Competition is fierce on the processor front, with AMD meeting lead from arch-rival Intel. In the fall, AMD introduced its new Zen 4 architecture with the Ryzen 7000 and its associated AM5 platform, while Intel’s Core 13000 series “Raptor Lake” is an improved round of “Alder Lake.” With that comes the retained socket, but higher performance and more cores.
Yesterday, the high-performance, open-source Core 13000 processors joined 16 other compatible models in the portfolio, but the company is also quietly creeping into “Raptor Lake” for laptops. Just like previous generations, these are processors that have been adapted to four segments of laptops — from the power-hungry top-tier HX to the U-sticker dedicated to thin creations.
The best models touch the worst hard
Upgrades to HX-branded processors follow the same theme as the sharper Core 13000 models on the desktop side. For the worst-end Core i9-13980HX and i9-13900HX, that means doubling the number of power-efficient cores, bringing the total number of cores to 24. With 8 individual high-performance “Raptor Cove” cores, which translates to 32 threads, a new high for hardware portable computer.
While the consumer-focused Core i7 variants with the HX designation are left without additional cores, the Core i5-13500HX and i5-13450HX see two additional high-performance cores. Regardless of the processor, there is a significant increase in clock frequencies, the 5.6GHz of the flagship Core i9-13980HX is only 200MHz lower than that of its desktop counterpart.
Reduced TDP values with turbo temps around 5 GHz
With the “H” suffix, Intel is aiming for thinner performance PCs. It has a TDP of 45W with a maximum power output of 115, stepping down from the HX series’ ceiling of 157W in both clock frequencies and number of cores. Gone are the processors with 8 performance cores and 16 energy-efficient ones, because like the previous generation, 6 and 8 maximum remain, respectively. The broken clock rates for both types of cores are also a persistent theme here.
The TDP is 28W for all of the five P-processors revealed, equipped with 4 or 6 performance cores and 8 energy-efficient processors. These products focus on thin PCs with decent performance. When performance isn’t as important as computer thickness or battery life, there are a range of U models available. The majority comes down to just 2 high-performance cores, and up to 8 smaller cores accompany them.
Regardless of the TDP value and the number of cores, Intel clearly prioritizes higher turbo frequencies when the Core 13000 series enters the laptop field. It’s not a big deal, because temporarily elevated frequencies can make the user experience significantly more responsive. When CES opens its doors tomorrow, a slew of manufacturers will happily show off the PC solutions they’ve built around Intel’s latest contribution.
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