CPU Comparison
Intel Core i9-14900KS vs Intel Core Ultra 9 290K Plus
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i9-14900KS is a special-edition 24-core (8P+16E), 32-thread desktop processor built on Intel’s Raptor Lake Refresh architecture, offering up to 6.2 GHz turbo frequencies out of the box for enthusiasts and overclockers willing to manage high power and thermals.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Very strong multi-threaded performance for video editing, rendering and compiling, with small gains over the 14900K in heavily threaded workloads.
Never benchmarked publicly.
Gaming
One of the fastest gaming CPUs at launch, but only marginally quicker than the cheaper i9-14900K; AMD Ryzen 7000X3D chips often still lead in many titles.
Never benchmarked publicly.
Virtualization
24 cores and 32 threads handle multiple VMs well, but power and thermals become a concern under sustained all-core loads.
Never benchmarked publicly.
Efficiency
High power draw and temperatures even at stock, especially under multi-core workloads; requires top-tier cooling and a robust PSU.
Never benchmarked publicly.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Intel Deep Learning Boost (AVX2 VNNI) accelerates some CPU-based inference workloads.
- No dedicated NPU; for serious local AI, modern NPUs or discrete GPUs are faster and more efficient.
- Likely featured a 13 TOPS NPU similar to the 285K.
Content Creation
Gaming
- 6.2 GHz P-core turbo and strong IPC deliver very high FPS at 1080p and 1440p.
- Only ~1.7% faster than i9-14900K at 1080p and ~2.5% at 1440p in some reviews.
- AMD Ryzen 7000X3D models still often lead in CPU-limited gaming scenarios.
- Performance data is unavailable as the chip was never released.
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- 6.2 GHz max turbo – highest stock desktop clock speed at launch
- Strong single-thread and gaming performance
- 24 cores and 32 threads for heavy multi-tasking and productivity
- Unlocked multiplier and flexible power limits for overclocking
- PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 support for a modern platform
Cons
- High power draw: 150 W base, up to 253 W turbo, and often 300–350 W in tuned systems
- Runs hot under load; can hit 100°C even with high-end AIOs if power limits are left unlimited
- Small real-world gains over the cheaper i9-14900K in most workloads
- Premium price with questionable price-performance ratio
- No significant architectural upgrade vs 13th Gen; still a refreshed Raptor Lake design
Pros
- High 5.8 GHz boost target
- Fast DDR5-7200 native memory support
- Unlocked multiplier for overclocking
- Retains 24-core layout for multi-threading
Cons
- Never officially released
- No warranty or retail availability
- May have been power-hungry at 5.8 GHz
- Replaced by the 285K in the market
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i9-14900KS
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-14900KRival
High-End Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-13900KSRival
High-End Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 9 7950XRival
High-End Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3DRival
High-End Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core Ultra 9 285KRival
High-End Desktop (Next Gen)
Better value for gaming and mid-range content creation, with lower power consumption and still strong performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 9 7900Alt
More efficient AM5 alternative with solid gaming and productivity performance and a cooler, quieter system.
Intel Core Ultra 9 290K Plus
- AMD Ryzen 9 9950XRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core Ultra 9 285KRival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 9 9900XRival
Desktop
Previous gen high-frequency monster (6.0 GHz) for raw clock speed.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3DAlt
Best gaming CPU alternative currently available.
- Intel Core Ultra 7 265KAlt
Better value alternative if you don't need the 5.8 GHz boost.
Our Verdict on Each
Intel’s fastest-ever LGA 1700 desktop CPU by clock speed, but real-world gains over the cheaper i9-14900K are modest, and power/thermals are punishing. A niche choice for overclockers and enthusiasts who must have the top bin.
Best for: You are an extreme overclocker or enthusiast building a showpiece LGA 1700 system and are willing to pay a significant premium for Intel’s best-binned silicon and guaranteed 6.2 GHz capability.
Read the full reviewA canceled/unreleased processor that would have offered higher clocks and faster memory support over the 285K.
Best for: Not applicable, as the product was never released.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i9-14900KS or Intel Core Ultra 9 290K Plus?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i9-14900KS comes out ahead with a score of 8/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i9-14900KS or Intel Core Ultra 9 290K Plus?
For gaming, the Intel Core i9-14900KS leads with a gaming performance score of 93/100 among Intel Core i9-14900KS and Intel Core Ultra 9 290K Plus.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core Ultra 9 290K Plus has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i9-14900KS (150 W), Intel Core Ultra 9 290K Plus (125 W).
Do Intel Core i9-14900KS and Intel Core Ultra 9 290K Plus use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i9-14900KS: FCLGA1700 (Socket 1700), Intel Core Ultra 9 290K Plus: LGA 1851), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i9-14900KS posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i9-14900KS (64,000), Intel Core Ultra 9 290K Plus (55,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.