The Arrow Lake-S architecture represent Intel's latest advancement in desktop CPU technology: these chips bring a host of new features, focusing on performance efficiency and AI integration, while struggling in gaming.
Here's a detailed look of what we know so far.
Specifications
The Intel Core Ultra 200S series introduces new levels of performance, with the flagship Core Ultra 9 285K leading the charge. It boasts 8 Performance cores (P-cores) and 16 Efficiency cores (E-cores), offering 24 total threads, although Intel has moved away from Hyper-Threading in this generation. Intel claims a 14% improvement in multi-threaded performance compared to the previous generation.
Other models in the lineup, such as the Core Ultra 7 and Core Ultra 5, provide varying core and thread counts. The Core Ultra 7 265K has 20 cores (8 Performance Cores and 12 Efficient Cores) with a boost of up to 5.5 GHz, while the Core Ultra 5 245K features 14 cores (6 P-cores and 8 E-cores). All processors support the PCIe 5.0 standard, providing 20 lanes directly from the CPU, along with an additional 24 PCIe 4.0 lanes via the new Intel 800 series chipset.
The full announced lineup:
SKU | Cores / Threads | Base Clock (P/E Core) | Boost (P/E Core) | Cache L3 | TDP (PL1 / PL2) | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Core Ultra 9 285K | 24/24 (8+16) | 3.7 / 3.2 GHz | 5.7 / 4.6 GHz | 36 MB | 125W / 250W | $589 |
Core Ultra 7 265K | 20/20 (8+12) | 3.9 / 3.3 GHz | 5.5 / 4.6 GHz | 30 MB | 125W / 250W | $394 |
Core Ultra 7 265KF | 20/20 (8+12) | 3.9 / 3.3 GHz | 5.5 / 4.6 GHz | 30 MB | 125W / 250W | $379 |
Core Ultra 5 245K | 14/14 (6+8) | 4.2 / 3.6 GHz | 5.2 / 4.6 GHz | 24 MB | 125W / 159W | $309 |
Core Ultra 5 245KF | 14/14 (6+8) | 4.2 / 3.6 GHz | 5.2 / 4.6 GHz | 24 MB | 125W / 159W | $294 |
Power Efficiency
Power consumption has been a focal point in the design of the 200S series. Intel reports up to a 58% reduction in power for everyday tasks, making these processors among the most efficient x86 CPUs ever produced. When gaming, Intel promises up to a 73-watt reduction in power draw compared to the 14th Gen processors, with total system power reduced by up to 165W.
These improvements in power efficiency not only reduce heat output but also lower cooling requirements, which could appeal to overclockers and gamers.
AI Capabilities
One of the most significant upgrades in the Core Ultra 200S processors is the introduction of a Neural Processing Unit (NPU), marking the first time an NPU has been included in a desktop chip. This AI engine offers up to 36 TOPS (Tera Operations per second), enhancing workloads related to AI tasks like image recognition and natural language processing.
The NPU also plays a role in optimizing power usage through real-time adjustments made by Intel's Thread Director, which dynamically allocates tasks between the P-cores and E-cores.
Gaming Performance
While these processors excel in efficiency and AI tasks, their gaming performance has seen mixed results. The Core Ultra 9 285K, for instance, delivers solid performance in titles like F1 23, where it outperforms the previous-generation Core i9 14900K by up to 13%. However, in other titles such as Far Cry 6, it falls short by as much as 13%.
These fluctuations indicate that the 200S series might not always lead the pack in gaming, but its power efficiency makes it a competitive option, especially for users focused on AI-enhanced workloads.
Overclocking and Memory Support
Intel has included advanced overclocking features in the 200S series. The processors allow fine-tuned adjustments to the turbo frequency in 16.6 MHz steps for both P-cores and E-cores. The integrated memory controller supports DDR5 RAM with speeds up to 48 GB per DIMM and 192 GB total, catering to enthusiasts and content creators who require fast and large memory capacity.
Connectivity and Chipset
The new Intel 800 Series chipset supports modern connectivity standards, including Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and Thunderbolt 4. Additionally, Intel plans to include Wi-Fi 7 support in future models. The transition to a new LGA1851 socket means users upgrading from earlier Intel generations will need a new motherboard, though existing coolers should still be compatible with proper mounting kits.
The Intel Core Ultra 200S release date is set to October 24th.
💬 Leave a comment
Formatting help