Intel’s presence at Computex has been marked by several exciting announcements, including the upcoming expansion of its desktop processor portfolio with the next-generation Arrow Lake. This new lineup is set to deliver significant performance enhancements and introduce several notable changes.
According to industry sources, Intel plans to officially unveil Arrow Lake in September during its Innovation event, with the processors launching shortly after in October. Desktop users will have the privilege of being the first to experience these CPUs, while laptop versions will follow at a later date.
To accommodate Arrow Lake, Intel is introducing a new socket, the LGA1851, which means that existing LGA 1700 motherboards will not be compatible. However, Intel’s partners are showcasing new Z890 boards that support the new socket on the Computex show floor.
One of the key highlights of these Z890 motherboards is their support for the CAMM2 memory standard, which represents a significant departure from the familiar SO-DIMM interface. CAMM2 offers several advantages, including a thinner profile, the ability to activate dual-channel memory with just one module, and higher speeds and tighter timings. It could also serve as a viable alternative to soldered memory in laptops.
Arrow Lake CPUs will feature a combination of efficient and performance cores, utilizing Lion Cove P-cores and Skymont E-cores. The P-cores are expected to provide a 14% boost in instructions per cycle (IPC) compared to the previous generation, while the E-cores promise an even more impressive upgrade of up to 38% in IPC. Clock speeds for these cores remain unknown, but estimates suggest they could reach or exceed 5.5GHz. TDP is expected to be lower, around 80% of that found in Raptor Lake chips, which could potentially impact maximum clock speeds or overclocking capabilities.
Intel’s shift to launch Arrow Lake later than AMD’s Zen 5 processors, which are expected in July, may position Intel as an attractive option for PC builders seeking a new socket and CAMM2 memory support. As the industry awaits the official launch of Arrow Lake, the anticipation for these next-gen CPUs continues to grow.
