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Intel Core i7-14700K in a motherboard CPU socket
Beginner's guide to CPU specs

There are plenty of CPU specs to wrap your head around — let's make it a bit easier

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Your CPU is, in many ways, the heart of your PC. Sure, if you're building a gaming PC, your graphics card might steal the limelight — but the centerpiece of your build is still the processor. Your choice of CPU dictates whether you'll build on an Intel or AMD motherboard, whether you'll go with DDR4 or DDR5 RAM, and even which CPU cooler to buy. When you've got this much riding on the processor, it's imperative to understand a few key details.

Render of a generic Intel Core CPU on a motherboard
What is Intel Turbo Boost and how to take advantage of it

Intel's Turbo Boost improves your PC's performance by scaling your CPU clock speed to meet your needs

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Intel's Turbo Boost technology is a great performance-boosting feature if you want to get the most out of your CPU, offering a quick and easy way to improve your PC’s performance without needing to overclock anything. This feature, which is only available for Intel CPUs, lets your CPU adaptively change its clock speed when running intensive programs and then lower it when it's not needed.

A rumored image of the Intel i9-14000KS
The long-rumored Intel Core i9-14900KS for the LGA 1700 socket is expected to launch on March 14

The i9-14900KS could be the last of Intel’s chips to be based on the LGA 1700 socket

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Intel launched its LGA 1700 socket specifically to cater to its 12th and 13th-generation chips. At the time of its launch, it shined with its slew of features, including DDR5 RAM support, Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, and PCIe Gen 5. However, the company has been expected to move away from the LGA 1700 socket for its next series of processors. As rumors of the i9-14900KS have continued to swirl, some have questioned whether or not Intel is really done with it. Now, a supposed release date for the KS “special edition” CPU is making the rounds.

A rendering of the MSI Claw handheld
The MSI Claw will start at $700 with an Intel Core Ultra 5 and VRR support

The gaming handheld will operate with Windows 11 at launch

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The anticipation for the MSI Claw gaming handheld has grown exponentially in recent weeks, and for good reason. The device — which will feature an Intel Core Ultra processor — is expected to be a powerhouse when it drops, and not just because of its chip. The MSI Claw will have a display with a variable refresh rate of up to 120Hz, meaning it will be just as visually pleasing as it is powerful. Now, pricing details have emerged on the official MSI website, giving gamers a better idea of what they can expect to spend if they want to get their hands on a Claw.

CPU cooler mounting kit for Intel Alder Lake CPUs
CPU coolers for Intel socket LGA 1700: Everything you need to know

We're coming up to the end of the LGA 1700 socket's life cycle, but there's still some life to be had

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The LGA 1700 socket was made specifically for Intel's 12th and 13th-generation CPUs, but its life got extended when the 14th-gen Raptor Lake refresh chips were released last year, and it's the socket you see on Intel 600 and 700 series motherboards. When it came out in 2021, it put Intel firmly ahead of AMD, and even though the Ryzen 7000 and 8000 have since come out on the AM5 socket to even the score, LGA 1700 motherboards are still cutting-edge enough. If you're looking to upgrade to LGA 1700, you probably don't want to buy a new cooler, but is the one you have compatible? Here's everything you need to know about coolers for LGA 1700.

Intel Core i5-13600K
How to safely overclock your CPU: A beginners guide to unlock more performance

If you want to get into overclocking, whether for your Intel or AMD CPU, here's where to start.

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Overclocking is one of the best things you can do to improve the overall output of your CPU and squeeze that extra performance out of your PC without spending any money. Combine that with an overlocked GPU, and you may end up with a significantly better performing PC that'll yield better framerates in games, faster render times in various editing programs, and more. Most Intel and AMD CPUs out there in 2024 have a little extra performance headroom which you can safely explore without worrying about damaging them. Modern processors usually have boosting technologies included that allow for some degree of stock overclocking, but you can push them further with overclocking methods, provided you have the supporting hardware.

Hands with gloves holding a tray of Intel Meteor Lake Core Ultra CPUs
Mechrevo’s iMini Pro is expected to feature a compact Intel Core Ultra CPU

The iMini Pro from Mechrevo will debut in the first half of 2024

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A mini PC isn’t suitable in all situations, but it can be valuable if you’re looking to resolve specific issues. For instance, it might be exactly what you need if you want a PC exclusively for streaming purposes. It can also be beneficial if you’re looking to replace a large desktop with a smaller alternative, and you don’t want to compromise on features. Now, Mechrevo is planning to launch such a product in the first half of 2024, and it’s turning to Intel for its chip.

Render of a generic Intel Core CPU on a motherboard
Leak reveals Intel's new low-power Lunar Lake MX CPUs with integrated RAM

The Lunar Lake MX line is not being created for high-performance gaming

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While revealing new details on the launch of the Meteor Lake processors at its recent conference, Intel also teased the upcoming Lunar Lake line. Based on initial information, it seemed that Lunar Lake could debut as early as 2024. Now, a well-regarded leaker has taken to X (formerly Twitter) to share screenshots featuring more details on Lunar Lake MX processors.

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Intel confirms a refresh of its 14th-gen Raptor Lake CPUs at a Chinese conference

The refresh includes 65W S-series desktop variants and HX mobile chips

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Additional Raptor Lake Refresh CPUs are in the works at Intel, according to an update posted on Twitter by @wxnod on Nov. 5. A photo from a conference in Asia confirmed that more of the 14th-generation CPUs are on the way, including 65W S-series desktop variants (via Tom’s Hardware). “HX”-tagged high-performance mobile chips will also be rolled out, and the refresh won’t just pertain to the existing three K SKUs — high-performance gaming notebooks and consumer desktops will be a part of the extension, too.

Intel i9, i5, i7 14th Gen CPUs
Intel's 14th Gen desktop CPUs are a last hurrah for Raptor Lake

Intel's 14th Gen desktop CPUs are here, and they're a refresh of last year's processors in every sense of the word.

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After months of leaks and rumors, Intel's 14th Gen CPUs are finally here. If you've been paying close attention though, then you'll know these aren't the company's all-new Meteor Lake platform... no, these CPUs are a refresh of last year's Raptor Lake. That's not necessarily a bad thing, though, especially as Intel retains some pretty good pricing, particularly for the lower-tier SKUs.

The Intel Core i5-13600KF.
Intel Core i5-13600K vs. i5-12600K: Which CPU should you buy?

Choosing between the Intel Core 13600K and 12600K? We're here to help you make the right choice!

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We consider the Intel Core i5-13600K to be one of the best processors you can buy, thanks to the amazing value and performance it offers. That said, one shouldn't cast aside the older Intel Core i5-12600K, it can still hold its own in games and can be found at a discount compared to its successor. We're going to run you through how they compare on the specs sheet and in some benchmarks to help you make the right choice.

intel logo
Intel shares architecture details on the 11th-gen Rocket Lake CPU range

Intel has shared architectural and technical details of the 11th-gen Rocket Lake series of desktop processors that will launch next year.

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Earlier this month, Intel announced that its 11th-Generation desktop processors would debut early next year. But, at the time, the chipmaker had only revealed limited details about the upcoming processor family. And while the launch is still a couple of months away, we have now received new information via a press release about the architecture of the next-gen chips. The new Rocket Lake series is set to arrive by the first quarter of 2021, and it will focus on bringing more performance to gamers and PC enthusiasts.

intel logo
Intel's 11th-gen 'Rocket Lake' desktop processors to arrive by Q1 2021

Intel has officially announced that is working on a new range of desktop CPUs that could possibly arrive by March 2021. Read on to know more!

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Intel has confirmed that it is preparing to launch its next-generation of desktop CPUs by early next year. The 11th-gen Rocket Lake series is expected to be available by the first quarter of 2021 and will finally bring support for PCIe 4.0, as per the official press release. Notably, Intel had announced the 11th-gen Tiger Lake mobile processors for notebooks earlier this month.