Intel launches Core i9-9900KS with eight cores at 5GHz

Intel will present the Core i9-9900KS at Computex. The octa-core processor has a base clock of 4GHz and a maximum turbo speed of 5GHz on all eight cores. It is a variant of the existing Core i9-9900K, of which Intel selects the best chips for the KS version.

Intel calls the i9-9900KS a special edition processor. It is in fact the same processor as the Core i9-9900K that has been on the market since last year, but a faster clocked variant. To enable those high clock speeds, Intel selects the best chips. The naming also seems to indicate that it is a limited edition.

Intel presented the processor just before the start of the Computex trade show in Taiwan. Not all details have been announced yet; Intel has not yet said anything about the TDP and the price. Intel’s official keynote will take place on Tuesday. Perhaps the processor manufacturer will then announce more details.

Intel also recently released the Core i9-9900KF, a variant of the i9-9900K without a GPU. However, that processor has the same specifications and clock speeds as the variant with integrated GPU. The new KS version has the same GPU as the regular K version. The 5GHz processor works on existing motherboards, but according to AnandTech, a small firmware update is required.

The Core i9-9900KS is not Intel’s first processor to reach a turbo speed of 5GHz on all cores. Last year, the manufacturer introduced the Core i7-8086K in honor of the 40th anniversary of the 8086. It has the same base and turbo clock speeds as the new Core i9, but two cores less.