Intel to Introduce New Naming Scheme and Architecture Shift with 14th Gen Core CPUs

Intel is set to introduce a new naming scheme for its Core family CPUs with the upcoming launch of the 14th Gen. The long-standing Core i3, i5, i7, and i9 designations will be replaced after nearly 15 years, making way for shorter labels such as Core 3, Core 5, Core 7, and Core 9 for mainstream consumer CPUs. Additionally, a new lineup of high-performance "leadership" models will be introduced, denoted by the Core Ultra 5, Core Ultra 7, and Core Ultra 9 tiers. Intel will also discontinue the emphasis on generation numbers in its marketing and product stickers. Alongside these changes, the Intel Evo and vPro brands will receive updated usage guidelines and logos.

 

The shift to a simpler naming convention comes in response to customer feedback, according to Intel. While it remains unclear whether the five-digit number sequence in each product's name will continue, there is speculation about the Ultra modifier potentially replacing the current X suffix for top-end overclockable CPUs. Intel has also revealed new badge designs for different CPU tiers, Intel Evo-certified laptops, and the vPro Enterprise and vPro Essentials business qualifications.

 

Intel views the upcoming Meteor Lake architecture as a significant turning point, representing a transition to a modular manufacturing style. This approach involves various components manufactured on different processes and at different locations, integrated using Intel's Foveros 3D stacking and interconnect technology. Consumer laptop CPUs based on the Meteor Lake architecture are expected to consist of a CPU tile produced by Intel on the new Intel 4 process, along with GPU and IO tiles manufactured by TSMC. Intel claims notable improvements in power efficiency and graphics performance with Meteor Lake, primarily attributed to the utilization of the Xe GPU architecture. Furthermore, the architecture will introduce dedicated AI acceleration hardware, as confirmed at Computex 2023.

 

It is worth noting that Intel has yet to confirm specific specifications or performance targets for the Meteor Lake CPUs. Interestingly, there are strong rumors suggesting that this architecture will be exclusive to the laptop segment of Intel's 14th Gen, with a separate product stack based on the speculated 'Arrow Lake' architecture catering to desktop CPUs.