Intel introduced its newest lineup of cellular and desktop processors immediately at CES 2024, they usually’re in all probability not the chips you had been anticipating to observe up the Intel Meteor Lake launch again on December 14. 

Moderately than a brand new slew of next-gen AI chips like the brand new Core and Core Extremely processors, Intel is releasing one final tranche of chips from its 14th-gen Raptor Lake Refresh sequence, together with new enthusiast-grade HX-series processors for laptops and new 65W and 35W 14th-gen desktop chips designed to cater to a wide selection of computing wants. 

Lastly, Intel can be increasing its portfolio with the Intel Core cellular processor Collection 1 household, led by the Intel Core 7 processor 150U, concentrating on the very best skinny and lightweight laptop computer programs coming to market in 2024.

The Intel 14th-gen processor household is positioned to ship high-end efficiency and platform options for each fanatic and mainstream PC customers, with the HX-series processors, particularly are engineered for cellular customers who demand top-tier efficiency on the go. 

These are the chips you may anticipate to see in the very best gaming laptop computer and greatest cellular workstation fashions to drop all through 2024, and quite than incorporate a brand new neural processor unit for AI functions such as you’ll discover with Intel Meteor Lake, the 14th-gen HX chips are all about squeezing the final little bit of efficiency out of Intel’s hybrid core structure first launched with Intel Alder Lake again in 2021.

One of many stars of the HX-series is the Intel Core i9-14900HX, that includes eight performance-cores (P-cores) and 16 efficient-cores (E-cores), for a complete of 32 processing threads, promising not simply superior connectivity but additionally vital enhancements in single and multi-thread efficiency. That is additional emphasised by the as much as 5.eight GHz turbo frequency, and the Intel Core i7-14700HX’s 50% enhance in E-cores. The HX-series processors additionally assist as much as 192 GB of DDR5-5600 reminiscence and include overclocking capabilities, together with Intel Excessive Utility (XTU) and Intel Excessive Reminiscence Profile (XMP) assist.

When it comes to connectivity, the brand new processors provide Thunderbolt 5 assist with as much as 80 Gbps of bi-directional bandwidth and enhanced wi-fi options like built-in Intel Wi-Fi 6E and the brand new discrete Intel Wi-Fi 7 assist for dependable, high-speed connections.

On the desktop aspect of issues, the brand new launch contains 18 new processors, which Intel says will provide as much as 5.eight GHz turbo frequency, as much as 37% sooner multi-thread efficiency, and improved Microsoft Workplace efficiency in comparison with earlier generations. These processors additionally present backward compatibility with Intel 600- and 700-series-based motherboards and assist for as much as 192 GB of DDR5-5600/DDR4-3200 MT/S reminiscence.

The Intel Core 14th Gen processors not solely purpose to boost gaming and artistic workloads but additionally cater to numerous vertical markets. They’re designed to deal with AI and compute-intensive duties effectively, enabling innovation in fields reminiscent of schooling, healthcare, and industrial automation, although this shouldn’t be confused with the AI capabilities of Intel’s Meteor Lake processors, which as of now aren’t anticipated to launch as socket chips, however quite stay laptop computer and all-in-one desktop processors solely. 

For a socketable Intel chip with devoted AI processing through an NPU, fanatics will in all probability have to attend till Intel Arrow Lake drops later in 2024.

Along with the 14th-gen announcement, Intel additionally introduced its new Core U Processor Collection 1, together with the Intel Core 7 processor 150U, which presents as much as 5.four GHz turbo frequency, as much as 96 GB of DDR5-5200/DDR4-3200 reminiscence, and strong connectivity choices. This sequence is tailor-made for cellular programs that require a stability of efficiency and effectivity.

Total, Intel’s launch at CES 2024 supplies ample contenders for our greatest processor checklist, although essentially the most thrilling chips will seemingly be the brand new cellular HX sequence, which ought to give high-end laptops for work and play a jolt of extra efficiency earlier than Intel totally pivots itself away from the 14th-gen hybrid structure totally.

As soon as extra with feeling for Intel’s 14th-gen processors

Intel is unquestionably in a stage of transition, and its CES announcement can be a reflection of this pivot level within the firm’s processor growth. With all consideration on Meteor Lake, Intel’s new 14th-gen chips on each desktop and cellular is one thing of a clearing of the deck for Workforce Blue. For the remainder of 2024, all eyes are going to be on Meteor Lake, Arrow Lake, and presumably even Lunar Lake chips, assuming Intel can keep on with it’s plans of 5 processor generations by 2025 (whether or not Intel’s plans are inclusive of 2025 is being left intentionally imprecise, it appears; the “by” in “by 2025” is performing some very heavy lifting there).

As we begin to see Intel transfer previous the hybrid core structure that propelled Workforce Blue again on prime of the chipmaker heap after AMD’s resurgence with its Ryzen processors, the subsequent couple of processor generations that includes a multi-chiplet module design structure goes to be each new for Intel and certain a bit buggy to begin. 

Intel Meteor Lake is thrilling, nevertheless it’s additionally in all probability going to have some notable rising pains as we transfer into 2024 that Arrow Lake and Lunar Lake ought to hopefully iron out as the brand new structure matures by way of iteration. Till then, nevertheless, fanatics should look to the ultimate Raptor Lake Refresh chips for top efficiency silicon from Intel. 

Try our CES 2024 hub for all the newest information from the present because it occurs. We’ll be protecting the whole lot from 8K TVs and foldable shows to new telephones, laptops, good dwelling devices, and the newest in AI, so stick to us for the large tales. And don’t overlook to observe us on TikTok for the newest from the CES present ground!