Intel Core 9 273PQE vs Intel Core i9-14900KS Comparison

Intel Core 9 273PQE and Intel Core i9-14900KS are both desktop processors on the Intel Socket 1700 platform, but they target different performance levels. The Core i9-14900KS is the older, higher-end part with more cores and a higher boost clock, while the Core 9 273PQE is a newer, more power-efficient option. The benchmark data shows that the Core i9-14900KS wins all 17 head-to-head tests, with the largest advantages in memory-intensive and multi-threaded workloads.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores?

A: The Intel Core i9-14900KS has 24 cores and 32 threads, while the Intel Core 9 273PQE has 12 cores and 24 threads.

Q: What is the maximum boost clock for each processor?

A: The Intel Core i9-14900KS boosts to 6.20 GHz, while the Intel Core 9 273PQE boosts to 5.90 GHz.

Q: Do both processors support the same memory types?

A: Yes, both support DDR4 and DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration.

Q: Which processor has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core i9-14900KS has an average benchmark score of 81127, compared to 66099 for the Intel Core 9 273PQE.

Q: Are both processors unlocked for overclocking?

A: No, the Intel Core i9-14900KS has an unlocked multiplier, while the Intel Core 9 273PQE does not.

Q: What is the difference in their launch MSRP?

A: The Intel Core 9 273PQE has a launch MSRP of $589, and the Intel Core i9-14900KS has a launch MSRP of $689.

Architecture Differences

The two processors share the same Intel Socket 1700 and are built on the same 10 nm process node from Intel. Both use the same per-core L1 cache of 80 KB and per-core L2 cache of 2 MB, along with a shared 36 MB L3 cache. They also both support ECC memory and integrate UHD Graphics 770.

The key architectural differences are in the core configuration and generation. The Intel Core 9 273PQE belongs to the Bartlett Lake generation, uses 12 cores and 24 threads, and has a base clock of 3.40 GHz with a boost clock of 5.90 GHz. The Intel Core i9-14900KS is from the Raptor Lake Refresh generation, uses 24 cores and 32 threads, and has a base clock of 3.20 GHz with a boost clock of 6.20 GHz.

The Core i9-14900KS has a die size of 257 mm², while the Core 9 273PQE does not have a recorded die size. The Core i9-14900KS also has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking, whereas the Core 9 273PQE is locked. Both processors use PCIe Gen 5 with 16 CPU lanes, and both support DDR4 and DDR5 memory.

The Intel Core 9 273PQE was released in 2026, while the Intel Core i9-14900KS was released in 2024. The part numbers differ as well: SA4Q9 for the Core 9 and SRN7R for the Core i9.

The Verdict

The data clearly favors the Intel Core i9-14900KS in every measured benchmark. It wins all 17 head-to-head tests, with the smallest margin being a 5% lead in PassMark single-thread tests and the largest being a 40.8% lead in PassMark random string sorting. The Core i9-14900KS also holds a 96th percentile ranking among all CPUs, compared to 93rd for the Core 9 273PQE.

The Intel Core 9 273PQE is the lower-performing option in this comparison, but it does have a lower TDP of 125 W versus 150 W for the Core i9-14900KS. It also has a lower launch MSRP of $589 versus $689. However, the Core i9-14900KS provides substantially higher multi-threaded performance, making it the clear choice for users who need maximum throughput.

For users who prioritize a more power-efficient design and are willing to accept lower performance, the Core 9 273PQE is the appropriate pick. For users who need the highest possible benchmark scores and have an unlocked multiplier for overclocking, the Core i9-14900KS is the better option.

Specification Differences

The following specifications differ between the two processors:

• Cores: 12 (Core 9 273PQE) vs 24 (Core i9-14900KS)
• Threads: 24 (Core 9 273PQE) vs 32 (Core i9-14900KS)
• Base Clock: 3.40 GHz (Core 9 273PQE) vs 3.20 GHz (Core i9-14900KS)
• Boost Clock: 5.90 GHz (Core 9 273PQE) vs 6.20 GHz (Core i9-14900KS)
• TDP: 125 W (Core 9 273PQE) vs 150 W (Core i9-14900KS)
• Codename: Bartlett Lake (Core 9 273PQE) vs Raptor Lake-R (Core i9-14900KS)
• Die Size: Not recorded (Core 9 273PQE) vs 257 mm² (Core i9-14900KS)
• Memory Bandwidth: 89.6 GB/s (Core 9 273PQE) vs Not recorded (Core i9-14900KS)
• Release Date: 2026-03-08 (Core 9 273PQE) vs 2024-03-13 (Core i9-14900KS)
• Launch MSRP: $589 (Core 9 273PQE) vs $689 (Core i9-14900KS)
• Multiplier Unlocked: No (Core 9 273PQE) vs Yes (Core i9-14900KS)
• Part Number: SA4Q9 (Core 9 273PQE) vs SRN7R (Core i9-14900KS)

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Intel Core i9-14900KS dominates every benchmark in the comparison. In Cinebench R15, it scores 5140 multi-core and 725 single-core, compared to 3950 and 557 for the Core 9 273PQE, a 23.2% advantage in both tests. Cinebench R20 shows a similar pattern: 21417 multi-core versus 16459, and 3023 single-core versus 2323, both margins at 23.1% or 23.2%.

Cinebench R23 multi-core results show the Core i9-14900KS at 50995 versus 39190, a 23.1% lead. Single-core R23 scores are 7199 versus 5532, a 23.2% gap. These consistent margins indicate the Core i9-14900KS has a uniform performance advantage across rendering workloads.

In PassMark tests, the differences vary. Random string sorting shows the largest gap: the Core i9-14900KS scores 89789 versus 53167, a 40.8% lead. Data encryption also shows a significant difference: 47717 versus 29636, a 37.9% margin. Data compression results are 803368 versus 585752, a 27.1% lead.

The smallest margins appear in single-thread tests. PassMark single-thread scores are 4815 for the Core i9-14900KS versus 4573 for the Core 9 273PQE, only a 5% difference. Extended instructions show a 14.9% gap, with scores of 45524 versus 38743. Find prime numbers results are 244 versus 198, an 18.9% difference.

Floating point math scores are 153975 versus 125546, an 18.5% lead for the Core i9-14900KS. Integer math shows 212644 versus 164629, a 22.6% gap. PassMark multithread scores are 60012 versus 46107, a 23.2% lead. Physics tests show 3381 versus 2754, an 18.5% margin.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i9-14900KS wins in all 17 benchmark comparisons. Its largest advantages are in memory-heavy workloads such as random string sorting, where it leads by 40.8%, and data encryption, where it leads by 37.9%. These results indicate a strong advantage in tasks that involve large data manipulation or cryptographic operations.

The Core i9-14900KS also shows significant leads in multi-threaded rendering workloads, with 23.1% to 23.2% advantages across all Cinebench tests. The 24-core configuration provides a clear benefit for CPU-intensive tasks like video rendering and 3D modeling.

The Intel Core 9 273PQE does not win any benchmark, but its smallest deficit is in PassMark single-thread tests, where it trails by only 5%. This suggests that for lightly threaded applications, the performance difference is modest. The Core 9 273PQE also has a lower TDP of 125 W, which could be an advantage in power-constrained systems.

For users with workloads that are primarily single-threaded, the Core 9 273PQE offers performance close to the Core i9-14900KS. For any workload that scales across multiple cores, the Core i9-14900KS delivers substantially higher performance, making it the better choice for productivity and content creation tasks.