When it comes to purchasing a new Intel CPU, there are a lot of different options on the market. For those who are looking to save a little money, you might be wondering what the difference is between an Intel K and an Intel KF CPU. In this article, we'll break down the suffixes and explain what each one means.
Intel F Processors –>> No Onboard Graphics
The “F” in an Intel F CPU stands for “no onboard graphics.” This means that if you want to use the Intel HD Graphics that are built into the CPU, you'll need to purchase a separate graphics card. For most users, this isn't a big deal since they'll probably be using a dedicated graphics card anyways. However, if you're looking to save a little money and don't need dedicated graphics, then you might want to consider an Intel K or KF CPU.
Intel K Processors –>> Great for Overclocking
The “K” in an Intel K CPU stands for “unlocked.” This means that the processor is designed for overclocking. Overclocking is the process of pushing a CPU beyond its stock speed in order to improve performance. For example, if you have an Intel K CPU with a stock speed of 3.5GHz, you might be able to overclock it to 4.0GHz or higher. However, overclocking comes with its own risks, so be sure to do your research before attempting it.
Intel KF Processors –>> Overclocking But No onboard GPU
The “KF” in an Intel KF CPU stands for “unlocked and no onboard graphics.” This means that the processor is designed for overclocking but does not have an integrated graphics processor (iGPU). If you want to use the Intel HD Graphics that are built into the CPU, you'll need to purchase a separate graphics card. However, since the processor is unlocked, you'll be able to overclock it to get even more performance out of it.
Which of these Intel CPUs are the Cheapest?
In general, the Intel F CPUs are going to be the cheapest since they don't come with an onboard graphics processor. However, if you're looking for an unlocked CPU that can be overclocked, then you'll want to choose between the Intel K and KF CPUs. Both of these options will be more expensive than the F CPUs, but they offer more features and performance potential.
Which one should I choose for gaming? K or KF?
If you're looking to build a gaming PC, then you'll want to choose an Intel K CPU. The reason for this is because you'll need to purchase a separate graphics card anyways, so there's no point in paying for an Intel F CPU when you can get an unlocked K CPU for a slightly higher price.
Summary
In summary, the difference between an Intel K and an Intel KF CPU is that the KF doesn't come with an onboard graphics processor. If you're looking to save a little money, then you might want to consider an Intel F CPU. However, if you're looking to build a gaming PC or need an unlocked CPU for overclocking, then you'll want to choose an Intel K or KF CPU.
