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- Updated Builds For May 2024:
Intel's 14th-generation CPUs are here to rule the roost as benchmarks highlight that the 6 GHz-touting Intel Core i9 14900K and KF are the fastest consumer-grade Intel CPUs to date. The 24-core Raptor Lake Refresh CPU builds on the reputation that the 13900K commanded as an excellent productivity-centric CPU thanks to its massive 32-thread number-crunching potential and high clocks that delivered some of the best gaming performance one could get on a gaming PC.
UPDATE: 2024/05/18 BY RAHIM AMIR
Updated Builds For May 2024:
The builds below have been updated to account for the following price and availability changes:
- Cheaper SSD storage (PCI-E 5.0 in particular) on offer compared to Feb 2024
- Better availability and pricing for multiple RTX 4080 SUPER and RTX 4090 SKUs
- More RAM options available to users
- Cheaper Intel Z790 motherboards across the board
All of this allows users the ability to exact better value for money out of their builds around what is Intel's fastest consumer-grade CPU while also leveraging hardware upgrades where possible while staying within the price range of previous builds.
The team at Game Rant has, as a result, overhauled the options below with 12 hardware changes and updated prices to allow users to make more informed, up-to-date choices to build around the Core i9 14900K.
Upgrading to the 14900K is an easier task thanks to Intel retaining the LGA 1700 socket for its 14th generation CPUs as well as compatibility across the board for all chipsets in play. Gamers might need to upgrade their motherboard's BIOS out of the box to ensure compatibility with the newer 14th-generation CPUs, including the flagship. Newer motherboard releases that utilize the stable Z790 chipset, such as the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero and the Gigabyte Aorus Master X, have 14th-gen CPU compatibility out of the box.
The 14900K also supports both DDR4 and DDR5 RAM, much like its predecessor. However, given the massive price cuts that the latter has seen, the former seems to fall out of favor for system builders and consumers alike. That is especially true given the performance considerations when building a top-of-the-line Raptor Lake Refresh-based PC with a sub-$600 budget for the CPU alone.
The Best Custom Intel Core i9 14900K PC Builds
The Game Rant team has put together a set of PC builds that are designed to take advantage of the 14900K at three different performance tiers:
- The Ultimate Build targets industry professionals and gamers looking for the best PC hardware possible paired with the 14900K.
- The Mid-Range Build allows for excellent performance and upgradeability down the line. This is best for users looking to stagger future GPU or hardware upgrades while building a balanced PC that does everything needed from the get-go.
- The Entry-level Build targets users looking to use their existing GPU or upgrade to one later down the road with a functional PC built around a 14900K CPU.
The Ultimate Intel Core i9 14900K Build
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Intel Core i9 14900K 24-Core, 32-Thread CPU
$545 $620 Save $75The Intel Core i9 14900K 24-Core, 32-Thread CPU is Intel's highest-end 14th generation CPU and offers the highest boost clocks for a consumer-grade CPU from Intel to date, clocking in at an impressive 6 GHz natively.
It succeeds the limited-release Intel Core 13900KS as the first mainstream 6 GHz CPU, even as it brings a large power draw and thermal requirement to reach said clock speed. -
ASUS ROG Ryujin III 360 ARGB AIO Liquid Cooler
$345 $360 Save $15The ASUS ROG Ryujin III 360 ARGB AIO Liquid Cooler is ASUS's latest premium tri-fan AIO that offers better cooling, an upgraded LCD, and a new Asetek 8th generation pump as some of its salient features. Thanks to a thicker radiator and a new cold plate, it can reduce temperatures drastically versus both its predecessor and its competition.
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ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero
The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero is the latest in a series of well-established Z790 Motherboards in the ROG lineup. It adds native Wi-Fi 7 support as one of the first motherboards in the industry to do so while throwing in better memory overclocking and power delivery.
It comes with a bolder aesthetic in addition to cutting down to four available SATA ports from the original Hero with an otherwise identical arsenal as it integrates its additional M2 slots on the board itself, eliminating the need for users to get space for the ROG Hyper M2 card its predecessor uses. -
G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB 48GB (2x24GB) DDR5 8400MT/s
The Trident Z5 RGB from G.Skill is the fastest set of RAM modules that the company offers. The two 24GB modules are capable of reaching 8400 MT/s which is the highest in the mainstream gaming market. This non-ECC memory has a latency of 40-52-52-134 which is not the quickest, but the sheer data-fetching speeds are enough to compensate for it.
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ASUS TUF GeForce RTX® 4090 OC Edition
The ASUS TUF GeForce RTX 4090 OC Edition is a premium RTX 4090 SKU that offers some of the best vapor chamber cooling on offer in the industry coupled with industry-grade electronics to ensure a highly overclockable RTX 4090 GPU that delivers on both the performance and reliability counts for end-users.
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Teamgroup T-Force Z540 M2 PCI-E SSD 1TB
The Teamgroup T-Force Cardea Z540 SSD offers some of the fastest PCI-E Gen 5 SSD speeds money can buy in 2024 while throwing in a thin, patented graphene-based heatsink to keep things low-profile by design.
It offers a whopping 11,700 MB/s sequential read and 9,500 MB/s sequential write speeds with decent random read/write speeds in tow,
With a 3,000,000-hour MBTF and 700 TBW rating along with a comprehensive 5-year warranty in tow, the Teamgroup T-Force Cardea Z540 SSD delivers on its promise as a premium PCI-E 5.0 SSD in 2024. -
MSI MPG A1000G PCIE5 PSU
$170 $180 Save $10The MSI MPG A1000G PCIE5 PSU is built from the ground up to support the ATX 3.0 spec while also being PCI-E 5.0 compatible in a fully modular design without costing an arm and a leg unlike some of its nearest competitors, making it a viable contender for a gaming PC.
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Lian Li O11 Dynamic EVO XL
The Lian Li O11 Dynamic EVO XL is a full-tower all-white PC case with a smart design. The case allows users to reverse the chassis, meaning the tempered glass will face the right way if the PC is kept on either the left or right side of the setup. There is integrated RGB lighting and a seamless tempered glass side that flows almost seamlessly into the front panel. The Lian Li O11 Dynamic EVO XL can accommodate up to a 420mm radiator next to the motherboard and the same at the top or front using the included bracket. A full-sized GPU that's up to 450mm can also be used in this case.
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Lian Li UNI FAN SL-INFINITY
$87 $100 Save $13The Lian Li UNI FAN SL-INFINITY is a sight to behold when it comes to PC case fans. What is arguably the best-looking cooling fan to ever come from the Taiwanese case maker is also packed with plenty of features, such as daisy-chaining, an infinity mirror, and a cable-less design.
The Ultimate Build pulls out all the stops when it comes to accommodating the 14900K and looks to eliminate potential bottlenecks for Intel's flagship processor wherever possible. It does so while keeping invested in a premium aesthetic that sets it apart from the other builds being suggested below. It aims to prevent the 14900K from throttling under load by pairing it with one of the best, and arguably most expensive mainstream AIO coolers in the market, The ASUS ROG Ryujin III ARGB. To build on this advantage, it also uses some of the fastest RAM modules available on the market from G.Skill that can clock up to 8400 MHz while offering 48GB of capacity for gamers and enthusiasts alike.
It also takes advantage of the newer Z790 refresh motherboards by getting one of ASUS's highest-end motherboards in play, the ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero, which comes with support for the 14900K out of the box. This allows users to build their PC from the get-go without requiring a BIOS update to detect the CPU unlike motherboards on older BIOS revisions which overwhelmingly need one to work with Intel's newest flagship processor.
Paired with 1TB of one of the fastest PCI-E Gen 5 SSDs money can buy and one of the fastest RTX 4090 GPUs in the market, the build also aims to allow users to add further hardware by adding a 1000W ATX 3.0 and PCI-E Gen 5 supporting MSI MPG 1000W PSU. All of this is housed in the large-sized Lian-Li O11 Dynamic Evo XL case that allows for plenty of different ways to route cables, fans, and internals thanks to a completely reversible design aimed at enthusiasts.
The team at Game Rant has handpicked a set of three SL Infinity fans from Lian Li as part of this build, but users can add as many as four more before running out of space (counting the three ROG-themed ones already on the Ryujin III). Another six are possible if they want to go for a push-pull approach to what is one of the fastest custom-built Intel Core i9 14900K configurations money can buy in 2024 for gaming, editing, and/or any other compute-intensive needs.
Estimated Build Cost: $4,255
Intel's Core i9 14900K vs. 14700K vs. 14600K
Intel's Raptor Lake Refresh's first unlocked CPUs are out in the open. Which one should you get?
The Mid-Range Intel Core i9 14900K Build
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Intel Core i9 14900K 24-Core, 32-Thread CPU
$545 $620 Save $75The Intel Core i9 14900K 24-Core, 32-Thread CPU is Intel's highest-end 14th generation CPU and offers the highest boost clocks for a consumer-grade CPU from Intel to date, clocking in at an impressive 6 GHz natively.
It succeeds the limited-release Intel Core 13900KS as the first mainstream 6 GHz CPU, even as it brings a large power draw and thermal requirement to reach said clock speed. -
Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 A-RGB
The Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 A-RGB replaces its predecessor successfully without breaking the bank. This AIo cooler is hands down the top performer in the thermals department and brings an upgraded VRM fan and dedicated contact frames for the latest Intel and AMD platforms. Its 360mm radiator is highly effective at cooling, and the fans bring beautiful addressable RGB lighting for gorgeous lighting effects.
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CORSAIR Dominator Titanium RGB DDR5 7200MHz CL36
CORSAIR Dominator Titanium RGB DDR5 7200MHz CL36 is a highly stable RAM kit that boasts a crazy good clock speed of 7200MHz with low latency. Perfect for Intel platforms, the Dominator Titanium also provides the new 24GB memory configuration and is ideal for overclockers and productivity enthusiasts. The new design features a decent-sized heatsink over the module with beautiful RGB LEDs.
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MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk MAX WiFi
MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk MAX Wi-Fi is designed to take the CPU's potential to the next level without breaking the bank. With its 16+1+1 phase VRM design that is complemented by large heatsinks to control thermals, it can offer decent overclocking potential without pushing its price out of control.
With Wi-Fi 7 support and plenty of I/O on offer, the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk MAX Wi-Fi is a great motherboard to pair with both the latest 14th-generation CPUs that it supports out of the box as well as older last-generation contenders. -
Samsung 990 PRO SSD 2TB
$170 $170 Save $0The Samsung 990 PRO is a top-tier solid-state drive designed for exceptional performance, featuring significant speed enhancements over its predecessor. It offers a massive boost in random read and write speeds that are 40% and 55% faster than the 980 PRO.
In addition, it provides high input/output operations per second (IOPS) up to 1400K/1550K, and sequential read and write speeds that reach up to 7,450 and 6,900 MB/s, approaching the maximum performance of PCIe 4.0. This SSD is not only high-performing but also energy-efficient. It provides up to 50% improved performance per watt over the 980 PRO. -
MSI GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER EXPERT
The MSI GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER EXPERT is MSI's overclocked, high-end re-imagination of what the RTX 4080 SUPER FE could be. It delivers better performance even as it adds more to the equation thanks to its unique addition of an airflow solution that remains true to Nvidia's FE design relative to other aftermarket options.
It does run warmer as a result, even as it packs in six heat pipes, but delivers a solid solution for users in the market for a productivity-centric GPU that also offers a design like the difficult-to-find at MSRP Founders Edition. -
GIGABYTE GP-UD1000GM PG5 Rev2.0 1000W PSU
The GIGABYTE GP-UD1000GM PG5 Rev2.0 1000W is the second revision of the successful PG5 PSU with the addition of a native 16-pin PCI-E 5.0 power connector and compliance with Intel's new ATX 3.0 PSU standards in a fully modular design backed by as much as 10 years of warranty at an affordable price.
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LIAN LI LANCOOL 216 PC Case
The LANCOOL 216 is a mid-tower case with all-around mesh panels for optimal airflow. Thanks to its modular rear panel, it can be optimized for air or water cooling. It includes 2 x 160mm and 1 x 140mm pre-installed PWM fans and an innovative rear PCIe fan bracket to maximize airflow.
Game Rant's pick for the Mid-Range Build looks for a price tag under $3,000 but focuses on getting more out of that budget than most competing prebuilt PCs. Paired with 48GB of fast DDR5 RAM from Corsair and one of the best liquid coolers in the business from Arctic, the 14900K also benefits from the added connectivity that the versatile 14th-gen ready MSI Tomahawk MAX Wi-Fi offers, even as it takes advantage of one of the fastest 2TB PCI-E 4.0 NVMe SSDs money can buy in the shape of the Samsung 990 Pro.
A recently price-adjusted RTX 4080 SUPER from MSI's EXPERT lineup makes its way to the build that aims to control spending on the GPU but throws in a 1000W Gigabyte Gold-rated PSU with the necessary power to handle an RTX 4090 upgrade in the future. An airflow-centric Lian Li Lancool 216 case houses it all, keeping prices under control while offering decent expansion potential and cable management options to users.
The Mid-Range Build aims to deliver stellar performance, significant upgradeability, and scalability for gamers, power users, and enthusiasts on a relative budget while looking to get the latest and greatest Intel CPU with components that allow it to perform to its maximum. As a result, it does keep prices in check when it comes to the motherboard, PSU and case, option to spend on the components that matter for performance. This bias allows it to bring down costs while looking for performance alternatives wherever possible relative to the Ultimate Build, aiming to deliver better value at a lower price tag.
Total Estimated Build Cost: $2,660
The Best Gaming PC Builds Under $3000
Looking to build a PC for under $3000? Here are our recommended builds for the perfect price!
The Entry-Level Intel Core i9 14900K Build
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Intel Core i9 14900K 24-Core, 32-Thread CPU
$545 $620 Save $75The Intel Core i9 14900K 24-Core, 32-Thread CPU is Intel's highest-end 14th generation CPU and offers the highest boost clocks for a consumer-grade CPU from Intel to date, clocking in at an impressive 6 GHz natively.
It succeeds the limited-release Intel Core 13900KS as the first mainstream 6 GHz CPU, even as it brings a large power draw and thermal requirement to reach said clock speed. -
EK AIO Nucleus CR360 Lux D-RGB
EK AIO Nucleus CR360 Lux D-RGB stands as one of the most popular 360mm AIOs for providing excellent value for the money. Its big 360mm radiator is capable of keeping thermal throttling in intensive overclocking sessions and the digital RGB lighting on the fans and CPU block lightens up the chassis from inside.
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MSI PRO Z790-S WIFI
MSI PRO Z790-S WiFi is a wallet-friendly Z790 chipset board that provides sufficiently powerful VRM for mild to medium level of overclocking support and brings acceptable connectivity features. The board features DDR5 memory support, supports the latest Raptor Lake Refresh chips, and brings several PCI-E slots.
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TEAMGROUP T-Force Delta RGB DDR5 Ram 32GB (2x16GB) 6000MHz PC5-48000 CL30
This RAM kit from TEAMGROUP has been one of the most recommended memory options in the PC building community with tons of positive user reviews. AMD's Ryzen 7000 series performs optimally with RAMs running at 6000MHz at a CAS latency of 30.
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Kingston NV2 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe Internal SSD
$61 $75 Save $14This internal solid-state drive from Kingston has 1 TB of digital storage capacity. The NV2 series SSD is designed to be compatible with laptops. It operates on PCIe 4.0 Gen 4x4 technology, features an M.2 2280 form factor, and delivers read speeds of up to 3,500 MB/s. It has lower power requirements, generating minimal heat, which makes it perfect for compact devices.
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Thermaltake GF1 (2024) Fully Modular ATX 850W Power Supply
The updated Thermaltake GF1 850W PSU is a gold-rated PSU that offers a completely modular solution for gamers looking for a reliable solution that can keep up with some of the most demanding PCs in 2024.
It comes with comprehensive protection for users, excellent build quality, quiet operation and an extensive warranty from Thermaltake in tow. -
LIAN LI LANCOOL 216 PC Case
The LANCOOL 216 is a mid-tower case with all-around mesh panels for optimal airflow. Thanks to its modular rear panel, it can be optimized for air or water cooling. It includes 2 x 160mm and 1 x 140mm pre-installed PWM fans and an innovative rear PCIe fan bracket to maximize airflow.
The Entry-Level Intel Core i9 14900K Build skips on a discrete GPU altogether, pushing it back for a later purchase down the line with users able to use the iGPU on the CPU as an alternative to start. However, it makes room for a beefy option down the line by bundling around a decent 850W Gold-rated PSU from Thermaltake that should be able to handle the latest RTX 4000 SUPER series GPUs. At the same time, it adds a powerful 360MM cooler from EK to keep the CPU running cool even when under load out of the box.
It also leverages the 14th-gen compatible MSI Pro Z790-S Wi-Fi that offers decent power delivery, Wi-Fi 6E support, and moderate RAM overclocking potential in a neat, cost-effective package, even as it limits it to PCI-E 4.0 speeds on its M2 slots. On the memory front, 32GB of low-latency CL30 6000MHz DDR5 memory from Teamgroup is in play, in addition to a 1TB entry-level Kingston NV2 SSD account for the user's storage needs.
The MSI Pro Z790-S Wi-Fi may need a BIOS update to function correctly with and/or recognize the Intel Core i9 14900K CPU.
This, combined with the airflow-centric Lian-Li Lancool 216, allows for the EK cooler to be mounted at three different locations. All in all, the entry-level build discounts a discrete GPU and cuts costs where possible apart from the PSU, allowing users to use the processor's iGPU or simply plug in their own to exact the most out of Intel's fastest consumer-grade CPU to date without paying a premium or push for a GPU upgrade later down the line.
Total Estimated Build Cost: $1,240
Are There Any Discounts Or Promotional Pricing On The Intel Core i9 14900K Currently?
The Intel Core i9 14900K is already trading at a small discount over its stated MSRP of $590-$600 with most retailers selling it for $550 or lower. Users can also benefit by using the Intel Core i9 14900KF, essentially the same CPU without an integrated GPU. It trades at a lower MSRP and an even steeper discount than the 14900K.
To sweeten the deal, Intel offers a free copy of Star Wars Outlaws with every Core i9 14900K or Core i9 14900KF CPU, adding $70 value for gamers intending to pick up the upcoming open-world title later this year.
The Best RTX 4090 PC Builds
Nvidia RTX 4090 is the fastest GPU on the market. Here are the best PC builds to maximize its potential for gamers and power users alike.
FAQ
Q: Is the Intel Core i9 14900K supported on existing Z690 and Z790 motherboards?
Yes, the Intel Core i9 14900K is supported on existing Z690 and Z790 as well as the upcoming 14th gen refresh-ready Z790 motherboards. Users might need to update the BIOS on these motherboards to get support for the new Intel CPU, however.
Techniques by a variety of motherboard manufacturers such as BIOS flashback make it easy to do so even without a CPU in the socket, which means that if users are buying an older motherboard, checking if it supports such a feature will make the upgrade process a lot easier.
Q: Does the Intel Core i9 14900K support DDR5?
The Intel Core i9 14900K supports both DDR5 and DDR4 memory as part of its internal controller, but it depends on the motherboard to designate the kind of memory that it can be paired with. DDR4 and DDR5 sockets are different in shape and only supporting memory can be plugged into a motherboard that supports either, making it impossible for user error. This is because they will not fit by design to reduce issues associated with pairing the wrong memory with the wrong motherboard.