Intel is readying a curious-looking "KF" brand extension for key SKUs of its 9th generation Core "Coffee Lake Refresh" family. These SKUs include the Core i9-9900KF, the Core i7-9700KF, Core i5-9600KF, and the Core i3-9350KF. The source revealing slides from a GIGABYTE internal presentation mentioning these doesn't explain what "KF" means, but we've heard rumors on what "KF" could mean. The "K" in KF denotes that the processor features an unlocked base-clock multiplier. No points for guessing that one. The "F," however, could indicate a disabled or physically absent iGPU.This won't be the first time that Intel has launched variants of its mainstream desktop premium SKUs with disabled iGPUs. Intel's reasons for doing so with "Coffee Lake Refresh" could be many, including harvesting dies with defective iGPU components. Physically absent iGPUs could only make sense from the perspective of increasing yields per wafer, as the dies could be around 15% smaller for the 8-core silicon, and 25% smaller for the 6-core silicon. It doesn't make sense from a purely TDP-optimization perspective, because Intel processors are capable of power-gating (and not just clock-gating) user-disabled iGPUs.

25 Comments on Intel Readies "KF" Variants of Key 9th Gen Core Desktop SKUs

#1 phanbuey

probably to compete price wise with Zen 2... preemptive move. these will be sitting at $350 in no time Posted on Dec 2nd 2018, 23:59 Reply

#2 king of swag187

If they just sold the high end CPU's without iGPU's, any of the modern ones without them, they would be cheaper IMO as they wouldn't have to bin for it Posted on Dec 3rd 2018, 1:18 Reply

#3 StrayKAT

king of swag187 If they just sold the high end CPU's without iGPU's, any of the modern ones without them, they would be cheaper IMO as they wouldn't have to bin for it Uh, well my HEDT chip does just that.



This is just further destruction of their own product lines (then again, that might be a good thing. They have too many product lines as it is). First, the 8 core Ryzen forced their consumer chips to go with 8 cores (which HEDT already did), and now this. Uh, well my HEDT chip does just that.This is just further destruction of their own product lines (then again, that might be a good thing. They have too many product lines as it is). First, the 8 core Ryzen forced their consumer chips to go with 8 cores (which HEDT already did), and now this. Posted on Dec 3rd 2018, 1:23 Reply

#4 Upgrayedd

Well would you look at this.. Just the other day on here I was told to stop whining and go buy a $800 HEDT CPU because I wanted a mainstream CPU unlocked without the widely unused iGPU that may actually end up costing less because of die space. Posted on Dec 3rd 2018, 1:32 Reply

#5 randomUser

It will cost less for Intel, not you - the customer. Posted on Dec 3rd 2018, 2:26 Reply

#6 R0H1T

0 chance atm this costs less to the end user, with the much publicized supply constraints & Intel limiting supply for DIY builds ~

www.guru3d.com/news-story/intel-cuts-off-diy-desktop-processor-supply-chain-deliveries-for-q4-2018.html Yup there'schance atm this costs less to the end user, with the much publicized supply constraints & Intel limiting supply for DIY builds ~ Posted on Dec 3rd 2018, 2:35 Reply

#7 First Strike

There is almost zero possibility that the iGPU will be physically absent. It would be crazy for Intel to introduce three new die variant for (a generation that is going to be dropped in half a year) and (a process node which is going to be dropped in a year or so) on top of four existing MSDT die variant when they are already in a production hell. They didn't do it on 8th-gen, nor did they do this on 7th-gen. Posted on Dec 3rd 2018, 2:54 Reply

#8 R0H1T

The IGP will most likely be disabled, it'd be crazy to make yet another die for a relatively low volume (albeit high margin) part. Posted on Dec 3rd 2018, 2:59 Reply

#9 Upgrayedd

randomUser It will cost less for Intel, not you - the customer. R0H1T Yup there's 0 chance atm this costs less to the end user, with the much publicized supply constraints & Intel limiting supply for DIY builds ~

www.guru3d.com/news-story/intel-cuts-off-diy-desktop-processor-supply-chain-deliveries-for-q4-2018.html So what would make a customer buy the KF part over the K part if they are the same price but have no iGPU...what you two are saying makes absolutely zero sense...lets see..2 products and 1 price, why would I choose the lesser product if it doesn't cost less? So what would make a customer buy the KF part over the K part if they are the same price but have no iGPU...what you two are saying makes absolutely zero sense...lets see..2 products and 1 price, why would I choose the lesser product if it doesn't cost less? Posted on Dec 3rd 2018, 3:28 Reply

#10 R0H1T

It would make sense if the KF parts sell at a fair discount to the K parts, assuming Intel's MSRP is also substantially lower. But we already know what the K parts are selling for, so with an artificial shortage (& inflated prices) how would these chips make sense for any or everyone out there? Are Intel going to be making a new die for this, if not then their margins & profits also go down! We all know that doesn't sit well with the investors or Intel. There's also anecdotal evidence that the IGP is useful, I remember people touting the benefits of one when comparing it against Zen.



The KF could well be a China only part for all we know, so to summarize ~ atm there's simply no room for this chip in Intel's haywire stack. Posted on Dec 3rd 2018, 3:48 Reply

#11 Vya Domus

StrayKAT They have too many product lines as it is Not only that but they used to have too many products inside of every segment. They had 3 different SKUs for i3s and Pentiums, that's nuts. Not only that but they used to have too many products inside of every segment. They had 3 different SKUs for i3s and Pentiums, that's nuts. Posted on Dec 3rd 2018, 5:40 Reply

#12 Midland Dog

its to save die space not power, expect worse thermals as there will be less area to dissipate heat as the die will be smaller Posted on Dec 3rd 2018, 6:41 Reply

#13 Pewzor

Upgrayedd Well would you look at this.. Just the other day on here I was told to stop whining and go buy a $800 HEDT CPU because I wanted a mainstream CPU unlocked without the widely unused iGPU that may actually end up costing less because of die space. Well you could've have just got a Ryzen which is auto unlocked, supports ecc and without a widely unused iGPU, but yea for the specials that has to be an Intel then yes they are right in telling you to go buy a Intel's lulHEDT. Intel could barely keep 9900k from melting thru the socket, so release cpus that doesnt have an iGPU could also help with the thermals, and it's a good idea to get more money from the sheep this way too.

People with a 8700k will have 1 more reason to upgrade if they could get a cheaper and much more energy efficient 9700k and such otherwise there's almost zero reason for people to upgrade.



Also I don't think it would be $50 dollars cheaper, it should be more along the line of $20 to $30 cheaper. Well you could've have just got a Ryzen which is auto unlocked, supports ecc and without a widely unused iGPU, but yea for the specials that has to be an Intel then yes they are right in telling you to go buy a Intel's lulHEDT. Intel could barely keep 9900k from melting thru the socket, so release cpus that doesnt have an iGPU could also help with the thermals, and it's a good idea to get more money from the sheep this way too.People with a 8700k will have 1 more reason to upgrade if they could get a cheaper and much more energy efficient 9700k and such otherwise there's almost zero reason for people to upgrade.Also I don't think it would be $50 dollars cheaper, it should be more along the line of $20 to $30 cheaper. Posted on Dec 3rd 2018, 7:16 Reply

#14 qcmadness

First Strike There is almost zero possibility that the iGPU will be physically absent. It would be crazy for Intel to introduce three new die variant for (a generation that is going to be dropped in half a year) and (a process node which is going to be dropped in a year or so) on top of four existing MSDT die variant when they are already in a production hell. They didn't do it on 8th-gen, nor did they do this on 7th-gen. I don't think Intel will go with 7 die variants. Maybe another one die variant (8c without iGPU) for more dies per wafer. I don't think Intel will go with 7 die variants. Maybe another one die variant (8c without iGPU) for more dies per wafer. Posted on Dec 3rd 2018, 7:30 Reply

#15 Upgrayedd

Pewzor Well you could've have just got a Ryzen which is auto unlocked, supports ecc and without a widely unused iGPU, but yea for the specials that has to be an Intel then yes they are right in telling you to go buy a Intel's lulHEDT. Intel could barely keep 9900k from melting thru the socket, so release cpus that doesnt have an iGPU could also help with the thermals, and it's a good idea to get more money from the sheep this way too.

People with a 8700k will have 1 more reason to upgrade if they could get a cheaper and much more energy efficient 9700k and such otherwise there's almost zero reason for people to upgrade.



Also I don't think it would be $50 dollars cheaper, it should be more along the line of $20 to $30 cheaper. what's auto unlocked? what's auto unlocked? Posted on Dec 3rd 2018, 7:45 Reply

#16 Darmok N Jalad

Upgrayedd So what would make a customer buy the KF part over the K part if they are the same price but have no iGPU...what you two are saying makes absolutely zero sense...lets see..2 products and 1 price, why would I choose the lesser product if it doesn't cost less? These look to be enthusiast-level SKUs by also being unlocked, so they probably won’t have an iGPU counterpart with the same specs. Curious if they are shoehorning the HDET model somehow into the existing consumer sockets. New silicon takes a long time to develop, and I don’t think the HDET models actually need the extra pin out if the 9900K is any indication. These look to be enthusiast-level SKUs by also being unlocked, so they probably won’t have an iGPU counterpart with the same specs. Curious if they are shoehorning the HDET model somehow into the existing consumer sockets. New silicon takes a long time to develop, and I don’t think the HDET models actually need the extra pin out if the 9900K is any indication. Posted on Dec 3rd 2018, 7:46 Reply

#17 TheinsanegamerN

I cant wait for all the commenters that will not STFU about how horrible the power-gated iGPU is to buy one of these and find out, surprise surprise, they dont OC any better. :laugh::roll::laugh:



HDET has existed for these people for years, they just dont want to pay more for the special iGPU less die. Posted on Dec 3rd 2018, 8:36 Reply

#18 Pewzor

Upgrayedd what's auto unlocked? It got auto corrected. It's "already" unlocked.

But yes just like I said you can either get fked and get an Intel HEDT or buy any non-APU Ryzens.

For special snowflakes that wants a Ryzen-like Intel processor can feel free to shell out more for Intel HEDT, Intel shareholders will love you long time.



Also I fail to see Intel retooling their fabs which is already having supply issues to take out the iGPU, which also means having physically different die for each SKU...

Or maybe Intel is testing something for their future line up where their 10nm will have yield issues so they might exclude iGPU as default following AMD SKUs. It got auto corrected. It's "already" unlocked.But yes just like I said you can either get fked and get an Intel HEDT or buy any non-APU Ryzens.For special snowflakes that wants a Ryzen-like Intel processor can feel free to shell out more for Intel HEDT, Intel shareholders will love you long time.Also I fail to see Intel retooling their fabs which is already having supply issues to take out the iGPU, which also means having physically different die for each SKU...Or maybe Intel is testing something for their future line up where their 10nm will have yield issues so they might exclude iGPU as default following AMD SKUs. Posted on Dec 3rd 2018, 9:45 Reply

#19 Upgrayedd

Pewzor It got auto corrected. It's "already" unlocked.

But yes just like I said you can either get fked and get an Intel HEDT or buy any non-APU Ryzens.

For special snowflakes that wants a Ryzen-like Intel processor can feel free to shell out more for Intel HEDT, Intel shareholders will love you long time.



Also I fail to see Intel retooling their fabs which is already having supply issues to take out the iGPU, which also means having physically different die for each SKU...

Or maybe Intel is testing something for their future line up where their 10nm will have yield issues so they might exclude iGPU as default following AMD SKUs. GD troll much? Get banned on WCCF or something? or are you just that hard for AMD? GD troll much? Get banned on WCCF or something? or are you just that hard for AMD? Posted on Dec 3rd 2018, 17:03 Reply

#20 Pewzor

Upgrayedd GD troll much? Get banned on WCCF or something? or are you just that hard for AMD? Not really but easily triggered fanboys are the funniest to piss off especially when they are stupid enough to not able to see outside Intel's little box and unable to take facts that damages their Intel or lack thereof ness. Not really but easily triggered fanboys are the funniest to piss off especially when they are stupid enough to not able to see outside Intel's little box and unable to take facts that damages their Intel or lack thereof ness. Posted on Dec 3rd 2018, 17:15 Reply

#21 StrayKAT

Pewzor Not really but easily triggered fanboys are the funniest to piss off especially when they are stupid enough to not able to see outside Intel's little box and unable to take facts that damages their Intel or lack thereof ness. This site doesn't even have fanboys afaik. I only ever hear it when you guys mention it. But never actually see the fights. It sounds like outside drama to me.



HEDT user here btw.. but by no means a fanboy. I'm running it with a Vega atm.. and have had AMD cpus as well. This site doesn't even have fanboys afaik. I only ever hear it when you guys mention it. But never actually see the fights. It sounds like outside drama to me.HEDT user here btw.. but by no means a fanboy. I'm running it with a Vega atm.. and have had AMD cpus as well. Posted on Dec 3rd 2018, 17:27 Reply

#22 Upgrayedd

Pewzor Not really but easily triggered fanboys are the funniest to piss off especially when they are stupid enough to not able to see outside Intel's little box and unable to take facts that damages their Intel or lack thereof ness. cool pun, passive aggressively calling me stupid? lol so you're just here to piss people off and call them names? Can we get an IP ban? StrayKAT This site doesn't even have fanboys afaik. I only ever hear it when you guys mention it. But never actually see the fights. It sounds like outside drama to me.



HEDT user here btw.. but by no means a fanboy. I'm running it with a Vega atm.. and have had AMD cpus as well. ikr.. 2200G in another system but I'm a stupid easily triggered fanboy who is funny to piss off I guess lol cool pun, passive aggressively calling me stupid? lol so you're just here to piss people off and call them names? Can we get an IP ban?ikr.. 2200G in another system but I'm a stupid easily triggered fanboy who is funny to piss off I guess lol Posted on Dec 3rd 2018, 17:37 Reply

#23 95Viper

Hello, everyone!

Stay on topic.

Stop the bickering. (You know who you are.)



Thank You, Have a Nice Day! Posted on Dec 3rd 2018, 18:06 Reply

#24 Midland Dog

95Viper Hello, everyone!

Stay on topic.

Stop the bickering. (You know who you are.)



Thank You, Have a Nice Day! reviving a dead thread but yeah i agree, what is this wccftech lol reviving a dead thread but yeah i agree, what is this wccftech lol Posted on Dec 14th 2018, 23:24 Reply