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topicnews · August 30, 2024

Launch of Intel Arrow Lake is the last hope for the chipmaker

Launch of Intel Arrow Lake is the last hope for the chipmaker

Intel is facing major challenges, but the upcoming Arrow Lake generation could turn the tide. With improved efficiency and performance, the chip giant hopes to regain lost ground and customers.

Intel

Intel’s chance for a spectacular comeback

Can Intel soon celebrate its comeback and stand up to AMD? Intel, once the undisputed market leader in the CPU segment, has been struggling with significant problems for some time.

Most recently, microcode vulnerabilities in the Raptor Lake CPUs, which can lead to instability and crashes, have severely damaged trust in the brand. Added to this are difficulties with the efficiency and power consumption of current processors. But with the launch of the 15th generation “Arrow Lake” planned for October 2024, the tide could turn for Intel. Otherwise, things look bleak.

Efficiency as the key to success

A major criticism of Intel’s current CPU generation is its high power consumption. The Core i9-14900K, for example, has a power consumption of 253 watts and heats up to 100 degrees Celsius.

Arrow Lake promises significant improvements here: By switching to the new Intel 20A manufacturing process, power consumption at high clock speeds should be reduced by at least 100 watts. Technologies such as RibbonFET and PowerVia should also increase efficiency. However, it is currently completely unclear whether they will be able to keep this promise.

What is RibbonFET?

RibbonFET is an innovative transistor architecture developed by Intel. This architecture is the successor to the FinFET architecture. Other semiconductor manufacturers such as Samsung and TSMC are developing similar GAA technologies, often referred to as MBCFET (Multi-Bridge-Channel FET) or GAAFET.

What is PowerVia?

Intel PowerVia is an innovative technology for future computer chips that places the power supply on the back of the chip. This creates more space on the front for transistors, the actual working parts of the chip. Think of the chip as a multi-story building, with power and signals now coming from the bottom instead of the top. This method improves power efficiency and enables more complex chip designs. PowerVia is an important step toward developing more powerful and efficient chips, which Intel expects to introduce in its 20A process generation in 2024.

Performance boost in sight

Geekbench 6 leaks indicate significant performance improvements. The Core Ultra 9 285H is said to outperform both the 14900KS and AMD’s Ryzen 9 7950X in single and multi-core tests. The new flagship could score particularly well in the gaming sector.

Intel’s future is at stake

The importance of Arrow Lake for Intel can hardly be overestimated. In addition to technical problems, the company has also recently been hit by financial difficulties. The success of the new CPU generation is therefore crucial for the chip giant’s future market position.


The battle for the CPU crown is coming to a head

Despite promising prospects, Intel faces major challenges. AMD’s Zen 5 architecture continues to set standards in terms of efficiency. In addition, Intel must regain lost customer trust. One possible approach would be longer-term support for the socket, similar to AMD’s successful AM4 strategy.

The planned launch on October 10, 2024 will show whether Intel will actually make the comeback it hopes for with Arrow Lake. For consumers, the intense competition between Intel and AMD could pay off in the form of innovative products and attractive prices.

What do you think: Can Intel build on its past successes with Arrow Lake? Or do you think AMD will continue to be ahead? Share your opinions in the comments!

Summary

  • Intel struggles with problems such as microcode vulnerabilities
  • Arrow Lake CPUs, launch planned for October 2024
  • Promise of lower power consumption through Intel 20A process
  • Possible performance superiority of the Core Ultra 9 285H according to Geekbench 6
  • Financial and technical difficulties weigh on Intel
  • AMD sets efficiency standards with Zen 5 architecture
  • Presentation of Arrow Lake on October 10, 2024 crucial

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