Intel CPU Naming: K vs. KF vs. F - What's the Difference? (2024)

Are you wondering the difference between an Intel processor ending in K, such as the Intel Core i9 13900K, and a processor ending in KF, such as the Intel Core i9 13900KF?

This article will cover these common Intel processor name suffixes and suggest which processor type will better fit your needs.

The suffixes can be combined. For example, if a CPU's name ends in KF, it is both unlocked and has no integrated graphics.

To use the integrated graphics (in CPUs without an F suffix), your motherboard must have video output capabilities such as an HDMI port.

• Find the Intel 13900K on Amazon
• Find the Intel 13700KF on Amazon
• Find the Intel 13700K on Amazon
• Find the Intel 13600K on Amazon

Featured Intel 13th Gen CPUs› Intel Core i7-13700K Gaming Desktop Processor 16 cores (8 P-cores + 8 E-cores) with Integrated Graphics - Unlocked Intel Core i9-13900K Desktop Processor 24 (8 P-cores + 16 E-cores) with Integrated Graphics - Unlocked

Here are some examples of CPU suffixes for 12th, 13th, and 14th generation CPUs:

Want to learn about an exact Intel CPU model? Find it on TechReviewer:

Intel Core i9-13900K

The integrated graphics of non-F suffixed CPUs provides a few benefits:

• It allows you to use the computer for basic tasks without needing a graphics card
• It will enable you to connect additional monitors without competing with a separate graphics card's resources
• It allows you to troubleshoot your computer without needing to install a graphics card
• It includes support for Intel Quick Sync Video, which is dedicated hardware that can speed up the encoding and decoding of video content

Unlocked processors (K suffix) and processors with integrated graphics (non-F suffix) will theoretically have a higher price. However, depending on the available supply of each type of CPU, they may have a similar price.

Suppose you are planning to use a new computer for modern games. In that case, you should plan on getting a standalone graphics card rather than rely on integrated graphics. For the reasons listed above, you can still benefit from having support for integrated graphics (non-F suffix), even if you are using a separate graphics card.

Aside from potential price differences, there are no drawbacks to integrated graphics support (non-F suffix).

Are K Processors Better for Gaming?

Assuming an otherwise equivalent processor, the unlocked processors can be better for gaming if you plan to overclock your computer.

However, suppose you don't plan to take advantage of overclocking the processor. In that case, the unlocked processor will provide no benefits.

Are K or KF Processors Better for Gaming?

Assuming an otherwise equivalent processor, processors with and without discrete graphics support should perform about the same when using the same graphics card.

The only difference would be the addition of dedicated video encoding/decoding hardware (Intel Quick Sync). However, that is not something that many games would use. A dedicated graphics card can typically perform video encoding/decoding tasks just as well.

Featured Intel 13th Gen Motherboards› GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX (LGA 1700/ Intel Z790/ ATX/ DDR5/ Quad M.2/ PCIe 5.0/ USB 3.2 Gen2X2 Type-C/Intel WiFi 6E/ 2.5GbE LAN/Q-Flash Plus/PCIe EZ-Latch/Gaming Motherboard)

XMP, which helps set memory speeds and timings automatically, can be enabled even without an unlocked processor. Motherboard support is required for XMP, but you can make similar memory configurations manually.

This decision is typically made based on cost and features.

If all variations are at the same price point, go with a K processor, which supports the most features.

Processors with an F suffix (no integrated graphics) will typically have a lower price.

Processors with a K suffix (unlocked) will typically have a higher price.