Competition is fierce on the processor front, with advances from AMD meeting the advances of arch-rival Intel. In the fall, AMD presented the new Zen 4 architecture with Ryzen 7000 and the associated AM5 platform, while Intel’s Core 13000 series “Raptor Lake” is an improved version of “Alder Lake”. With that comes the retained socket, but higher performance and more cores.
Yesterday, the high-performance, unlocked Core 13000 processors were joined by 16 other wallet-friendly models, but the company is also sneaking out of “Raptor Lake” for laptops. Just like previous generations, these are processors adapted for four segments of notebook computers: from the first-class power-hungry HX to the U-label intended for thin creations.
The best models touch the worst stationary
The HX-branded processor upgrades follow the same theme as the sharper Core 13000 models on the desktop side. For the worst Core i9-13980HX and i9-13900HX, that means doubling the number of energy-efficient cores, bringing the total core count to 24. With 8 individual high-performance “Raptor Cove” cores, that translates to 32 thread, a new upper level for laptops.
While the consumer-oriented Core i7 variants with HX designation are left with no additional cores, the Core i5-13500HX and i5-13450HX see 2 performance cores. Regardless of the processor, however, there is a substantial increase in clock rates, where the flagship Core i9-13980HX’s 5.6GHz is only 200MHz below its desktop counterpart.
TDP values lowered with temporary turbo towards 5 GHz
With the “H” suffix, Intel is aiming for thinner performance computers. The TDP rating is 45 watts with a maximum power of 115 watts, where the step down from the HX series’ ceiling of 157 watts is reflected in both clock rates and core count. Gone are the processors with 8 high-performance and 16 energy-efficient cores, because like the previous generation, they remain at a maximum of 6 and 8 respectively. Overclocked clock rates for both core types are also a consistent theme here .
The TDP is 28 watts for the four five-P processors being revealed, which come with 4 or 6 high-performance and 8 energy-efficient cores. Thin computers with decent performance are the focus of these products. When performance isn’t as important as the thickness of the computer or battery life, there are a number of U-models available. Most go down to just 2 high-performance cores, go with up to 8 smaller ones.
Regardless of the TDP value and the number of cores, it is clear that Intel prioritizes high turbo frequencies when the Core 13000 series enters the notebook sphere. That’s not a big deal, as temporarily boosting frequencies can make for a significantly more responsive user experience. When CES opens its doors tomorrow, a plethora of manufacturers will be delighted to showcase what computing solutions they’ve created around Intel’s latest contribution.
