personal computer .
But if you plainly desire a tatty - as - chips gaming PC , the Intel Core i5 - 11600 K remain an excellent option with a surprisingly hard performance given its age and low price .
FAQs
PCIe ( peripheral component interconnect express ) is an interface monetary standard used for tie in high - speed components such as GPUs and SSDs . The PCIe generation will determine the carrying out check for connected part . The in style standard , PCIe 5.0 , presently does n’t have a handsome impact on GPU performance , but can enable far faster SSD speeds with compatible hardware .
The good thing to look out for when buying a gaming central processor is single - core operation . However , it ’s also deserving considering other aspects such as supported feature , power consumption and temperature .
Test Data
Full Specs
