Intel what does k stand for

When it comes to the Intel Core models, you will find that they are further divided into four categories:. Overall, each subsequent CPU generation offers some sort of improvement. For example, you have the i , the i , the i , and the i , each CPU is more powerful than the last. So, the models designated with higher numbers pack more processing power and may have access to certain features that are missing from the cheaper alternatives.

That is to say, the cheapest i3 model released this year could easily outperform what used to be a top-of-the-line i7 processor several years ago. Finally, we get to the letter designations, that is, product line suffixes. Get the Insider App. Click here to learn more. A leading-edge research firm focused on digital transformation.

Good Subscriber Account active since Shortcuts. Account icon An icon in the shape of a person's head and shoulders. It often indicates a user profile. Log out. US Markets Loading H M S In the news. Antonio Villas-Boas. Intel makes it pretty easy to tell performance models against lower-end models. The number next to the 'i' after 'Core' represents the kind of overarching performance a chip has.

The first of the four numbers on Intel's Core chips represents the generation of the chip. The three following numbers after the generation number represent performance. The higher the numbers, the more powerful the chip. What the letters mean after the numbers. How the number of cores makes a difference. Loading Something is loading. Email address. But to make use of such features, you will also need a specially designed motherboard supporting overclocking and an excellent cooling system, preferably liquid cooling, as overclocking results in higher temperatures, which might be too much for some lower-end air cooling solutions.

We now move on to the KF series of processors. These chips are identical in all aspects to their K counterparts, except for the lack of integrated graphics to reduce costs. This is especially problematic if you intend to use these processors by themselves. However, if you are planning to pair such a CPU with a graphics card for gaming or content creation purposes, it might seem to be the right choice.

But by scraping the iGPU, your desktop will be running the discrete graphics continuously, which will inadvertently lead to more power consumption, higher temperatures, and a lower graphic card lifespan. Also, keep in mind that features like QuickSync used by Adobe applications will not work since they depend on the iGPU.

The F series range of processors is basically the multiplier locked version of the KF processors. Though the multiplier seems locked, it is possible to lock all cores at a high frequency and play around with the BCLK settings for a performance gain.

This will prove to be more complicated since you will need to know what you are doing, and there is the risk of corrupting your system. Nevertheless, these processors have the same boost clocks as the KF series but can sometimes have a lower base clock. Finally, we discuss the options available other than the ones listed above. The first kind of processor is the Non-K lineup of Core processors.

These processors lack overclocking capabilities but come with an integrated GPU, unlike the F series processors. These processors are best suited for light workloads, which do not make use of a dedicated graphics card. Another series of processors is the Core X series of desktop processors.