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There’s no shortage of new CPUs in 2024. Whether you want something for gaming, crunching AI and ML workloads, or just for regular web browsing, chances are there’s a processor out there that matches your specific requirements.
When it comes to upgrading, Intel’s 14th-Generation processors are currently the cream of the crop from Team Blue. If you’re looking for an upgrade, here are five reasons why 14th-Generation processors from Intel might fit the bill.
Intel’s 14th-Gen CPU Lineup Explained
Now, depending on whether you’re considering upgrading your desktop or laptop, your CPU choice will differ slightly. As you’d expect, you have more options for desktop CPUs, with the entire Intel Core processor lineup getting the upgrade.
Specifications
Intel Core i9
Intel Core i7
Intel Core i5
Intel Core i3
24 (8P + 16E)
20 (8P + 12E)
14 (6P + 8E)
4 (4P + 0E)
Max Turbo Frequency (GHz)
Max P-core Frequency (GHz)
Max E-Core Frequency (GHz)
L2 Cache (MB)
L3 Cache (MB)
Max Memory Speed (MT/s)
Up to DDR5-5600 DDR4-3200
PCIe 5.0 Lanes
PCIe 4.0 Lanes
On the mobile side, Intel has its HX lineup of processors featuring five CPUs. Note that you don’t get a 14th-Gen Core i3, as the lowest processor in the mobile 14th-Gen lineup is the Core i5 14450HX.
Intel Core i9 14900HX
Intel Core i7 14700HX
Intel Core i7 14650HX
Intel Core i5 14500HX
Intel Core i5 14450HX
16 (8P + 8E)
10 (6P + 4E)
Max P-core Frequency
Up to 5.8 GHz
Up to 5.5 GHz
Up to 5.2 GHZ
Up to 4.9 GHZ
Up to 4.8 GHz
Max E-Core Frequency
Up to 4.1 GHz
Up to 3.9 GHz
Up to 3.7 GHz
Up to 3.5 GHz
PCIe Lanes
1x15 Gen5 + 1x4 Gen4 (CPU)
As you may tell, it’s a close competition, and you’ll get performance regardless of whether you pick a laptop or desktop chip. This is especially true considering Intel allows CPU, graphics, and memory overclocking on its HX series processors. However, considering the desktop lineup has way more options and lower-end i3 processors, it might be more cost-effective given your budget constraints.
Why You Should Upgrade to Intel 14th-Gen
If you’re using an older processor, it’s time to upgrade, and here’s why Intel’s 14th-Gen is the right option.
Better Performance
Intel’s 14th-Generation lineup outclasses AMD’s Ryzen 7000 series across the board. You get a higher number of threads and cores, higher max clock speeds, more versatile memory support (DDR4 and DDR5 on Intel against only DDR5 on AMD), and a much higher TDP at up to 253W for Intel and up to 170W for AMD.
These numbers translate into better real-world performance when used in a system. Overall, you can expect Intel 14th-Gen processors to perform better against AMD’s offerings regardless of whether you’re gaming, programming, dealing with complex calculations, or just going about your day.
However, AMD’s CPUs are more power efficient and won’t produce as much heat, which is one major advantage that plays into AMD’s favor and might even be areason to avoid Intel’s 14th Gen altogether. If you’re picking a laptop CPU, this can sway the decision, butIntel’s next-generation Lunar Lake chipsmight keep you with Team Blue. For now, if you’re looking at overall performance, Intel’s 14th Gen is the clear winner.
Better CPU Drivers and Software Support
Intel’s software support has been ahead of AMD since the start, and that trend continues here. CPU drivers aren’t something you update as frequently as some of the other peripherals in your system, such as the GPU, but it’s absolutely critical for them to be stable enough to run your system smoothly.
AMD Ryzen CPUs have had problems with drivers, causing everything from USB problems to security vulnerabilities that require them to update their platforms frequently. If you’re not keen on running BIOS updates to keep your PC intact, Intel is the right pick.
Additionally, one of the best things about using Intel’s CPUs is the third-party software support you get. Many programs are optimized to run on Intel CPUs, and with the new Thread Director included with 14th-Generation CPUs, that performance will be even better. That’s not to say AMD’s CPUs don’t get the same love from developers, but it usually takes a while for optimizations and software support to arrive.
Enhanced Connectivity Options
Intel’s new platforms also provide better connectivity options than equivalent AMD offerings. This makes a bigger difference for those building PCs than for those buying laptops, as the latter tend to have connectivity and ports controlled mostly by the manufacturer and form factor.
Intel providessupport for Wi-Fi 7out of the box, meaning even if you don’t have compatible routers and network hardware/bandwidth at the moment, you’re ready for it in the future. There are plenty ofreasons to upgrade to a Wi-Fi 7 routerright now as well.
Outside of network connectivity, Intel’s 700-Series motherboards also support up to 192GB memory, while AMD falls short at 128GB. Not that you’re realistically going to be using any amount of memory even close to the aforementioned figures, Intel just gives you more breathing room, not to mention support for both DDR4 and DDR5.
Perhaps the most important distinction here is that if you’re building a PC with 14th-Generation Intel CPUs, you can expect more USB 3.2 ports. For example, the Aorus Z790 Master motherboard for Intel comes with seven USB ports, while the equivalent AMD offering, the X670E, maxes out at four.
It Costs Less to Build With 14th-Gen
This might be a surprise, but Intel’s 14th-Generation CPUs are compatible with its older 600-Series motherboards. This means that if you have a 13th-Generation CPU running an older motherboard and DDR4 memory, you may just swap out the CPU and worry about the rest of the components later. On the other hand, upgrading to the latest AMD offerings will force you to buy the latest motherboards with the AM5 socket and more expensive DDR5 memory.
Now, if you’re looking for outright performance, an upgrade to DDR5 is almost certainly required. However, for those looking to get the most bang for their buck, building with 14th-generation Intel CPUs means that you can buy a cheaper motherboard and memory to get things running. High-end PC parts aren’t cheap, and having compatibility with older hardware can save you a lot of money and headaches.
Better Future Proofing
Last but not least, you’ll be more future-proof if you build a PC with Intel 14th-generation CPUs. This isn’t the case for laptop CPUs, considering there are far fewer upgrade options, but the CPU will still last you a while.
When combined with the multiple memory options, better connectivity, software support, and overall performance, you won’t feel the need to upgrade as early as you might with an equivalent AMD CPU. This does mean that you’ll likely have to invest a larger sum of money upfront in your PC, but it’ll pay off rather well in the long term.
Finally, it would be best if you also considered your upgrade path. If you’re coming from a 10th- or 11th-Generation Intel processor (or its AMD equivalent), the sheer number of options and flexibility the 14th-Gen lineup from Intel provides is unmatched.
Sure, you can save some cash by going for an older CPU, but the 14th gen is doing about as much as it can to get as many users on board. Given the wide CPU lineup, you’re bound to come across something that matches your budget while also powering your computer to satisfaction.
