Intel breaks the 6GHz barrier with $699 Core i9-13900KS processor

Intel launches its fastest desktop processor yet, breaking the 6GHz barrier at standard speeds for the first time. The new Core i9-13900KS is based on the 13th generation Core i9-13900K that came close to the 6GHz barrier last year with its 5.8GHz turbo frequency. The new i9-13900KS is available in stores starting today and priced at $699.

The 13900KS is the first CPU to reach 6 GHz without overclocking, using Intel’s Thermal Velocity Boost technology to reach that 6 GHz barrier and boost PC gaming performance. However, it does it by using more electricity. The base power of the 13900K was 125 watts and Intel increased this to 150 watts on the 13900KS. At maximum turbo power it will hit just over 250 watts – just like the 13900K.

Aside from the power and turbo frequencies, the 13900KS is largely identical to the 13900K. It has the same 24 cores (eight performance cores and 16 efficiency cores), 32 threads, 36 MB of Intel Smart Cache, and 20 PCIe lanes (16 PCIe 5 and four PCIe 4 lanes).

Z790 and Z690 motherboards will support the 13900KS with a BIOS update, and retailers will begin stocking the CPU on shelves today and also in OEM systems. The recommended starting price is $699.

Intel’s latest CPU arrives just weeks before AMD launches its Ryzen 7000 X3D CPUs. AMD claims its flagship Ryzen 9 7950X3D chip will be the “ultimate processor for gamers and creators,” with promises of between 15 and 25 percent better performance in CPU-bound games at 1080p.