Intel designs x86 desktop CPUs and discrete GPUs. Their product range focuses on processors and also includes Arc GPUs; details not needed here.
Due to a large product line, Intel uses suffixes to signal capabilities, and K/KF indicates unlocked desktop parts. K = unlocked CPU with integrated graphics; KF = unlocked CPU without integrated graphics.
K/KF appear in the Intel Core desktop families across multiple generations (e.g., 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen), e.g., Core i5-12600K/KF, Core i7-13700K/KF, Core i9-14900K/KF.
Intel suffixes encode attributes: K = unlocked multiplier; F = no integrated graphics; KF combines both. Performance is typically identical; the iGPU’s presence is the differentiator.
Differences between the K, KF, and F Intel processors
When considering Intel K vs KF CPUs, the only hardware difference is the integrated graphics (iGPU). The Intel CPUs with a K at the end of their name are unlocked processors supporting overclocking on Z690/Z790 chipsets.
These K processors have integrated graphics (e.g., Intel UHD Graphics 770/730, depending on generation). Meanwhile, the KF CPUs are identical in cores, cache, and clock bins as their K counterparts but lack integrated graphics.
When running a KF processor, a KF CPU requires a discrete graphics card for display.
Intel F. Meaning
Intel processors with the F suffix are the same as their non-F counterparts except for the lack of an integrated GPU (iGPU) onboard the processor.
The Intel product line contains a lot of F series processors every generation. They are the same as their non-F counterparts, just without the iGPU in the same model.
F parts are sold without an iGPU due to binning or product segmentation, not necessarily because of a defect.
Core counts, cache, and the core clock speeds remain the same, as well as the performance, just that they require a discrete graphics card to get the display on your PC.
The F models of the Intel Core series processors tend to be cheaper (often by $10–$30 USD vs non-F in the same tier) as they lack integrated graphics. Many builders choose F/KF when using a discrete GPU. The F suffix alone does not indicate an unlocked multiplier; only ‘K’ does.
Intel K. Meaning
Intel CPUs with the K suffix are unlocked processors that can be overclocked on Z690/Z790 chipsets for more performance. They come with onboard integrated graphics as well (typically Intel UHD Graphics 770/730, generation-dependent).
An example of a K processor would be an Intel Core i7-13700K, one of this generation’s best-performing CPUs. Effective CPU frequency equals BCLK (≈100 MHz) × multiplier.
The base clock is measured in megahertz (MHz), and the multiplier scales the resulting GHz.
Turbo Boost raises multipliers dynamically within power/thermal limits; sufficient VRM delivery and cooling are required to sustain high clocks, otherwise the CPU will throttle.
For instance, the CPU’s speed becomes 3.8 GHz (3800 MHz), if the BCLK is 100 MHz and the clock speed multiplier is 38.
Since the K-series processors come with an unlocked multiplier, raising the multiplier from 38 to 45 sets 100×45 = 4.5 GHz.
Intel KF Meaning
The Intel KF processors are functionally the same as their K counterparts, with the same core count, clock frequency, unlocked multiplier, base frequencies, and boost frequencies.
The only difference is that they lack an integrated GPU (iGPU) and require a discrete GPU for video output.
They are typically $10–$30 USD cheaper than the K CPUs as well. The KF series processors are an attractive choice for gamers as performance is the same when paired with the same discrete GPU.
Choose KF when a discrete GPU is guaranteed, as a KF CPU is unlocked and has the same processing power as a K variant processor. Gamers usually go with a discrete graphics card in their PC build for the best game performance.
They can also be used for video editing, just like the K-series, but there is a trade-off: there is no iGPU fallback if the discrete GPU fails.
More Suffixes and their meanings
Besides the K and KF CPUs, Intel desktop (S-series) and mobile processors use suffixes to signal power class and features (in contrast to K/KF = unlocked desktop; F/KF = no iGPU).
Intel H Meaning
If you come across an Intel processor with the H suffix at the end of its name, then it’s H = high-performance mobile (typically ~45 W base power); often 6–14 cores and commonly paired with a discrete GPU (e.g., Core i7-12700H).
HK
The Intel CPUs with the HK suffix at the end are HK = H-class mobile, unlocked for overclocking (typically ~45 W base power; e.g., Core i9-12900HK).
HQ
The Intel processor, which contains the HQ suffix, is a HQ (older generations) = high-performance mobile, originally quad-core; later replaced by H/HX (e.g., Core i7-7700HQ).
U
The Intel CPU, which has a U suffix at the end, is a U = ultra-low-power mobile (typically ~9–15 W base power) (e.g., Core i7-8650U).
S
The S suffix at the end of a processor means it’s an S = performance-optimized 65 W desktop variant (historical usage); “KS” = special-edition high-bin desktop (e.g., 9900KS, 13900KS) with higher turbo bins.
X/XE
The processors containing the suffix X are X/XE = HEDT/Core X-series on LGA2066, quad-channel memory, more PCIe lanes, unlocked (e.g., Core i9-10980XE).
Which processor type is better for gaming?
It can be quite a difficult task to decide which processor to get for gaming as there is a vast product range that Intel has launched over the years that are capable of gaming. You could invest in the KF CPU or get an Intel K CPU.
These are the ones that are designed for consumer markets, especially gamers, whether they are budget gamers or the enthusiast class. If you decide to get a K CPU, you gain iGPU fallback for display (if the motherboard has video outputs), and if you end up going for an Intel KF, you will be getting the same level of performance as well and save a few bucks as well.
If you have the budget, K offers integrated graphics redundancy; KF costs less without an iGPU. If you have a backup GPU on hand, then you may pick KF as they are the same as their K counterparts, but they are sold without iGPU due to binning/segmentation.
Performance in games is the same at equal cores/clocks; iGPU presence doesn’t change CPU speed. It will perform the same as the Intel K processors, and it’s cheaper as well, comparatively just that you will need to pair it with a dedicated GPU, but that’s what we gamers do anyway.
Summary
When comparing Intel CPUs such as Intel K vs KF, you need to know that there is only one key difference between the K CPU and Intel KF CPU.
The K series processors come with an onboard integrated graphics card, while the KF processors and intel f processors require a dedicated graphics card to give a video output.
This is why there is a price difference between the different processors. You need a compatible motherboard that supports overclocking on Z-series for that extra performance.
Conclusion
If you have decided to go with an Intel CPU for your PC, you should know the difference between the Intel K-series processors and other intel CPUs. I hope the article has made it clear to you. To conclude, The KF series processors are unlocked CPUs identical to their K counterparts except for the presence of integrated graphics. You can tinker with overclocking on the KF series CPUs the same as the K series processors.
You need a compatible motherboard that will help you achieve those high-boost clocks. But make sure you know what you are doing; otherwise, you might be causing instability or damage and making your PC unusable. But you should still get an intel CPU for your build. Exercising reasonable caution will let you achieve that performance boost in games.
