Intel Core i9: Base & Turbo Speed

[Breeder]

I was looking at Intel Core i9 Rocket Lake CPUs. I'm a little confused about the base speed. Take these two processors: 11900 and 11900KF. The former is £315 and the later is £400. The 11900 has base speed of 2.5GHz and the 11900KF is 3.5GHz. I don't understand why a higher base speed is better as doesn't it mean it will run hotter and consume more power under low load. Is the 11900KF necessarily the faster processor?

I understand the 11900 has the multiplier locked and the 11900KF is unlocked but I am not interested in overclocking.

Hope someone can clarify.

[DanceswithUnix]

You are comparing a 65W cpu to a 125W cpu. So yes, the 125W cpu will be the faster one as it will get more freedom to stretch its legs, but if you are looking for a quiet machine then the extra heat may not be worth the extra performance to you.

Do check the reviews on the 11900K though, they seem pretty negative.

[Breeder]

Yeah I saw the reviews after posting. I also only found out about Alder Lake after posting as well. I've decided to wait for them to be released in November.

You are comparing a 65W cpu to a 125W cpu. So yes, the 125W cpu will be the faster one as it will get more freedom to stretch its legs, but if you are looking for a quiet machine then the extra heat may not be worth the extra performance to you.

Do check the reviews on the 11900K though, they seem pretty negative.