After two years of radio silence, Intel seems ready to pull out its trump card in the world of high-end laptop processors. The Arrow Lake Halo project, long in the shadows, is resurfacing with the promise of a super-powerful iGPU.
Remember, this was two years ago. Intel hinted that it was preparing a revolutionary processor to counter the rise of the Apple M1 and M2 chips. Codename: Arrow Lake Halo. Then, nothing more. Total radio silence… until today!
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Recent leaks suggest that this crazy project was never really abandoned.
Let’s start with a little reminder for those who missed the beginning of the story. In 2022, rumors were talking about an Intel processor called “Arrow Lake-P Halo”. Its special feature? A super-powerful iGPU (integrated graphics processor), capable of standing up to Apple and AMD solutions. At the time, we were talking about a muscular configuration: 6 high-performance cores (P-cores) + 8 low-power cores (E-cores), all coupled with an integrated GPU with no less than 320 execution units. Enough to create a thin and light, yet powerful laptop.
An unexpected return to the forefront
And then, nothing. The project seemed to have disappeared from the radar… until a tweet from the insider @Olrak29_ does not restart the rumor mill. By searching through an import/export database, journalists have unearthed traces of shipments explicitly mentioning ” Arrow Lake Halo Enthusiast Mobile Workstation“. Translation: the beast is not dead, it is just being discreet!
But be careful, two years have passed since the first leaks. It is very likely that the specifications have evolved in the meantime. What does not change is Intel’s ambition: to offer a processor capable of competing with the best solutions on the market in terms of integrated graphics performance.
Intel’s secret weapon to counter AMD and Apple?
Why would Intel bet so much on the iGPU with Arrow Lake Halo? The answer is simple: it has become a major selling point in the premium laptop segment. Apple understood this well with its M1 and M2 chips, capable of running 3D games or demanding software without a dedicated graphics card. AMD is not far behind with its Strix Halo project, a monstrous APU (processor + integrated GPU) expected in 2025.
Intel can’t afford to sit back and do nothing. Arrow Lake Halo is its response, with several aces up its sleeve:
- A souped-up iGPU: the 320 execution units mentioned in 2022 would make Arrow Lake Halo a real graphics monster.
- A dedicated L4 cache: this famous “Adamantine” could significantly boost the performance of the iGPU.
- 3nm engraving: Intel would collaborate with TSMC to produce these chips on an ultra-thin engraving node, guaranteeing energy efficiency.
It remains to be seen whether these features will be confirmed. Let’s not forget that Intel has had setbacks with its Arc Alchemist range of dedicated GPUs. Has the firm learned from this failure to refine its Arrow Lake Halo iGPU?
A launch that is still unclear, but a strategy is taking shape
It’s hard to say exactly when Intel will unleash its Arrow Lake Halo. Rumors suggest a possible launch in late 2024 or early 2025. This timing would fit in with the expected arrival of AMD Strix Halo.
One thing is for sure: Intel is playing big with this project. Arrow Lake Halo could well be its best chance to regain the ground lost to Apple in the high-end laptop segment. It remains to be seen whether the performance will be there and whether manufacturers will get on board.
