Intel’s latest desktop processor, the Core i9-14900KS, is currently the record-breaking fastest processor in the world. However, if you want Actually If you drive that fast, you’ll have to make some serious changes – and that will void your warranty.
But what if you could tweak a CPU to run faster? without void the warranty? Well, Intel just allowed a handful of select PC manufacturers to do just that.
Because the 14900KS is so powerful, it runs hot and sucks power – that’s part of the reason why you won’t see it on our list of the best processors. That’s why Intel has made a special deal with PC builders like Maingear, allowing them to partially dismantle the chip and apply a third-party cooling solution directly to the CPU chip, all while maintaining the original Intel warranty.
This process is called “delidding” by CPU overclocking enthusiasts. It basically involves carefully removing the sheet of metal that sits on top of the silicon and acts as a heat spreader (the ‘lid’), allowing you to attach your own cooling system. You don’t normally see delidded chips in off-the-shelf PCs, but Intel’s temporary new deal allows manufacturers to create custom cooled systems that squeeze as much performance out of the 14900KS as possible.
An intriguing move by Intel
Such PCs are already for sale – Maingear’s flagship MG-1 custom desktop can already be configured with a removed 14900KS for an additional $200 over the regular chip, with Maingear promising “better performance and cooling” for the custom CPU.
While Intel has historically allowed overclocking with third-party software, this is the first time Intel has allowed third-party companies to really interfere with their processors in this way – and with warranty support, no less. Removing a chip comes with inherent risks to the hardware, so the deal Intel has struck likely includes the PC makers taking on at least some of the risk. Still, it’s quite exciting to see; this could pave the way for distributed CPUs in more pre-built desktop systems, increasing the speed and thermal performance of the PCs we can buy.
Unfortunately for PC building enthusiasts, Intel’s goodwill in this area doesn’t extend to individuals. Popular tech YouTuber der8auer lamented this in a recent video review of the 14900KS, noting that it’s something he’s never seen before, but “it doesn’t count for us normal consumers.” However, he goes on to say that the process is “pretty cool,” and that he hopes Intel will start selling off-the-shelf chips for enthusiasts in the future.
As for ‘normal consumers’, some of my usual PC building advice has just been turned on its head. As a rule of thumb, I generally say that pre-builds are for convenience, while custom builds are for performance. But if you can actually get it better performance of the CPU in a pre-built PC without losing your warranty, this rule is void.
If you’re an overclocking fanatic who doesn’t care about warranties anyway, make sure you have the coolant of your choice ready, because the 14900KS is the new big thing in town.