Tech
Intel Core Ultra Desktop: A new era in efficiency and performance
The same performance as the previous generation at half the power consumption.
Intel has unveiled via streaming its new Intel Core Ultra desktop processors to pave the way for AI-based computing with high energy efficiency. Codenamed “Arrow Lake”, these CPUs promise to revolutionize the market with a new architecture.
Efficiency without sacrificing performance
Roger Chandler, general manager of enthusiast PCs and workstations, highlighted Intel’s commitment to energy efficiency, saying that Arrow Lake will deliver comparable performance to Raptor Lake at half the power consumption. This means cooler and quieter systems, ideal for long gaming sessions or creative work.
Power in every thread
Despite reducing the number of threads from 32 to 24 compared to Raptor Lake, Arrow Lake achieves superior multi-threaded performance thanks to the power of its Skymont and Lion Cove cores. In fact, Robert Hallock, general manager of AI and technical marketing, presented data showing a 20% increase in multi-threaded performance over the previous generation and a 10-15% advantage over the competition.
Reimagined architecture
The Skymont and Lion Cove cores, previously introduced in Lunar Lake mobile processors, are the foundation of the architecture. Their scalability allows them to adapt to different power levels, from 10W in mobile devices to 250W in desktop computers. In addition, the incorporation of new instructions and optimized cache management contribute to increased IPC (instructions per cycle).
Improved visual experience
Intel has integrated XPG technology to deliver next-generation codec and display support. Arrow Lake processors are the first in the desktop market to offer hardware acceleration for Sony’s new AVC 8K codec, a feature that video professionals will especially appreciate.
Artificial intelligence for everyone
Intel is taking AI acceleration to a new level by integrating a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) into desktop processors. Arrow Lake delivers 36 TOPS of AI power by combining the NPU’s capabilities with enhancements to the CPU cores and integrated GPU. This opens up a range of possibilities for gaming, productivity applications, and security.
A complete platform for the enthusiast
Core Ultra processors require motherboards with the new LGA 1851 socket and an 800 series chipset. The platform offers Thunderbolt 4 connectivity (with the option for Thunderbolt 5), Wi-Fi 6E (with the option for Wi-Fi 7), and support for high-speed DDR5 memory. In addition, overclocking options have been enhanced to allow users to more precisely adjust frequencies and voltages.
Availability
Intel Core Ultra processors will be available starting in the first quarter of 2025, with prices ranging from $294 for the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K to $589 for the flagship Intel Core Ultra 5 245K.
Follow MeriStation USA on X (formerly known as Twitter). Your video game and entertainment website for all the news, updates, and breaking news from the world of video games, movies, series, manga, and anime. Previews, reviews, interviews, trailers, gameplay, podcasts and more. Follow us now!