Buying Guide
The Best CPUs With High Core Counts
Five processors ranked on L3 cache and boost clock, where the Core i9-14900K has the highest boost clock; the Core Ultra 5 245KF is the cheapest route in.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
High core counts shorten renders, compiles and batch exports. Every pick has 14 cores or more, ordered by core count.
The order reflects L3 cache, max boost and cores / threads from maker specifications; a missing L3 cache is flagged, not filled in rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Highest Boost Clock
Intel Core i9-14900KThe highest boost clock here (6GHz).
Best for: Buyers who put boost clock first.
Check price for Intel Core i9-14900K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Intel Core Ultra 9 285KThe top of this price range, adding 8 performance and 16 efficient cores.
Best for: Spending more than the Core i9-14900K costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Check price for Intel Core Ultra 9 285K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Intel Core i7-147008 P-cores plus 12 E-cores.
Best for: Buyers who want 8 P-cores plus 12 E-cores.
Check price for Intel Core i7-14700 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
AMD Ryzen 9 5900XT16 Zen 3 cores with 72MB of cache.
Best for: Buyers who want 16 Zen 3 cores with 72MB of cache.
Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 5900XT on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
Intel Core Ultra 5 245KFUndercutting the Ryzen 9 5900XT on price when we checked.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Ryzen 9 5900XT.
Check price for Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The highest boost clock here (6GHz). | Buyers who put boost clock first. | Check price for Intel Core i9-14900K on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The top of this price range, adding 8 performance and 16 efficient cores. | Spending more than the Core i9-14900K costs for the fullest feature set in this group. | Check price for Intel Core Ultra 9 285K on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| 8 P-cores plus 12 E-cores. | Buyers who want 8 P-cores plus 12 E-cores. | Check price for Intel Core i7-14700 on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| 16 Zen 3 cores with 72MB of cache. | Buyers who want 16 Zen 3 cores with 72MB of cache. | Check price for AMD Ryzen 9 5900XT on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| Undercutting the Ryzen 9 5900XT on price when we checked. | Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Ryzen 9 5900XT. | Check price for Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Highest Boost Clock1 of 5
Intel Core i9-14900K
The Core i9-14900K is the last LGA1700 flagship with a 6.0GHz boost clock.
Best for
- Buyers who put boost clock first.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
Check your board has the latest BIOS for Intel's stability microcode. On L3 cache it ties with the Core Ultra 9 285K at 36MB. On boost clock it leads this guide at 6GHz, ahead of the Core Ultra 9 285K (5.7GHz).
It matches the Core Ultra 9 285K on core count (24 cores). It shares an LGA1700 socket with the Core i7-14700; the Ryzen 9 5900XT goes with an AM4 socket. You get DDR4 or DDR5 memory here, which sets it apart from the Core Ultra 9 285K and its DDR5 memory.
It also offers 8 performance and 16 efficient cores. It fits LGA1700 boards (600 and 700 series) with either DDR4 or DDR5, depending on the board; 600-series boards may need a BIOS update for 14th-gen chips. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper Core i7-14700 and the pricier Core Ultra 9 285K, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 36MB
- Max boost
- 6GHz
- Cores / threads
- 24 cores
- Rated power
- 125W
- Threads
- 32
- Socket
- LGA1700
- Memory
- DDR4 or DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- 6GHz maximum boost
- 24 cores for encoding and background work
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- 8 performance and 16 efficient cores
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- Costs more than the Core Ultra 5 245KF at the time of writing
The catch
The main gap: no cooler in box, unlike the Core i7-14700. If that matters, the Core i7-14700 has it.
Premium Pick2 of 5
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K
The Core Ultra 9 285K is Intel's flagship on LGA1851, with 24 cores and high single-threaded clocks.
Best for
- Spending more than the Core i9-14900K costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It suits competitive players who also stream from the same machine. It matches the Core i9-14900K on L3 cache (36MB). Its 5.7GHz boost clock ranks second of 5 here, behind the Core i9-14900K (6GHz) and ahead of the Ryzen 9 5900XT (4.8GHz).
Like the Core Ultra 5 245KF, it has an LGA1851 socket, while the Ryzen 9 5900XT uses an AM4 socket. You also get 8 performance and 16 efficient cores and a built-in NPU for AI features. It needs an LGA1851 board (Intel 800-series chipset) and DDR5 memory; LGA1700 boards and coolers without an LGA1851 mounting kit will not fit.
Budget for a dual-tower air cooler or a 240mm-plus AIO, since none is included. At our last price check it topped the group, with the Core i9-14900K the nearest cheaper option.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 36MB
- Max boost
- 5.7GHz
- Cores / threads
- 24 cores
- Rated power
- 125W
- Threads
- 24
- Socket
- LGA1851
- Memory
- DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- 5.7GHz maximum boost
- 24 cores for encoding and background work
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- 8 performance and 16 efficient cores
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- Costs more than the Core Ultra 5 245KF at the time of writing
The catch
What it gives up: no cooler in box, unlike the Core i7-14700; by contrast, the Core i7-14700 has it.
Also Consider3 of 5
Intel Core i7-14700
What the Core i7-14700 brings to the table is 8 P-cores plus 12 E-cores, plus an Intel Laminar RM1 cooler in the box.
Best for
- Buyers who want 8 P-cores plus 12 E-cores.
Skip if
- Its rated power is not published, which rules it out if you need that number.
Why we like it
It also offers a 33MB L3 cache and offers a 5.4GHz boost clock. On L3 cache it sits mid-pack at 33MB: the Core i9-14900K offers 36MB, and the Core Ultra 5 245KF comes in at 24MB. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 5.4GHz: the Core i9-14900K offers 6GHz, and the Ryzen 9 5900XT comes in at 4.8GHz.
Its 20 cores core count ranks third of 5 here, behind the Core i9-14900K (24 cores) and ahead of the Core Ultra 5 245KF (14 cores). It shares an LGA1700 socket with the Core i9-14900K; the Core Ultra 5 245KF goes with an LGA1851 socket. It fits LGA1700 boards (600 and 700 series) with either DDR4 or DDR5, depending on the board; 600-series boards may need a BIOS update for 14th-gen chips. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper Ryzen 9 5900XT and the pricier Core i9-14900K, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 33MB
- Max boost
- 5.4GHz
- Cores / threads
- 20 cores
- Socket
- LGA1700
- Cooler in box
- Yes
Pros
- 20 cores for encoding and background work
- Wraith Stealth cooler in the box
- 8 P-cores plus 12 E-cores
- Intel Laminar RM1 cooler in the box
Cons
- No published rated power
- Costs more than the Core Ultra 5 245KF at the time of writing
The catch
The maker doesn't give its rated power; if that figure matters, the Core i9-14900K offers 125W.
Strong Alternative4 of 5
AMD Ryzen 9 5900XT
The Ryzen 9 5900XT stands out for 16 Zen 3 cores with 72MB of cache, and it adds PCIe 4.0 on the AM4 platform.
Best for
- Buyers who want 16 Zen 3 cores with 72MB of cache.
Skip if
- Pass on it if aM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It also offers a 4.8GHz boost clock and offers a 16 cores core count. Its 4.8GHz boost clock is the lowest in this group; the Core i9-14900K leads at 6GHz. On core count it sits mid-pack at 16 cores: the Core i9-14900K offers 24 cores, and the Core Ultra 5 245KF comes in at 14 cores.
No other pick in this guide offers an AM4 socket; compare the Core i7-14700, which has an LGA1700 socket. It is the only pick here with DDR4 memory; the Core i9-14900K has DDR4 or DDR5 memory instead. It drops into an AM4 board with DDR4 memory; older B450 and X470 boards need a BIOS that supports this chip, so check the support list before swapping.
No cooler is included; a single-tower air cooler is enough at its rating. It was priced above the Core Ultra 5 245KF and below the Core i7-14700 at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Max boost
- 4.8GHz
- Cores / threads
- 16 cores
- Threads
- 32
- Socket
- AM4
- Memory
- DDR4
- Cooler in box
- No
Pros
- 16 cores for encoding and background work
- 16 Zen 3 cores with 72MB of cache
- PCIe 4.0 on the AM4 platform
- AM4 socket, the only one here
Cons
- AM4 is a final-generation platform with no newer CPUs coming
- No cooler in the box
- No published L3 cache
The catch
There is no published L3 cache figure, whereas the Core i9-14900K offers 36MB.
Lowest Price Here5 of 5
Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF
The Core Ultra 5 245KF is the entry to LGA1851, with 14 cores and no integrated graphics.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Ryzen 9 5900XT.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It needs a graphics card to show a picture, which every gaming build has anyway. Its 24MB L3 cache is the smallest in this group; the Core i9-14900K leads at 36MB. Its 5.2GHz boost clock ranks fourth of 5 here, behind the Core i9-14900K (6GHz) and ahead of the Ryzen 9 5900XT (4.8GHz).
On core count it trails the group at 14 cores, while the Core i9-14900K offers 24 cores. Like the Core Ultra 9 285K, it has an LGA1851 socket, while the Ryzen 9 5900XT uses an AM4 socket. Like the Core Ultra 9 285K, it has DDR5 memory, while the Core i9-14900K uses DDR4 or DDR5 memory.
It also comes with 6 performance and 8 efficient cores, Intel 800-series chipset support and PCIe 5.0 support. It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the Ryzen 9 5900XT the next step up.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 24MB
- Max boost
- 5.2GHz
- Cores / threads
- 14 cores
- Rated power
- 125W
- Threads
- 14
- Socket
- LGA1851
- Memory
- DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- No
Pros
- 14 cores for encoding and background work
- 6 performance and 8 efficient cores
- Intel 800-series chipset support
- PCIe 5.0 support
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
- L3 cache trails the Core i9-14900K (36MB)
The catch
It gives ground on L3 cache, where the Core i9-14900K offers 36MB.
How We Chose
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- The figures behind the order
- We lined up five processors on L3 cache, boost clock, core count and rated power, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house, and L3 cache and rated power are missing for at least one pick.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the Core i9-14900K to the Core Ultra 5 245KF, state boost clock, core count and socket.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Ryzen 9 5900XT gives no L3 cache; the Core i7-14700 and the Ryzen 9 5900XT give no rated power.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Core Ultra 5 245KF ($150 to $250) to the Core Ultra 9 285K ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a CPUs With High Core Counts
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Boost clock across these picks
Across these 5 picks boost clock spans 4.8GHz (the Ryzen 9 5900XT) to 6GHz (the Core i9-14900K). The Core i9-14900K is the pick for boost clock.
How much core count you need
The Core i9-14900K tops core count at 24 cores and the Core Ultra 5 245KF sits lowest at 14 cores; 2 picks share the top figure. Start with the Core i9-14900K if core count decides it.
An Intel stock cooler mounted over the CPU socket inside a PC L3 cache
The Core i9-14900K tops L3 cache at 36MB and the Core Ultra 5 245KF sits lowest at 24MB; 2 picks share the top figure. If L3 cache is your first filter, the Core i9-14900K sets the ceiling at 36MB. The Ryzen 9 5900XT gives no L3 cache figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
Memory
The Core i9-14900K lists DDR4 or DDR5; the Core Ultra 9 285K and the Core Ultra 5 245KF list DDR5; the Ryzen 9 5900XT lists DDR4. Settling memory first narrows 4 picks to 2 or 1 or 1.
Cooler in box
The Core i9-14900K, the Core Ultra 9 285K, the Ryzen 9 5900XT and the Core Ultra 5 245KF go without; the Core i7-14700 has it. Sort out cooler in box before price: it splits 5 stated picks into groups of 4 and 1.
How to Choose a CPUs With High Core Counts
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who put boost clock first | Core i9-14900K | The highest boost clock here (6GHz) |
| Spending more than the Core i9-14900K costs for the fullest feature set in this group | Core Ultra 9 285K | The top of this price range, adding 8 performance and 16 efficient cores |
| Buyers who want 8 P-cores plus 12 E-cores | Core i7-14700 | 8 P-cores plus 12 E-cores |
| Buyers who want 16 Zen 3 cores with 72MB of cache | Ryzen 9 5900XT | 16 Zen 3 cores with 72MB of cache |
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Ryzen 9 5900XT | Core Ultra 5 245KF | Undercutting the Ryzen 9 5900XT on price when we checked |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Core i9-14900K leads on boost clock at 6GHz, ahead of the Core Ultra 9 285K at 5.7GHz. "Not listed" marks L3 cache where the Ryzen 9 5900XT leaves the figure out.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core i9-14900K | 36MB | 6GHz | 24 cores | 125W |
| Core Ultra 9 285K | 36MB | 5.7GHz | 24 cores | 125W |
| Core i7-14700 | 33MB | 5.4GHz | 20 cores | Not listed |
| Ryzen 9 5900XT | Not listed | 4.8GHz | 16 cores | Not listed |
| Core Ultra 5 245KF | 24MB | 5.2GHz | 14 cores | 125W |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Core Ultra 5 245KF was the lowest-priced pick ($150 to $250) and the Core Ultra 9 285K the highest ($500 to $1000) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | Core Ultra 5 245KF |
| About $250 to $500 | Ryzen 9 5900XT, Core i7-14700, Core i9-14900K |
| About $500 to $1000 | Core Ultra 9 285K |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Core i9-14900K ahead of the Core Ultra 9 285K on boost clock?
The Core i9-14900K tops boost clock at 6GHz; the Core Ultra 9 285K follows at 5.7GHz, 5% apart. The spread runs down to the Ryzen 9 5900XT at 4.8GHz.
What does the Core Ultra 9 285K add over the Core Ultra 5 245KF?
The spec sheets show boost clock (5.7GHz against 5.2GHz), core count (24 cores against 14 cores) and L3 cache (36MB against 24MB) in its favour. On our last price check the Core Ultra 5 245KF was in the $150 to $250 tier and the Core Ultra 9 285K in the $500 to $1000 tier, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if boost clock and core count decide your purchase.
Why is the Core i9-14900K our Highest Boost Clock pick?
It carries the badge for the highest boost clock here (6GHz). On boost clock it leads the Core Ultra 9 285K, 6GHz against 5.7GHz, a 5% margin. The Core Ultra 5 245KF, the cheapest pick, sat in the $150 to $250 tier against $250 to $500 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It makes sense for anyone who puts boost clock first.
Do the Core i9-14900K and the Core Ultra 9 285K differ on socket?
The Core i9-14900K and the Core i7-14700 use LGA1700; the Core Ultra 9 285K and the Core Ultra 5 245KF use LGA1851; the Ryzen 9 5900XT uses AM4.
What extras do the Core i9-14900K and the Core Ultra 9 285K include?
The Core i9-14900K: 8 performance and 16 efficient cores. The Core Ultra 9 285K: 8 performance and 16 efficient cores. The Core i7-14700: 8 P-cores plus 12 E-cores.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Core i9-14900K, chosen for the highest boost clock here (6GHz). Look at the Core Ultra 9 285K for the top of this price range, adding 8 performance and 16 efficient cores, the Core i7-14700 for 8 P-cores plus 12 E-cores and the Ryzen 9 5900XT for 16 Zen 3 cores with 72MB of cache if those matter more to you.
Compare thread counts as well: Intel's efficiency cores run one thread each, AMD cores run two.
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About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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