An explanation of Intel’s Core and Core Ultra names: What makes the difference?

Intel has used the i-processor branding for over a decade, allowing users to differentiate between various processors. However, with the introduction of 14th gen Meteor Lake processors, Intel is discontinuing the i-processor labeling and bringing in a new “Core Ultra” naming system, which can be quite perplexing. Here’s everything you need to understand about it.

Understanding Intel’s Core and Core Ultra naming

The new nomenclature centers on the Core and Core Ultra designations, replacing the current “i” branding. Adding to the confusion, Intel is also changing the generational numbering system.

Take, for example, the Core Ultra 7 165H chip. There is no mention of ‘14’ – the current generation number – and there’s no specific naming convention that suggests the chip’s specifications.

With this new update, Intel eliminates the current generation number; the first digit now represents the ‘series’ or generation. As an example, the Core Ultra 7 165H belongs to the new ‘Series 1’ CPUs, potentially setting up a future series like the hypothetical Core Ultra 7 265H and beyond.

The second and third numbers symbolize the SKU, while the final letter signifies the suffix or chip category. For non-ultra chips, they adopt a similar naming pattern – for instance, Intel Core 7 150U.

Distinguishing between Core and Core Ultra chips

The disparity between regular Core and Core Ultra series is quite considerable. Standard chips operate on an older architecture (the exact one remains unspecified by Intel), while Ultra chips employ a new 3D performance hybrid architecture that combines two core microarchitectures within a single processor chip.

New power classification for laptop processors

Historically, Intel categorized its laptop processors by power consumption – with Y series referring to extremely low-power CPUs and H-series targeting high-performance versions.

With the launch of new Series 1 chips, Intel is streamlining its mobile CPU lineup by consolidating suffixes into U-series and H-series chips. Consequently, the U-series encompasses CPUs ranging from 9W to 15W, while the H-series includes variants between 28W and 45W.

Base power and Wattage

According to Intel, each processor maintains its specific power specification; for instance, the Core Ultra 7 165H operates at 28W. However, these values only represent the minimum base power, allowing laptop manufacturers to decide on their devices’ power configurations.

It’s worth noting that though the SKU of a chip is usually indicated by the last two digits in its name, there’s an exception for U-series laptop chips. In their case, the third digit designates the processor’s base power. Comparing the Core Ultra 7 164U and Core Ultra 7 165U chips shows identical models, except for their base clock speeds.

Summary

• Intel is rebranding as “Core” and “Core Ultra” instead of using the “i” symbol. The term “Ultra” designates a higher class of CPUs.
• renaming the 14th generation after Series 1, then Series 2, and so forth.
• repositioning the generational number and CPU identifier to the rear. Now, the series is indicated by the first number, and the SKU is represented by the second and third digits. The suffix is indicated by the last letter.