Intel’s Arrow Lake CPUs set to launch in second half of 2024
Intel’s Client Computing keynote at this year’s CES event revealed some exciting news for PC enthusiasts. The company’s next CPU architecture for desktop PCs, codenamed Arrow Lake, is on track to hit the market in the second half of 2024. This upcoming release has generated significant buzz as it is being touted as the “world’s first gaming processor with an AI accelerator.”
Unfortunately, specific details about Intel’s 15th generation desktop chips were not divulged during the keynote. However, we do know a few things about the design. Arrow Lake is an expansion of the latest Meteor Lake design, incorporating multiple tiles (compute, graphics, SoC, IO) housed together using the Foveros packaging system. This approach is reminiscent of AMD’s chiplet strategy.
Unlike AMD’s physically separated chips, Intel’s Foveros technology stacks all the tiles onto a common layer, reducing chip interconnect lengths. Additionally, Arrow Lake will be the first commercial product manufactured using Intel’s 20A process node, which involves a transition from FinFET to GaaFET architecture. This architecture change, known as RibbonFET, marks a significant shift in production for Intel’s chips.
Another noteworthy feature in the Arrow Lake CPUs is PowerVia, also known as backside power delivery. This design involves separating input/output signaling connections and power lines so that power delivery is applied to the back of the wafer. This implementation is expected to result in slightly higher clock speeds and a significant reduction in internal voltage drop.
Arrow Lake: World’s first gaming processor with AI accelerator
One of the standout features of the upcoming Arrow Lake CPUs is its AI acceleration capabilities. While specific details were limited, Arrow Lake is touted as the “world’s first gaming processor with an AI accelerator.” Intel’s focus on AI during the CES event suggests a strong emphasis on utilizing artificial intelligence technology to enhance the gaming experience.
While Intel claims this title, it’s worth noting that AMD recently announced the Ryzen 7 8700G processor, which also boasts AI capabilities. While the Ryzen 7 8700G is considered an APU (Accelerated Processing Unit), it is still a gaming-focused chip that incorporates a significant GPU. Nonetheless, Intel’s foray into AI-accelerated gaming processors signals a growing trend in the industry.
What we know about Intel’s 15th generation desktop chips
While the details about Arrow Lake are limited, some educated guesses can be made based on the current generation, Meteor Lake. Meteor Lake CPUs currently offer up to six P-cores and eight E-cores. It is anticipated that Arrow Lake will feature more powerful configurations, potentially offering eight P-cores and 16 E-cores at launch.
Additionally, the graphics tile in Arrow Lake is expected to be larger than its predecessor, with the possibility of more shaders or even a newer architecture. This suggests that Intel is focusing on delivering improved graphics performance alongside AI capabilities in its gaming processors.
Intel’s Arrow Lake to feature 20A process node and PowerVia
Two key features set Arrow Lake apart from its predecessors: the adoption of the 20A process node and PowerVia technology. Intel’s upcoming CPUs will be the first to utilize the 20A process node, which represents a significant shift from the FinFET transistors used in previous generations. The adoption of GaaFET architecture, dubbed RibbonFET, is expected to deliver improved performance and power efficiency.
PowerVia, or backside power delivery, is another innovation to be featured in Arrow Lake. With this design, all input/output signaling connections and power lines are separated, allowing power to be delivered to the back of the wafer. This implementation aims to boost clock speeds and minimize voltage drop, resulting in improved overall performance.
Anticipation for Intel’s Arrow Lake grows as details emerge
With the limited information available about Intel’s Arrow Lake CPUs, anticipation is growing among PC enthusiasts. The combination of AI acceleration, 20A process node, and PowerVia technology suggests that Intel’s upcoming gaming processors have the potential to deliver significant performance improvements.
Intel’s focus on AI during the CES event signifies the company’s recognition of the growing importance of artificial intelligence in the gaming industry. By integrating AI acceleration into its gaming processors, Intel aims to enhance gaming experiences and unlock new possibilities for developers.
As more information emerges about Arrow Lake, enthusiasts eagerly await its release in the second half of 2024. The expectation is that Intel will deliver a powerful and efficient gaming processor that leverages the latest technological advancements to meet the demands of the modern gaming landscape.
Analyst comment
Positive news. As an analyst, I anticipate that the launch of Intel’s Arrow Lake CPUs in the second half of 2024 will generate significant market interest. With its AI accelerator and improved features such as the 20A process node and PowerVia technology, Intel has the potential to deliver a powerful and efficient gaming processor that meets the demands of the modern gaming landscape. This release could lead to increased market competition and innovations in the gaming processor industry.
