Intel i9 14900K @ my local Walmart in the clearance section.
Before you comment understand I have used a 12600K and an i5 14600K before I saw this monster for $297. I am slightly versed in the VMIN sift issue, the BIOS updates for the microcode applications, E-Core/ HT disabling for FPS. When i saw this I knew it had a home with me. <3 I also have a 9800X3D and now this i9 on a DDR5 Z790 platform. This i9 makes the 9800X3D look like my old i5 14600K. For me to tell the difference between the i9 and R7 9800X3D I would need a new monitor... probably a higher skill level, also a better GPU than my 3080 Ti or 9070 XT LOL and NOT be playing on 1440p :D
Plus being sealed, new in box with proof of purchase, I am pretty sure I get a 5 year warrantee. Not that I will ever need it. The BIOS on my MB was up to date from the first seat, I plan on locking the cores, setting a heavy undervolt, limiting the voltage to 1.4v, disabling HT and E-Cores all together, running a lapped 360 AIO with a Thermalright contact frame. Basically I have a chip with 8 strong P-Cores only. Temps, power and voltage stay low even under 100% load it kisses mid 70C
I couldn't be happier with it especially because my 9800X3D AMD system just... aint it. It feels sluggish after you get use to raptor lake. Sure it games fine but really I like how instant everything on this intel chip seems to operate. Reacts now... not after it thinks for a moment.