Intel Arrow Lake, also known as Core Ultra 200, represents Team Blue’s next generation of processors. Following the 14th-generation Meteor Lake/Raptor Lake refresh, Arrow Lake is expected to make its debut towards the end of 2024. However, this generation presents a different approach compared to its predecessors. Intel might launch Arrow Lake alongside a low-power variant, aiming to maximize its fabrication capacity. This strategy also involves a significant departure from Intel’s long-standing CPU tradition: the potential removal of Hyperthreading. While the launch date is still some time away, the details surrounding Arrow Lake remain shrouded in speculation. Nevertheless, here’s a comprehensive overview of what we know about Intel’s upcoming processor generation.
Similar to recent Intel processor generations, Arrow Lake is designed with a tile-based structure. This involves performance and efficiency cores working alongside an integrated GPU and dedicated accelerators for tasks like AI and video transcoding. While specific specifications haven’t been officially released, leaks from July suggest a breakdown across different Arrow Lake CPU series. The Core Ultra 9 series, encompassing models like the 285K and 275, is expected to feature eight performance cores, 16 efficiency cores, and four Xe graphics cores. While clock speeds may vary, these models should maintain a consistent 24 CPU core configuration. However, rumors indicate potential reductions in clock speeds by several hundred MHz compared to the previous generation. The top chip might achieve a maximum boost clock of 5.7 GHz. Interestingly, the clock speeds of the efficiency cores could see an increase, potentially offsetting the performance core reductions. This move might be a design decision or a response to the recent controversies surrounding the 13900K and 14900K instability at high clock speeds. It’s crucial to remember that clock speed is just one element of overall chip performance. AMD’s processors have consistently featured lower clock speeds than Intel’s for years, yet have remained highly competitive across various benchmarks.
The Core Ultra 7 series will include eight performance cores and 12 efficiency cores, representing a four-core increase in efficiency cores compared to the previous generation. These models will be available with or without four Xe graphics cores. The Core Ultra 5 series boasts the most configuration options, with all models expected to feature six performance cores and eight efficiency cores. This series will offer variants with and without integrated graphics, higher-end models with enhanced clock speeds, and options with reduced GPU core counts. In terms of architecture, the new chips will utilize fresh core designs. The Arrow Lake P cores are reportedly based on the Lion Cove architecture, while the efficiency cores will leverage the Skymont architecture. Rumors suggest a novel core layout, with efficiency cores clustered together between performance cores. Arrow Lake will be built on a new LGA 1851 socket design, featuring a higher pin count compared to the LGA 1700 socket used for the 12th and 13th generations. This means that a new motherboard will be required for Arrow Lake processors, eliminating the possibility of direct upgrades from PCs equipped with 12th, 13th, or 14th-generation processors. However, the new socket will maintain the same physical dimensions as LGA 1700, ensuring compatibility with existing coolers.
The new socket design introduces a new generation of motherboard chipsets, alongside the mandatory use of DDR5 memory—DDR4 will no longer be supported on Intel motherboards with this generation. Memory speed support is expected to increase, and rumors point to support for Thunderbolt 5, although confirmation is still pending. The flagship PCIe technology will remain PCIe 5. One significant change anticipated with Arrow Lake is the potential discontinuation of Intel’s long-standing Hyperthreading technology. While this was already implemented for sub-top-tier models in the 9th generation, it is rumored to be a complete removal across all models this time. This strategy aims to allow performance cores to fully optimize their performance on demanding tasks, with the multithreading capabilities typically enabled by Hyperthreading handled by the new E and LP-E cores.
Intel’s 20A process node, equivalent to 2nm using conventional naming conventions, will reportedly be used for Arrow Lake’s construction. The improved efficiency of this node may be the reason behind Intel’s decision to raise the temperature ceiling for Arrow Lake CPUs, reaching a maximum junction temperature of 105 degrees Celsius, a 5-degree increase over previous generations.
Apart from Arrow Lake, rumors suggest Intel will introduce a new Bartlett Lake design for low-end processors in 2024, utilizing the older Intel 4 3nm design. This could potentially offer a competitive alternative to AMD’s aging but still popular Ryzen 5000 generation, which continues to receive support with newer designs like the 5700X3D and the 5000 GT series. Bartlett Lake is said to be based on updated Raptor Lake silicon designs, ensuring compatibility with existing LGA 1700 platforms. It might also support DDR4 memory, potentially making it a more affordable upgrade path for Intel enthusiasts. While using an older process node and splitting the next-generation lineup might seem unconventional, this strategy aims to alleviate the pressure on the fabrication of Intel’s 20A silicon, which will be cutting-edge upon release and in limited supply. Utilizing an older design for more affordable chips could enhance availability and pricing at launch. Recent rumors from July 2024 indicate that Bartlett Lake might come in unique configurations, including a performance-core-only design with up to 12 P cores, and a more traditional P+E core design with familiar Intel configurations. While these options are unlikely to match the performance of Arrow Lake, the extension of the LGA 1700 socket is beneficial for users on existing Intel platforms, especially if they are experiencing issues with their high-end CPUs due to recent Intel controversies. The launch of Bartlett Lake is rumored to take place in January 2025.
As for Arrow Lake’s public release, Intel’s 14th-generation Meteor Lake designs were met with a lukewarm reception. To maintain its five-node-in-four-years plan, Intel is expected to launch Arrow Lake in the final months of 2024, possibly alongside or shortly after Bartlett Lake in early 2025. The latest rumors from July indicate a potential launch closer to the end of the year, possibly even as late as December, following a finalized quality assurance sample stage in September. Lunar Lake is reportedly already being sampled by laptop manufacturers, suggesting that mobile Lunar Lake processors might appear shortly after Arrow Lake’s desktop debut.
Although we lack concrete information about Arrow Lake’s performance, the combination of a new performance core architecture, a novel process node, and a higher temperature ceiling suggests impressive speed capabilities. While the rumored clock speed reductions might not be significant at these performance levels, overclocking should provide a means to recover the raw speed advantage. Claims of IPC gains are said to be around 5% for single-threaded performance and 15% for multi-threaded tasks. A new process node and other enhancements could contribute to notable performance improvements with Arrow Lake. Arrow Lake is reportedly set to introduce support for faster memory, reaching up to DDR5-6400, which should further bolster performance. The integrated graphics in Arrow Lake are rumored to utilize Xe-LPG Plus, an enhanced version of the architecture found in recent Arc GPUs and Meteor Lake integrated GPUs, suggesting some of the fastest integrated graphics yet.
Arrow Lake’s potential is exciting, and the generation holds promise as a significant advancement for Intel. However, it’s important to acknowledge that much of this information remains speculative. If you are considering a new Intel processor before Arrow Lake’s arrival, our guide to the best Intel CPUs can help you maximize your budget and choose the optimal processor for your needs.
