What is the difference between the K, KS, F and KF CPUs from Intel?

Intel has been a household name for decades and is globally renowned for manufacturing CPUs (Central Processing Unit) for OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and mainstream PC consumers. Over the years, Intel has consistently produced CPUs known for their performance, reliability, and compatibility with a wide range of software and hardware platforms.

If you have built your desktop PC in the past, I’m sure you have looked at both Intel and AMD CPUs to see which option is best for your build. Whether you lean towards Intel or AMD, at the end of the day, you can’t go wrong with either CPU as long that the CPU you choose meets your requirements and fits your budget.

Once you are in the market for processors, you will come across different models from both sides. But let’s say you are more on the blue team (Intel); you will probably run into CPU models with letters like F, KF, and K. These were not part of the processor options in the past, so it might be a bit confusing initially. But worry not; we’ve got you covered here, as we have put together a guide explaining the differences between Intel’s K, KS, KF, and F processors to help demystify the whole mystery behind the Intel processor suffix.

Let’s look at the Intel F, K, KS, and KF processors and learn their differences so you can choose the right CPU for your build.

Let's begin with the most popular line of Intel processors, the K series. If you're a PC enthusiast who enjoys pushing the limits of your CPU's performance beyond its standard speed, then the K series is likely the ideal choice. The "K" suffix on Intel chips signifies that they are unlocked, meaning the CPU can be overclocked, enabling you to maximize the processor's potential. However, it's important to keep in mind that in order to unlock this feature, you will require a motherboard capable of supporting an overclocked CPU, along with a high-performance liquid cooler, such as the CORSAIR All-In-One Liquid CPU Coolers, to dissipate the thermal heat generated by the CPU effectively. Those looking to kick it old-school might opt for our A115 air cooler, instead.

Overclocking a CPU requires a deep understanding of how the CPU functions when pushed beyond its default speed. You should be familiar with the BIOS settings of your motherboard, as that's where you'll make the necessary adjustments to both the CPU and motherboard parameters to achieve a stable overclock. If you have no intention of overclocking your CPU, it's best to choose a non-K series processor. Using a K series chip at its base frequency negates the entire purpose of having a CPU with an unlocked multiplier.

It is also worth noting the K series CPUs have integrated graphics or iGPU, meaning there is a graphics processing unit built directly into the CPU. In other words, it’s a graphic solution embedded into the CPU itself, as opposed to a dedicated graphics card, like the ones you see produced by NVIDIA, AMD, and other third-party GPU manufacturers.

KS Series processors are nearly identical to K Series processors except for a higher frequency and higher TDP. However, this series is limited to Intel Core i9 processors and will require a more substantial budget due to a more limited production volume.

This series is designed for those who want to maximize performance with the fastest processor on the market. Whether for gaming, streaming, content creation, or video editing, the KS processor's capabilities are unmatched among Intel processors. Overclocking enthusiasts will also find this series particularly appealing, as these processors have been pre-trimmed by Intel to run at higher frequencies. You will be paying a premium for top-tier performance, though, so keep in mind whether the value proposition makes sense for you.

The KF series processors are essentially the same as the K processors, with the only difference being that they do not have integrated graphics. This makes them an excellent option for overclocking, and they are priced lower than the K processors. If you plan on using a dedicated graphics card in your system, which is common among PC gamers and enthusiasts, the KF series is an excellent choice. You can save money by choosing the KF series and use that extra cash to invest in high-quality PC hardware such as PSUs and DRAM.

In terms of use case, the KF processors are more than capable of handling what the K series CPUs can handle. From gaming, streaming, and content creation to video editing, they are all well within the KF CPU capability as long that you pair it with a high-performance graphics card (GPU). The KF processor is a more practical CPU solution for users who know they will use a dedicated graphics card and do not need or want integrated graphics.

Like the Intel K and KF series processors, the F series chips are also considered mainstream desktop processors. What separates the F series from the K and KF is the CPU’s multiplier is locked, meaning you cannot run the processor past its base frequency or advertised speed. In other words, the F series processors are not designed for overclocking like the other two. On top of its locked multiplier, the F series also does not have integrated graphics like the KF series.

Despite not having an iGPU and the multiplier being locked, the F series processors have their advantages. They are an excellent option for those PC builders on a budget. Building a PC nowadays is not cheap, so spending less on a CPU would be helpful. It will allow you to invest more effectively in a mid to top-tier GPU. Another benefit is since the F series lacks built-in integrated graphics, hence the thermal output is more manageable compared to its counterparts with integrated graphics. This can be beneficial for energy efficiency in systems that already have dedicated GPU solutions.

• Intel processors with a “K” suffix indicate that you can overclock the CPU above its stock frequency and have integrated graphics or iGPU, meaning you don’t necessarily need a dedicated graphics card in your system to provide video output.
• Over the top "KS" series processors are a supercharged version of the "K" series processors, designed for those seeking performance at any price.
• The "KF" series processors are very similar to the "K" variants in terms of raw processing power and performance because they both have the same core architecture and have an unlocked multiplier. The only difference between the two series is the K series' integrated graphics, making the KF series slightly lower in price. With the KF series, you must have a dedicated GPU in the system to have video output.
• As for the “F” series, they are technically the same as the “KF” chips (no iGPU), but the multiplier is locked, so overclocking the CPU is not possible. And like the KF series, a dedicated graphics card is required in a PC build to have video output.

It is also worth noting that Intel's Arrow Lake Core Ultra 200 series CPUs, Intel's latest generation of desktop CPUs, have a new naming convention, but the K, KF, etc suffixes remain the same.

When considering an Intel processor, it's important to understand your needs and the differences between the available options. Take into account how much you can afford to spend and the value of the processor over time. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option that can handle basic computer tasks without needing a gaming rig, then the F series is a great choice. These processors have an integrated GPU, and the i5 variant offers even better performance. The i3 version is also available for those who are on a tighter budget. So, before making a purchase, consider your requirements and budget to make an informed decision.

If you're in the process of building your own PC, remember that there are many user-friendly online tools available to help you choose the right components. The CORSAIR PC Builder is a tool that makes the process easy and straightforward. It provides information on hardware compatibility, step-by-step instructions, and component fitment, all of which are covered in our comprehensive database that includes specs for all CORSAIR components, as well as those from other manufacturers.

Once you've got your motherboard, CPU, and GPU choices sorted, you can turn to CORSAIR for basically everything else. Cases, RAM, keyboards, headsets etc. We make it all and you can have a wander around out main website to polish off your upcoming upgrade