What does F stand for Intel?

Q: What does F mean processor?

The generally accepted wisdom is that the F suffix denotes a processor which doesnt have integrated graphics at its disposal. Within the processors listed, the integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630 (GT2) iGPU will be either absent or disabled.

Q: What does the F mean in i5 10400f?

As denoted by the F suffix in its name, the Intel Core i5-9400F belongs to a new breed of processors that come with a disabled iGPU (Integrated Graphics Processing Unit). In the case of this model, that would be the Intel UHD Graphics 630 unit.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.

Table of Contents Show

What Is K vs. KF. vs. F?
CPU Suffix Examples
Look Up an Intel CPU
Benefits of Integrated Graphics
Which Processor Types Are Cheaper?
Which Processor Type Is Better for Gaming?
Are K Processors Better for Gaming?
Are K or KF Processors Better for Gaming?
Can You Enable XMP With Locked Processors?
When Should You Buy a K, KF, or F CPU?
Other Considerations When Building a PC
What does F mean processor?
What does the F mean in i5 10400f?
What is F and KF in Intel?

Find out how Intel CPUs are named. Do some perform better than others?

Are you wondering the difference between an Intel processor ending in K, such as the Intel Core i9 12900K, and a processor ending in KF, such as the Intel Core i9 12900KF?

This article will cover these common Intel processor name suffixes and suggest which processor type will better fit your needs.

What Is K vs. KF. vs. F?

Processor Name Suffix	Meaning
K	"K" means it's an unlocked CPU. Unlocked CPUs have configurable frequencies and thus support overclocking. Your motherboard must support overclocking to overclock unlocked CPUs. Motherboards with Z-series chipsets (e.g., Z690) typically support overclocking.
F	"F" means it requires discrete graphics. In other words, it doesn't have integrated graphics (basically a GPU built into the processor), thus requiring a standalone graphics card.

The suffixes can be combined. For example, if a CPU's name ends in KF, it is both unlocked and has no integrated graphics.

To use the integrated graphics (in CPUs without an F suffix), your motherboard must have video output capabilities such as an HDMI port.

Find the Intel 12900K on Amazon (affiliate link).
Find the Intel 12700KF on Amazon (affiliate link).
Find the Intel 12700K on Amazon (affiliate link).
Find the Intel 12600K on Amazon (affiliate link).

CPU Suffix Examples

Here are some examples of CPU suffixes for 11th and 12th generation CPUs:

Example Processor	Unlocked	Integrated Graphics
Core i9 12900K	Yes	Yes
Core i9 12900KF	Yes	No
Core i9 11900F	No	No

Look Up an Intel CPU

Want to learn about an exact Intel CPU model? Find it on TechReviewer:

Intel Core i9-12900KF Check Price on Amazon Amazon Affiliate Link

Benefits of Integrated Graphics

The integrated graphics of non-F suffixed CPUs provides a few benefits:

It allows you to use the computer for basic tasks without needing a graphics card
It will enable you to connect additional monitors without competing with a separate graphics card's resources
It allows you to troubleshoot your computer without needing to install a graphics card
It includes support for Intel Quick Sync Video, which is dedicated hardware that can speed up the encoding and decoding of video content

Which Processor Types Are Cheaper?

Unlocked processors (K suffix) and processors with integrated graphics (non-F suffix) will theoretically have a higher price. However, depending on the available supply of each type of CPU, they may have a similar price.

Which Processor Type Is Better for Gaming?

Suppose you are planning to use a new computer for modern games. In that case, you should plan on getting a standalone graphics card rather than rely on integrated graphics. For the reasons listed above, you can still benefit from having support for integrated graphics (non-F suffix), even if you are using a separate graphics card.

Aside from potential price differences, there are no drawbacks to integrated graphics support (non-F suffix).

Are K Processors Better for Gaming?

Assuming an otherwise equivalent processor, the unlocked processors can be better for gaming if you plan to overclock your computer.

However, suppose you don't plan to take advantage of overclocking the processor. In that case, the unlocked processor will provide no benefits.

Are K or KF Processors Better for Gaming?

Assuming an otherwise equivalent processor, processors with and without discrete graphics support should perform about the same when using the same graphics card.

The only difference would be the addition of dedicated video encoding/decoding hardware (Intel Quick Sync). However, that is not something that many games would use. A dedicated graphics card can typically perform video encoding/decoding tasks just as well.

Can You Enable XMP With Locked Processors?

XMP, which helps set memory speeds and timings automatically, can be enabled even without an unlocked processor. Motherboard support is required for XMP, but you can make similar memory configurations manually.

When Should You Buy a K, KF, or F CPU?

This decision is typically made based on cost and features.

If all variations are at the same price point, go with a K processor, which supports the most features.

Processors with an F suffix (no integrated graphics) will typically have a lower price.

Processors with a K suffix (unlocked) will typically have a higher price.

Other Considerations When Building a PC

Want to brush up on other new technologies to consider when building a computer? Check out these articles:

What does F mean processor?

The generally accepted wisdom is that the 'F' suffix denotes a processor which doesn't have integrated graphics at its disposal. Within the processors listed, the integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630 (GT2) iGPU will be either absent or disabled.

What does the F mean in i5 10400f?

As denoted by the "F" suffix in its name, the Intel Core i5-9400F belongs to a new breed of processors that come with a disabled iGPU (Integrated Graphics Processing Unit). In the case of this model, that would be the Intel UHD Graphics 630 unit.

What is F and KF in Intel?

Intel CPU Terminology – What Do the Suffixes K, F, and KF Mean? Intel F Processors – No Onboard Graphics. Intel K Processors – Overclocking Galore. Intel KF Processors – Overclocking But No iGPU. Intel CPUs With No Markings.