Intel Core i9-14900HX socket: BGA 1964
The Intel Core i9-14900HX uses BGA 1964, a soldered BGA for Raptor Lake-HX flagship gaming laptops with DDR5 or DDR4 and PCIe Gen5 plus PCH lanes. The 24-core chip at 55 W cannot be replaced.
- Socket
- BGA 1964
- Launched
- January 8, 2024
- Cores and threads
- 24 and 32
- Base power
- 55 W
- Codename
- Raptor Lake-HX
- Segment
- Mobile (soldered)
- Family
- Intel Core i9
- Clocks
- 2.2 / 5.8 GHz
Intel Core i9-14900HX specifications
| Cores | 24 (8 Performance-cores plus 16 Efficient-cores) |
|---|---|
| Threads | 32 |
| Core architecture | Raptor Cove P-cores and Gracemont E-cores |
| Clocks | 2.2 GHz base, up to 5.8 GHz boost |
| Cache | 36 MB Intel Smart Cache |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 55 W |
| Maximum turbo power | 157 W |
| Manufacturing process | Intel 7 (10 nm) |
| Memory support | DDR5-5600 or DDR4-3200, 2 channels, up to 192 GB |
| PCI Express | PCIe 5.0 x16 plus PCIe 4.0 x4 (20 lanes) plus PCH lanes |
| Integrated graphics | Intel UHD Graphics for 14th Gen, 32 EUs at up to 1.65 GHz |
| Multiplier | Unlocked |
| Package | BGA1964 (soldered) |
Motherboard compatibility
Intel Core i9-14900HX needs a motherboard with a BGA 1964 socket. Chipset by chipset data for this codename is not recorded yet. See the BGA 1964 chipset list and the board maker's CPU support list.
BGA 1964 at a glance
| Type | BGA, 1,964 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | n/a |
| Introduced | January 2024 |
| Memory | DDR5-5600 or DDR4-3200, two channels, up to 192 GB |
| Cooler mounting holes | Not applicable (soldered) |
What the Core i9-14900HX is
The Core i9-14900HX is a 24-core and 32-thread mobile processor that Intel launched on January 8, 2024 as the Raptor Lake-HX flagship for gaming laptops. Eight Performance-cores with 16 threads plus 16 Efficient-cores give 32 threads at 2.2 GHz P-core base and up to 5.8 GHz P-core turbo with 4.1 GHz E-core turbo. Cache is 36 MB of Smart Cache. Processor base power is 55 W with 157 W turbo for large bodies with flagship discrete GPUs.
The full 8P plus 16E die with 2 MB L2 per P-core and 4 MB per E-cluster matches desktop i9 throughput in soldered form. DDR5-5600 or DDR4-3200 SODIMM up to 192 GB feeds 24 cores plus graphics. PCIe 5.0 x16 serves the GPU while Gen4 x4 serves NVMe, with PCH lanes for extras. The multiplier is unlocked on HX for tuning where the vendor allows.
Flagship gaming and portable workstation use fit here. Twenty-four cores keep play, streaming, builds and renders together. Buyers who need thin-and-light battery over peak throughput should take U-series instead, since this HX prioritizes speed over efficiency.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The 14900HX solders to BGA 1964 with flagship dual-fan cooling for 55 to 157 W. No CPU swap exists, so the 24-core choice is permanent. Laptop firmware sets power and tuning limits per chassis and GPU pairing.
Boards use DDR5 SODIMM with MUX switches, Wi-Fi 7 and dual NVMe on premium models. Performance modes favor clocks over noise. Thunderbolt 4 controllers attach through PCH lanes.
HX shoppers compare flagships on turbo and cache. The 14900HX leads the Intel Core i7-14700HX on E-cores and peaks. The LGA, PGA and BGA: CPU package types explained guide explains soldered gaming.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
DDR5-5600 or DDR4-3200 in two channels via SODIMM up to 192 GB is the menu. Dual modules help gaming and creation. Soldered size is fixed where fitted.
PCIe gives Gen5 x16 plus Gen4 x4 plus PCH lanes. Fixed wiring means storage and Thunderbolt vary by model.
Cooling is flagship dual-fan from 55 W to 157 W peaks. No retail cooler ships with HX. Stands and vents preserve repeat 5.8 GHz behavior.
Upgrade paths
No CPU upgrade exists. The HX flagship is chosen at order time with GPU and memory. SODIMM RAM and NVMe can grow where fitted.
The next step is a whole laptop on newer HX. A working 14900HX leads mobile play for years.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Core i9-14900HX use?
It uses BGA 1964, soldered for flagship gaming laptops. The chip cannot be replaced.
How fast is the Core i9-14900HX?
Twenty-four cores and 32 threads at 2.2 GHz base and up to 5.8 GHz boost, with 36 MB of cache at 55 W.
What memory does the 14900HX support?
DDR5-5600 or DDR4-3200 in two channels up to 192 GB.
Can the 14900HX be upgraded?
No. CPU solders at the factory. RAM and storage can change where allowed.
Sources and verification
- Intel Releases 14th Gen Core HX Raptor Lake Refresh mobile processors BGA1964 14900HX 24 cores (TechPowerUp)
- Intel Core i9-14900HX BGA-1964 24 cores 55W specs (NanoReview)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .