Later this year, Intel is gearing up to release its 15th Generation Arrow Lake processors, which will replace the current 14th Gen models. This launch is expected to coincide with AMD’s release of its Zen 5-based Ryzen 9000 processors. The new processors will be part of the Core Ultra 200 series, a departure from the previous Core ix naming scheme. This change was announced by Intel in June and will likely take some time for users to get used to.
One major change in the Arrow Lake CPU lineup is the rumored abandonment of Hyper-Threading. This long-standing feature of Intel CPUs allows for additional threads of work to be allocated to processor cores, thus improving performance in certain situations. However, Hyper-Threading also comes with drawbacks such as increased power consumption and temperatures. Intel’s move to abandon Hyper-Threading may be aimed at addressing these concerns, especially considering that some cores on current 14th Gen models are not Hyper-Threaded. It remains to be seen how this decision will impact performance compared to the previous generation.
With the launch of Arrow Lake, Intel will also be introducing a new processor socket – LGA1851. This means that current CPUs and motherboards will not be compatible with the new processors, requiring users to invest in a new motherboard as well. It is unclear whether older CPU coolers will be compatible with the new socket, but initial indications suggest that most should work with LGA1851. Additionally, Arrow Lake will only support DDR5 memory, signaling a move away from DDR4 support that was maintained with previous generations.
While specific details about Arrow Lake’s specifications are scarce, rumors and leaks suggest that the maximum core count for the new processors will be 24. This includes flagship models like the Core i9-14900K and 14900KS, which are expected to feature eight P-cores and 16 E-cores. The performance gains of Arrow Lake processors will primarily come from the new architecture and the use of the Intel 20A manufacturing process. Overall, Arrow Lake CPUs are expected to offer faster speeds, improved efficiency, and reduced power consumption compared to current models.
The decision to abandon Hyper-Threading and introduce a new naming scheme for Arrow Lake processors marks a significant departure from Intel’s previous strategies. It will be interesting to see how these changes impact performance and user experience when the processors are released later in 2024. With the shift to DDR5 memory and a new CPU socket, consumers considering upgrading their PCs should be prepared to invest in new hardware to take advantage of the capabilities of Arrow Lake processors. As more information becomes available, users will have a better understanding of the potential benefits and drawbacks of upgrading to the latest generation of Intel processors.
