Quick Verdict
A region-specific gem that offers i7-like cache and clock speeds at an i5 price, making it a fantastic gaming value.
Overview
Launch
2024
Status
ActiveGeneration
14th Gen (Raptor Lake Refresh)
Market
Desktop (China Exclusive)
The Intel Core i5-14490F is a unique, China-market-exclusive processor that slots between the i5-14400F and i5-14600K. It features the standard 10-core, 16-thread (6P+4E) configuration but distinguishes itself with a higher 5.0 GHz turbo boost and an enlarged 24 MB L3 cache. These enhancements provide a noticeable uplift in gaming and single-threaded workloads over the standard 14400F. Like other F-series chips, it lacks integrated graphics, requiring a discrete GPU. With a 65W base power and 148W turbo, it balances performance and thermals effectively. This SKU reflects Intel's strategy of offering highly competitive, region-specific gaming chips. For users in its target market, the i5-14490F represents a sweet spot of high clock speeds and extra cache, making it an alluring option for mid-range gaming rigs.
Exclusive to the Chinese market, the i5-14490F upgrades the standard 14400F with a 5.0 GHz boost and 24 MB L3 cache. It offers i7-level gaming performance at an i5 price, requiring a discrete GPU.
Specifications
Performance
Identical multi-core performance to the 14400F, with slight gains from cache.
Adequate for light VMs.
The extra cache and 5.0 GHz boost give it a clear edge over the 14400F in gaming.
65W base is manageable; 148W PL2 provides good boost.
- •5.0 GHz boost maximizes single-core FPS
- •24 MB cache improves minimum frame rates
- •Requires a discrete GPU
- •No NPU
- •Standard CPU AI inference capabilities
Architecture
Intel 7 (10nm)
Process Node
Raptor Lake-R
Codename
10C / 16T
Core Config
24 MB
L3 Cache
65 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The Core i5-14490F utilizes the Raptor Lake-R architecture with a specific binning that allows for a 5.0 GHz turbo on the P-cores, a significant step up from the 4.7 GHz of the 14400F. More importantly, it features 24 MB of L3 cache, utilizing the full silicon die usually reserved for i7 models. This extra cache drastically reduces memory latency in gaming scenarios, improving 1% low frame rates and overall smoothness. The 6 P-core and 4 E-core configuration remains the same, offering 16 threads of processing power. By disabling the integrated graphics, Intel maximizes the value for gamers who will buy a discrete GPU. The 148W PL2 ensures the CPU can sustain high clocks during intense gaming sessions, making it a potent regional competitor.
CPU Design
6 Raptor Cove P-cores + 4 Gracemont E-cores.
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel DDR4-3200 and DDR5-4800 controller.
PCIe & I/O
16 PCIe 5.0 lanes and 4 PCIe 4.0 lanes.
Overclocking
Locked multiplier; optimized for regional gaming value.
- Higher boost clocks (5.0 GHz vs 4.8 GHz)
- Retained 24 MB cache
- Better DDR5 support
Key Highlights
- 5.0 GHz boost clock
- 24 MB L3 cache
- Excellent gaming value
- 10 cores and 16 threads
- Supports DDR4 and DDR5
- Lower power draw without iGPU
- China market exclusive
- No integrated graphics
- Locked multiplier
- Tcase max is limited to 72°C
- Only 4 E-cores
History
The Core i5-14490F launched in January 2024 as part of Intel's ongoing strategy to capture the massive Chinese DIY market with highly specific, value-oriented SKUs. Following the success of the i5-13490F, this chip continued the tradition of offering i7-level cache sizes and higher clock speeds at an i5 price point. This strategy allows Intel to aggressively counter AMD's strong presence in the Asian market without disrupting global pricing structures.
The 14490F represents a unique approach to product segmentation, utilizing partially disabled i7 dies to create a premium gaming experience for regional buyers. It highlights how global semiconductor companies tailor their product lines to meet the hyper-competitive demands of specific regional markets.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Higher boost clocks (5.0 GHz vs 4.8 GHz)
- Retained 24 MB cache
- Better DDR5 support
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Recommended for the right buyer
Building a mid-range gaming PC in the Chinese market where this chip offers the best price-to-performance ratio.
Avoid if…
- You live outside China (availability is limited)
- You need integrated graphics
- You require unlocked overclocking
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
The '9' in 14490F denotes a regional specialty SKU, usually for China.
It features a Tcase max of 72°C, lower than standard desktop chips.
Shares the same 215 mm² die as the i7 models, partially disabled.
24 MB cache gives it an edge in games like CS:GO and Valorant.
Part number SRN35 identifies this specific SKU.
Launched in January 2024 alongside the global 14th Gen lineup.
Does not support ECC memory, unlike embedded SKUs.
Priced aggressively to compete with local AMD offerings.
E-cores run at 1.8 GHz base and 3.3 GHz boost.
Requires a discrete GPU to function.
People Also Ask
What is the i5-14490F?
It is a China-market-exclusive 10-core desktop processor featuring a 5.0 GHz boost and 24 MB cache, designed for mid-range gaming.
Can you buy the i5-14490F outside China?
Officially no, but importers and third-party sellers sometimes list it globally at a premium.
Is the i5-14490F better than the i5-14400F?
Yes, it features a higher 5.0 GHz boost and larger 24 MB cache for better gaming performance.
Does the i5-14490F have integrated graphics?
No, the 'F' suffix means it requires a discrete graphics card.
Why is the i5-14490F only in China?
Intel often releases region-specific SKUs to compete aggressively in high-volume markets like China.
Can I overclock the i5-14490F?
No, the multiplier is locked.
What is the TDP of the i5-14490F?
It has a 65W base TDP (PL1) and a 148W max turbo power (PL2).
Does it support DDR5?
Yes, it supports DDR4-3200 and DDR5-4800.
What socket does it use?
It uses the LGA 1700 socket.
When was the i5-14490F released?
It was released in January 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the base clock of the i5-14490F?
The P-core base clock is 2.5 GHz.
How much L3 cache does it have?
It has 24 MB of shared L3 cache.
Why does it have a 72°C Tcase max?
The lower Tcase limit suggests a specific binning or thermal constraint for this regional SKU.
Is it good for video editing?
It is capable of light video editing, though it lacks E-core and iGPU quick-sync benefits fully.
Can it run Windows 11?
Yes, it fully supports Windows 11.
What PCIe version does it support?
It supports PCIe 5.0 (16 lanes) and PCIe 4.0 (4 lanes).
What process node is it built on?
It is built on the Intel 7 process (10nm).
What chipsets are compatible?
It is compatible with Intel 600 and 700 series chipsets.
What is the max turbo frequency?
The P-core max turbo frequency is 5.0 GHz.
Does it support ECC memory?
No, this specific SKU does not support ECC memory.