We've tracked the possibility of GPU-disabled 9th generation Core "Coffee Lake Refresh" processors since early December with a Q1-2019 launch target. Some of these chips are already surfacing on retailers, with Norwegian and Finnish online stores listing four chips: the Core i9-9900KF, the i7-9700KF, i5-9600KF, and the i5-9400F. There's no sign of the quad-core i3-9350KF. As mentioned earlier, these are processors with their integrated graphics either disabled or physically absent. The "KF" extension indicates that in addition to lacking an iGPU, these chips feature an unlocked base-clock multipler. The i5-9400F, on the other hand, has a locked multiplier and lacks an iGPU.The clock-speeds of the i9-9900KF, i7-9700KF, and i5-9600KF appear identical to their iGPU-equipped siblings, with the i9-9900KF featuring 3.60 GHz nominal and 5.00 GHz Turbo Boost, the i7-9700KF featuring 3.60 GHz nominal and 4.90 GHz Turbo Boost, and i5-9600KF featuring 3.70 GHz nominal with 4.70 GHz Turbo Boost. The i5-9400F is an interesting chip, it is speed-bump over the popular i5-8400, with 2.90 GHz nominal and likely 4.20 GHz Turbo Boost. Besides slightly increase clock speeds, you get hardware fixes to certain security vulnerabilities Intel addressed with the 9th generation. The prices of these chips are off the scale, and nothing really worth mentioning.

49 Comments on Four 9th Gen Core "KF" Processor Models Get Listed

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#1 Arrakis9

it's probably just the same chip with the gpu disabled + firmware update. Posted on Dec 22nd 2018, 4:22 Reply

#2 ypsylon

Intel seems to move along the same lines as car manufacturers. Let me explain. (disclaimer: not really good with cars or model names, just the general idea)



OK, everybody knows what Porsche 911 is. Good example. You go to the showroom and say: I want to buy 911. Sure what model? And then you have many models to choose from. Certainly most will take classic 911, with all bells and whistles your wallet can afford (or not if you live permanently on debit, but that's your problem :P). Anyway.... but there will be 0.1% of customers which will say - No! I want track version GT98whatever-no-frills-no-bells version. And VW/Porsche will say sure, why not. Then they take normal 911, remove and strips down everything you may need in a car, fit in roll-cage and then charge say 100k$ more for that version, just so user can drive 10km/h faster on a track.



And now we have Intel. 9900K is stupidly overpriced already, but then they come-up with KF which doesn't have iGPU (poo we all agree on that) and charge even more? o_O Posted on Dec 22nd 2018, 4:58 Reply

#3 the54thvoid

Wait, are they charging more? Posted on Dec 22nd 2018, 5:58 Reply

#4 Mats





Only way to analyze the price is to compare with other prices in Norway. Seems like it's about the same, given that prices usually drops a bit after the parts become available.

From a customer perspective I don't see the point.Only way to analyze the price is to compare with other prices in Norway. Seems like it's about the same, given that prices usually drops a bit after the parts become available. Posted on Dec 22nd 2018, 6:33 Reply

#5 ShurikN

the54thvoid Wait, are they charging more? Until it comes to a large US retailer we wont know. Until it comes to a large US retailer we wont know. Posted on Dec 22nd 2018, 8:33 Reply

#6 theoneandonlymrk

Surely there is some kind of plus to buying one , a bit cheaper ,more pciex lanes free, boost clocks higher ,something. Posted on Dec 22nd 2018, 8:38 Reply

#7 EarthDog

I think part of the allure here to this chip may bring better temps and overclocking since the iGPU isnt there/disabled? I'd imagine few use it on this class of chip in the first place so to me it makes sense....especially if it is a bit cheaper. Posted on Dec 22nd 2018, 8:43 Reply

#8 theoneandonlymrk

EarthDog I think part of the allure here to this chip may bring better temps and overclocking since the iGPU isnt there/disabled? I'd imagine few use it on this class of chip in the first place so to me it makes sense....especially if it is a bit cheaper. yeah i see that as fair enough but a price cut would help them sell and the buyer get that Dgpu, but if the Igpu isnt using pciex lanes then why not the consumer use them, it would also be a USP , more pciex lanes that is. yeah i see that as fair enough but a price cut would help them sell and the buyer get that Dgpu, but if the Igpu isnt using pciex lanes then why not the consumer use them, it would also be a USP , more pciex lanes that is. Posted on Dec 22nd 2018, 8:47 Reply

#9 FreedomEclipse

~Technological Technocrat~ ypsylon Intel seems to move along the same lines as car manufacturers. Let me explain. (disclaimer: not really good with cars or model names, just the general idea)



OK, everybody knows what Porsche 911 is. Good example. You go to the showroom and say: I want to buy 911. Sure what model? And then you have many models to choose from. Certainly most will take classic 911, with all bells and whistles your wallet can afford (or not if you live permanently on debit, but that's your problem :p). Anyway.... but there will be 0.1% of customers which will say - No! I want track version GT98whatever-no-frills-no-bells version. And VW/Porsche will say sure, why not. Then they take normal 911, remove and strips down everything you may need in a car, fit in roll-cage and then charge say 100k$ more for that version, just so user can drive 10km/h faster on a track.



And now we have Intel. 9900K is stupidly overpriced already, but then they come-up with KF which doesn't have iGPU (poo we all agree on that) and charge even more? o_O as a non car person that knows a little about cars. Its not just that though. Sure they rip everything out that isnt necessary but a lot of why the cost goes up is the added materials to make it lighter... such as carbon fibre body panels etc etc Part of the time they might not even use the same engine. or if it is the same engine then its been heavily tuned with a whole manner of performance parts added, Gearbox and transmission, suspension will be different. Exhaust/muffler. engine/oil cooling... Almost everything will be different compared to the regular or classic version.





A better example would be if intel ripped out or disabled iGP to make the CPU a better overclocker. as a non car person that knows a little about cars. Its not just that though. Sure they rip everything out that isnt necessary but a lot of why the cost goes up is the added materials to make it lighter... such as carbon fibre body panels etc etc Part of the time they might not even use the same engine. or if it is the same engine then its been heavily tuned with a whole manner of performance parts added, Gearbox and transmission, suspension will be different. Exhaust/muffler. engine/oil cooling... Almost everything will be different compared to the regular or classic version.A better example would be if intel ripped out or disabled iGP to make the CPU a better overclocker. Posted on Dec 22nd 2018, 8:57 Reply

#10 EarthDog

theoneandonlymrk yeah i see that as fair enough but a price cut would help them sell and the buyer get that Dgpu, but if the Igpu isnt using pciex lanes then why not the consumer use them, it would also be a USP , more pciex lanes that is. The iGPU doesnt use pcie lanes for itself... its inside the cpu already.



What is USP? The iGPU doesnt use pcie lanes for itself... its inside the cpu already.What is USP? Posted on Dec 22nd 2018, 9:04 Reply

#11 Mats

EarthDog I think part of the allure here to this chip may bring better temps and overclocking since the iGPU isnt there/disabled? Have such CPU's ever got better clocks/temps in the past? Have such CPU's ever got better clocks/temps in the past? Posted on Dec 22nd 2018, 9:16 Reply

#12 Dave65

the54thvoid Wait, are they charging more? Of course they charge more, it's Intel and the name changed. Of course they charge more, it's Intel and the name changed. Posted on Dec 22nd 2018, 9:35 Reply

#13 EarthDog

Mats Have such CPU's ever got better clocks/temps in the past? I dont know. Offhand I cant think of any that did this and comparisons. I dont know. Offhand I cant think of any that did this and comparisons. Posted on Dec 22nd 2018, 9:42 Reply

#14 theoneandonlymrk

EarthDog The iGPU doesnt use pcie lanes for itself... its inside the cpu already.



What is USP? Unique selling point, the igpu connects in what way then , its attached to a bus via ?

Also I have not looked at recent chip's but for years the igpu was a separate die connected via mcm substrate , when did it get incorporated into the cpu die? Unique selling point, the igpu connects in what way then , its attached to a bus via ?Also I have not looked at recent chip's but for years the igpu was a separate die connected via mcm substrate , when did it get incorporated into the cpu die? Posted on Dec 22nd 2018, 10:27 Reply

#15 Mats

theoneandonlymrk Also I have not looked at recent chip's but for years the igpu was a separate die connected via mcm substrate I believe it was one year, 2010 theoneandonlymrk when did it get incorporated into the cpu die? 2011, Sandy Bridge



www.anandtech.com/show/4118/a-closer-look-at-the-sandy-bridge-die I believe it was one year, 20102011, Sandy Bridge Posted on Dec 22nd 2018, 10:34 Reply

#16 DR4G00N

EarthDog I think part of the allure here to this chip may bring better temps and overclocking since the iGPU isnt there/disabled? I'd imagine few use it on this class of chip in the first place so to me it makes sense....especially if it is a bit cheaper. Once a graphics card is installed the igpu is completely disabled anyway (ie. it no longer receives power). Well, unless you want it to run a second display or something. So I don't see the point of this unless they're just trying to sell chips with dead igpu's. Once a graphics card is installed the igpu is completely disabled anyway (ie. it no longer receives power). Well, unless you want it to run a second display or something. So I don't see the point of this unless they're just trying to sell chips with dead igpu's. Posted on Dec 22nd 2018, 10:36 Reply

#17 TheLostSwede

the54thvoid Wait, are they charging more? Not that I can tell, but it seems like "journalists" these days are too lazy to do some quick research and just copy/paste from other sites.

verkkokauppa.accountorict.fi/intel/cat-b/b21/c_36124/pi_4/pl_bybrand/s_4?ffd=l-p3710-v2146024

The 9600KF (€193+VAT) is listed at around €80+VAT less there, than the 9600K.

Although the prices seem to be all over the place right now, especially as they list the 9400F at the same price as the 9600KF.

The 9600KF is going for around €180+VAT in Denmark

This shop wants €165+VAT

Whereas this one is closer to €276+VAT

It's anyone's guess what the final pricing will be. Not that I can tell, but it seems like "journalists" these days are too lazy to do some quick research and just copy/paste from other sites.The 9600KF (€193+VAT) is listed at around €80+VAT less there, than the 9600K.Although the prices seem to be all over the place right now, especially as they list the 9400F at the same price as the 9600KF.The 9600KF is going for around €180+VAT in Denmark www.buyblue.dk/processorer/cat-c/c36124/s_1?pfd=onp-1_pvk-e3012v1255932 This shop wants €165+VAT www.yritystenverkkokauppa.fi/komponentit/cat-c/c1000020/l_en/s_14 Whereas this one is closer to €276+VAT networkx.chainshop.eu/product/details/intel/newly-added-products/bx80684i59600kf/2440349A It's anyone's guess what the final pricing will be. Posted on Dec 22nd 2018, 10:45 Reply

#18 EarthDog

DR4G00N Once a graphics card is installed the igpu is completely disabled anyway (ie. it no longer receives power). Well, unless you want it to run a second display or something. So I don't see the point of this unless they're just trying to sell chips with dead igpu's. Is it? I want aware. Typically, even with a dGPU installed there is still the option to disable it in the bios. I figured it sat in deep idle. Is it? I want aware. Typically, even with a dGPU installed there is still the option to disable it in the bios. I figured it sat in deep idle. Posted on Dec 22nd 2018, 11:16 Reply

#19 DR4G00N

EarthDog Is it? I want aware. Typically, even with a dGPU installed there is still the option to disable it in the bios. I figured it sat in deep idle. It may be handled differently on different mobo's but at least on my Z170M OCF it just doesn't initialize the GT power phases unless a display is connected to it. It may be handled differently on different mobo's but at least on my Z170M OCF it just doesn't initialize the GT power phases unless a display is connected to it. Posted on Dec 22nd 2018, 12:27 Reply

#20 Paganstomp



Intel forgot to add the "C". :D Intel forgot to add the "C". :D Posted on Dec 22nd 2018, 15:01 Reply

#21 bug

these are processors with their integrated graphics either disabled or physically absent Well, this is kind of a big deal. Because if the IGP is physically absent, the die would be smaller and thus cheaper.

Wait and see, I guess. Well, this is kind of a big deal. Because if the IGP is physically absent, the die would be smaller and thus cheaper.Wait and see, I guess. Posted on Dec 22nd 2018, 15:14 Reply

#22 Basard

ypsylon Intel seems to move along the same lines as car manufacturers. Let me explain. (disclaimer: not really good with cars or model names, just the general idea)



OK, everybody knows what Porsche 911 is. Good example. You go to the showroom and say: I want to buy 911. Sure what model? And then you have many models to choose from. Certainly most will take classic 911, with all bells and whistles your wallet can afford (or not if you live permanently on debit, but that's your problem :p). Anyway.... but there will be 0.1% of customers which will say - No! I want track version GT98whatever-no-frills-no-bells version. And VW/Porsche will say sure, why not. Then they take normal 911, remove and strips down everything you may need in a car, fit in roll-cage and then charge say 100k$ more for that version, just so user can drive 10km/h faster on a track.



And now we have Intel. 9900K is stupidly overpriced already, but then they come-up with KF which doesn't have iGPU (poo we all agree on that) and charge even more? o_O Seems accurate.... Not a car guy, but you've caught a couple episodes of Top Gear... Seems accurate.... Not a car guy, but you've caught a couple episodes of Top Gear... Posted on Dec 22nd 2018, 15:16 Reply

#23 stimpy88

Hardware fixes... Yeah, more like a firmware update, one that will be deliberately withheld from all previous models with identical architecture for "reasons", such as to make idiots think that these are actually new products, and are worth paying more money for. The sad thing is that millions of suckers probably will.



But I look forward to when a real site will actually test the so called "hardware fixes", and see what is really going on here. I don't trust Intel, they are simply taking far too long to update their architecture, and I get the feeling like they want us to all forget about what performance was like before these "fixes", so they can just brush it under the carpet, in typical Intel fashion.



Anyone wanna bet that these "hardware mitigations" are nothing more than new firmware? Just like when Intel say that a "new" CPU won't work on an old chipset or motherboard, that just has one pin different in the CPU socket, just to make sure it can't be done!



Maybe some hardware hacker will save the day. Posted on Dec 22nd 2018, 17:36 Reply

#24 R-T-B

stimpy88 Hardware fixes... Yeah, more like a firmware update, one that will be deliberately withheld from all previous models with identical architecture for "reasons", such as to make idiots think that these are actually new products, and are worth paying more money for. No. It really does fix L1 termination fault issues. It even flags to OS to stop the mitigations for it.



It fixes nothing else, but that is real. It couldn't not be real because we already have firmware fixes, and they require the OS to cooperate. It has to be hardware if it doesn't need OS-interaction. No. It really does fix L1 termination fault issues. It even flags to OS to stop the mitigations for it.It fixes nothing else, but that is real. It couldn't not be real because we already have firmware fixes, and they require the OS to cooperate. It has to be hardware if it doesn't need OS-interaction. Posted on Dec 22nd 2018, 18:53 Reply

#25 TheGuruStud

Hilarious. Intel shoved useless GPUs to everyone costing more and wasting die space while telling you to eat a big D.



2018 production issues intel: oh, look what we’re releasing, totally a new sku.



Too bad it’s not a new die. Or I’d be surprised if so. Posted on Dec 22nd 2018, 19:12 Reply