Intel's new desktop processor hits 6 GHz without overclocking

Intel's Thermal Velocity Boost keeps the chip running fast, as long as you can keep it cool.

Intel has just introduced a new desktop processor, the Core i9-13900KS, which can reach up to 6 GHz without overclocking, making it the fastest desktop processor on the market. This is made possible by the processor's Thermal Velocity Boost feature, which allows the chip to run faster when cool enough.

The i9-13900KS is an upgraded version of the i9-13900K, which Intel released last fall. The main differences between the two processors are that the older chip maxed out at 5.8 GHz and had a lower base power of 125 W compared to 150 W in the new chip. However, the i9-13900KS has the same number of cores (24), the same amount of cache (36MB), and the same number of PCIe lanes (20) as the i9-13900K. Additionally, the new processor is compatible with Z790 and Z690 motherboards; however, an updated BIOS is recommended.

Thermal Velocity Boost is a feature of 11th Generation and later Intel Core chips that allows them to run faster when cool. It does this by increasing the clock frequency by 100 MHz when the temperature is below a threshold of 70°C. However, you will need a good cooling solution to get the most out of it.

This release comes ahead of the launch of AMD's Ryzen 9 7950X3D, which is slated for release in February. The Ryzen 9 7950X3D can reach standard speeds of 5.7 GHz and has 144 MB of 3D V-Cache technology, which allows more cache to be added to the CPU. The i9-13900KS is available starting today, with a suggested starting price of $699.

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