Intel Core i7-14700K vs Intel Core i5-14600K
The i7-14700K is the premium option here, boasting 20 cores and a max turbo clock of 5.6 GHz, delivering top-tier gaming performance that rivals flagship CPUs. However, the i5-14600K offers excellent all-around performance, often outperforming previous-gen i9s in gaming while saving you some cash. In real-world use, the i7-14700K's 61MB cache and four additional E-cores provide a noticeable multi-core boost, ideal for demanding tasks like video editing. However, you’ll need a robust cooling solution due to its high thermal output, while the i5-14600K’s balanced performance at 5.3 GHz and 44MB cache means it’s more than enough for gamers and casual users without breaking the bank. If you're set on 2026 gaming performance without emptying your wallet, the i5-14600K is a no-brainer.
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Intel Core i7-14700K
Intel Core i5-14600K
Comparison: Intel Core i7-14700K vs Intel Core i5-14600K
Intel Core i7-14700K
Intel Core i5-14600K
| Criterion | Intel Core i7-14700K | Intel Core i5-14600K |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.6(10)Amazon | ★4.5(2,605)Amazon |
Architecture Gen | Raptor Lake Refresh (14th Gen Intel Core) | Raptor Lake Refresh (14th Gen Intel Core i5) |
Socket Platform | Socket LGA1700 (FCLGA1700) | Socket LGA1700 (FCLGA1700) |
Cores Threads | 20 Cores (8P + 12E) / 28 Threads | 14 Cores (6P + 8E) / 20 Threads |
Base Boost Clock | P-Core: 3.4 / 5.5 GHz; E-Core: 2.5 / 4.3 GHz; Max Turbo: 5.6 GHz | P-Core: 3.5 / 5.3 GHz; E-Core: 2.6 / 4.0 GHz; Max Turbo: 5.3 GHz |
Cache L2 L3 | 28 MB L2 + 33 MB L3 (61 MB Total) | 20 MB L2 + 24 MB L3 (44 MB Total) |
TDP Power | 125 W (Processor Base Power) | 125 W (Processor Base Power) |
Max Turbo Power | 253 W (Maximum Turbo Power) | 181 W (Maximum Turbo Power) |
Process Node | Intel 7 (10nm Enhanced SuperFin) | Intel 7 (10nm Enhanced SuperFin) |
Memory Support | DDR5-5600 or DDR4-3200; Dual-Channel; Up to 192 GB; ECC Support: Yes (W680 chipset required) | DDR5-5600 or DDR4-3200; Dual-Channel; Up to 192 GB; ECC Support: Yes (W680 chipset required) |
Memory Bandwidth Max | 89.6 GB/s (DDR5-5600) | 89.6 GB/s (DDR5-5600) |
Pcie Version | PCIe 5.0 (x16 lanes) + PCIe 4.0 (x4 lanes) | PCIe 5.0 (x16 lanes) + PCIe 4.0 (x4 lanes) |
Pcie Lanes | 20 Total (16 CPU PCIe 5.0 + 4 CPU PCIe 4.0) | 20 Total (16 CPU PCIe 5.0 + 4 CPU PCIe 4.0) |
Igpu | Intel UHD Graphics 770 (32 EUs, 300 – 1600 MHz) | Intel UHD Graphics 770 (32 EUs, 300 – 1550 MHz) |
Instruction Features | Intel 64, AVX2, AES-NI, VT-x, VT-d, SSE4.1/4.2, Gaussian & Neural Accelerator 3.0 | Intel 64, AVX2, AES-NI, VT-x, VT-d, SSE4.1/4.2, Gaussian & Neural Accelerator 3.0 |
Cooler Included | No (360mm Liquid cooler highly recommended) | No (Air cooler with 200W+ TDP rating or 240mm+ AIO recommended) |
Max Temp | 100°C (212°F) TjMax | 100°C (212°F) TjMax |
Notes Limits | Known for extremely high power draw and heat; often exceeds 253W limit on default motherboard settings. 4 extra E-cores vs i7-13700K. LGA1700 platform is end-of-life (no future upgrades). | Unlocked multiplier. Supports both DDR4 and DDR5 (motherboard dependent). High power draw under full load (181W+ if limits removed). LGA1700 platform end-of-life. |
Chipset Support | Intel 700 Series (Z790, B760, etc.) & 600 Series (BIOS update required) | Intel 700 Series (Z790, B760, etc.) & 600 Series (BIOS update required) |
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Intel Core i7-14700K
✓ Pros:
- • Significant multi-core performance boost over 13700K (4 extra E-cores)
- • Excellent gaming performance, rivaling top-tier flagships
- • Versatile memory support (DDR4 for budget, DDR5 for performance)
✗ Cons:
- • Very high power consumption and thermal output
- • Requires a high-end cooling solution (360mm AIO recommended)
- • Dead-end platform (LGA1700) with no upgrade path to Core Ultra
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Intel Core i5-14600K
✓ Pros:
- • Excellent all-around performance: beats previous gen i9s in gaming
- • Balanced price-to-performance ratio for mid-range builds
- • Retains support for affordable DDR4 memory
✗ Cons:
- • High power consumption compared to Ryzen 5/7 competitors
- • No upgrade path (LGA1700 is a dead-end socket)
- • No stock cooler; requires a decent aftermarket cooling solution
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Which one is better?
The Intel Core i7-14700K is the better buy for most people - its 20 cores and max turbo of 5.6 GHz crush the i5-14600K's performance.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Intel Core i7-14700K if: you need the highest performance for gaming, require substantial multi-core power for content creation, or want the best specs for future-proofing.
Choose the Intel Core i5-14600K if: you want a balanced build for gaming, are on a budget but still want excellent performance, or plan to stick to casual multitasking.
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Intel Core i7-14700K excels if you value significant multi-core performance boost over 13700k (4 extra e-cores). Intel Core i5-14600K is better if you prioritize excellent all-around performance: beats previous gen i9s in gaming. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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