Tag: Intel

  • Intel to Cut 2,392 Jobs in Oregon by Mid-July for Cost Savings

    Intel to Cut 2,392 Jobs in Oregon by Mid-July for Cost Savings

    Key Takeaways

    – Intel plans to cut 2,392 jobs in Oregon, significantly higher than the previously announced 500 layoffs, as part of a cost-reduction strategy under CEO Lip-Bu Tan.
    – The job losses will negatively affect Oregon’s economy, where Intel is the largest employer, potentially impacting local businesses and income-tax revenue.
    – Intel is struggling to compete in the semiconductor market, trailing behind TSMC and missing opportunities in key areas like AI training chips.
    – The layoffs will impact all levels within the company, particularly in Intel Foundry, with significant cuts to technicians and process engineers, and the disbanding of the automotive division.
    – Laid-off employees will receive severance pay and healthcare benefits, but Intel’s future operations in Oregon remain uncertain despite ongoing tax incentives.

    Intel has informed Oregon officials that it plans to cut 2,392 jobs in the state by mid-July, a significant increase from the earlier figure of just over 500 layoffs. This decision is part of a larger effort to reduce costs under the new CEO, Lip-Bu Tan, who is reacting to decreased sales and ongoing manufacturing problems.

    Economic Impact on Oregon

    Oregon is home to Intel’s largest facility globally, employing around 20,000 people. The semiconductor industry in the state typically pays an average salary of nearly $180,000 per year. Consequently, such job losses are likely to have a negative effect on local businesses and decrease income-tax revenue. State economist Carl Riccadonna has already cautioned lawmakers about a weakening job market.

    Competitive Struggles

    Intel’s current difficulties can be traced back almost a decade, when delays in its technology allowed TSMC to take the lead. Competitors like AMD, Nvidia, and Apple now depend on TSMC’s advanced technology, while Intel fights to reclaim its position and is mostly missing out on thriving markets like AI training chips. “In terms of training, I fear it may be too late for us,” Tan mentioned to employees, noting that Nvidia’s hold is “too strong.”

    Specific Job Reductions

    The workforce cuts affect every level within the company, but they are particularly severe in Intel Foundry, which focuses on manufacturing and research and development. About one in five positions in this area will be eliminated. Many of the layoffs will impact technicians and process engineers, though around eight percent of those let go hold management roles. In addition to manufacturing cuts, Intel has disbanded its automotive division and shifted most marketing responsibilities to Accenture.

    Laid-off employees will receive 13 weeks of their base salary plus an additional 1.5 weeks for each year they have worked, along with a year’s worth of healthcare benefits. Even though Intel still benefits from over $300 million in annual tax incentives from Oregon, its reduced revenues and changing priorities make the future scale of its operations in the Pacific Northwest uncertain.

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  • Intel Arrow Lake Refresh CPUs: Faster Clock Speeds for Desktops

    Intel Arrow Lake Refresh CPUs: Faster Clock Speeds for Desktops

    Key Takeaways

    1. Launch Timeline: Intel’s Arrow Lake Refresh CPUs are expected to be released in the second half of 2025.

    2. Performance Improvements: The new CPUs will feature higher clock speeds and will include NPU 4, though specific clock speed details are not yet available.

    3. Comparison to Previous Generations: The flagship Core Ultra 9 285K has a boost clock of 5.5 GHz, which needs to increase by over 8% to match the performance of the 14th-gen Core i9-14900K.

    4. NPU Integration: The Arrow Lake Refresh will incorporate NPU 4, which has seen limited practical applications on Windows, raising questions about its utility in desktop CPUs.

    5. Gaming Landscape: The second half of 2025 is shaping up to be exciting for gamers, with new Intel CPUs and anticipated launches of desktop GPUs from AMD and Nvidia.

    While Intel is gearing up to introduce Nova Lake as the next significant CPU architecture for desktops, the company is also working on the Arrow Lake Refresh chips. Similar to previous updates, the Core Ultra 200 Arrow Lake Refresh CPUs are not anticipated to deliver drastic changes. Nevertheless, there are certain important aspects where Intel aims to enhance performance.

    Upcoming Release

    As reported by ZDNET Korea (via @harukaze5719 on X), the Intel Arrow Lake Refresh CPUs are set to launch sometime in H2 2025, featuring quicker clock speeds and NPU 4. The specifics regarding the improvement in clock speeds for the Arrow Lake Refresh chips remain unclear, as the report does not provide any numerical details.

    Key Specifications

    To put it into perspective, the Core Ultra 9 285K, which is the leading Arrow Lake processor, has a boost clock of 5.5 GHz. This represents a significant reduction compared to the 14th-gen Core i9-14900K (Available on Amazon). In order for the Arrow Lake Refresh flagship to match the 14th-gen models, it will need to achieve a boost clock increase of over 8%.

    NPU Enhancements

    Currently, the Core Ultra 200S desktop CPUs utilize NPU 3, an earlier version that Intel first rolled out with Meteor Lake chips in late 2023. Intel later integrated the much-improved NPU 4 into the Core Ultra 200V Lunar Lake mobile chips. This is the NPU that Intel is reportedly planning to implement in the Arrow Lake Refresh CPUs.

    Despite the potential power of the NPU that Intel includes in its new processors, there are not many truly practical applications for an NPU on Windows at this moment. Thus, it raises the question of whether it’s wise to allocate valuable silicon for something as underused as an NPU in desktop CPUs.

    Exciting Times Ahead

    Overall, H2 2025 seems to be quite promising, as both AMD and Nvidia are also rumored to be launching new desktop GPUs within a few months. Alongside the new Intel CPUs, gamers will have plenty to look forward to this upcoming holiday season.

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  • Intel Shifts Focus to 14A Production After 18A Setbacks

    Intel Shifts Focus to 14A Production After 18A Setbacks

    Key Takeaways

    1. Intel reported a significant loss of $18.8 billion for fiscal year 2024, leading to CEO Pat Gelsinger’s departure.
    2. Delays in the Intel 18A manufacturing process hinder Intel’s competitiveness against TSMC, which is advancing its N2 production.
    3. Intel plans to limit the use of Intel 18A for its own chip production, with minimal output for major clients like Amazon and Microsoft.
    4. Upcoming “Panther Lake” laptop processors are expected to use the Intel 18A process starting in late 2025.
    5. Intel is pivoting towards Intel 14A manufacturing to compete with TSMC and Samsung, aiming to attract clients like Apple and Nvidia, with strategy discussions planned for July and fall.

    The current state of Intel is deteriorating significantly. The company has revealed a staggering loss of $18.8 billion for the fiscal year 2024, leading to the departure of CEO Pat Gelsinger. As a result, the delays in the Intel 18A manufacturing process are making it outdated and unable to compete effectively. A report from Reuters indicates that while Intel is struggling, TSMC’s N2 production is progressing as planned.

    Shift in Production Strategy

    Intel’s recent plans involve limiting the use of Intel 18A and Intel 18A-P exclusively for its own chip production, rather than attracting new clients. There will be a “small quantity” of chips produced for major clients like Amazon and Microsoft using the Intel 18A process. The upcoming “Panther Lake” laptop processors are anticipated to utilize the 18A process starting in the latter half of 2025. As reported by Reuters, the Intel 18A process is probably similar to TSMC’s N3, although the N3 technology has been in mass production since 2022.

    Future Directions

    In an effort to enhance its competitive stance against TSMC and Samsung Foundry, Intel is reportedly shifting its focus to Intel 14A, the next-generation manufacturing process that supposedly provides benefits over TSMC’s offerings. The intention is to attract major customers such as Apple and Nvidia, encouraging them to transition from TSMC. Nevertheless, Intel has yet to finalize its strategy regarding both Intel 18A and Intel 14A. Discussions about potential strategies will take place during a supervisory board meeting in July, with final decisions anticipated by a fall meeting at the latest.

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    Intel Shifts Focus to 14A Production After 18A Setbacks

     

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  • Intel to Lay Off Up to 20% of Chip Production Workforce

    Intel to Lay Off Up to 20% of Chip Production Workforce

    Key Takeaways

    1. Intel plans to cut 15 to 20% of jobs in chip manufacturing, with potential reductions in other divisions.
    2. Job losses could reach between 16,000 to 22,000, reducing the workforce from 124,800 to around 108,900.
    3. The company’s goal is to become “leaner, faster, and more efficient” by simplifying its organization.
    4. New CEO Lip-Bu Tan aims to streamline operations and focus more on engineers and customer demands.
    5. Intel’s stock price has dropped nearly 70% since April 2021, currently sitting just over $21 per share.

    Intel has recently informed its employees via email about plans to cut 15 to 20% of jobs in chip manufacturing. Additional reductions in other divisions are also possible, as the company is looking to downsize in various areas of its business.

    Job Reductions Ahead

    Back in December 2023, Intel employed around 124,800 people. Fast forward to December 2024, and that number has dropped to 108,900. With the new cuts coming, estimates suggest that the total job losses might reach between 16,000 to 22,000. A spokesperson from the company stated that Intel’s goal is to become a “leaner, faster and more efficient company.” They also plan on simplifying the organization and putting more focus on engineers and customer demands. These choices were made after thorough consideration to cut costs and improve Intel’s future standing.

    Leadership Changes and Market Pressures

    Lip-Bu Tan, the new CEO of Intel, had previously shared plans for streamlining the company about two months ago. Still, the exact number of job cuts wasn’t clear until now, showing that the situation is getting serious. The company has been feeling significant pressure lately; since April 2021, Intel’s stock price has plummeted nearly 70%. Although there was a slight recovery in 2023, the stock price has resumed its decline and is currently just over $21 per share, showing no signs of recovery in the near future.

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  • Intel Arc Battlemage Review: Big Challenges, Small Margins

    Intel Arc Battlemage Review: Big Challenges, Small Margins

    Key Takeaways

    1. Initial Availability and Driver Issues: The Arc B580 faced poor initial availability, primarily in the US, and driver issues caused CPU slowdowns on older systems.

    2. Silicon Costs Impacting Profitability: The larger size of the BMG-G21 chip increases production costs and risks, leading to significant financial losses for Intel despite aggressive pricing.

    3. Performance Limitations: Battlemage underperformed in productivity benchmarks compared to its predecessor, Alchemist A770, except in specific Unreal Engine 5 tests.

    4. Market Competition and Product Timing: The future of the Arc Pro B60 is uncertain due to its delayed market entry, risking overshadowing by potential RTX 5000 series refreshes and competitive AMD pricing.

    5. Need for Stronger Competition: Despite challenges, there’s hope for Intel Arc to emerge as a strong contender in the GPU market, as competition is crucial for industry health.

    On the surface, the Arc B580 (and to a lesser degree, the B570) seemed like a dream come true for gamers. The drivers promised a near plug-and-play setup, the performance was superior to the outgoing RTX 4060 and Radeon RX 7600, and the increased vRAM would ensure a longer lifespan compared to those GPUs. However, reality turned out to be more complex. Initial availability was poor, primarily favoring the US market, and driver issues caused CPU slowdowns on older, budget-friendly systems. Plus, there was the significant issue of silicon costs. The BMG-G21 chip inside Battlemage measures approximately 272 mm², which is much larger than Nvidia’s AD106 or AMD’s Navi33—its main competitors from the previous generation. Once again, Intel managed to stay ahead mainly due to its aggressive pricing strategy.

    Silicon and Pricing Connection

    While my earlier thoughts on Arc Alchemist may have stirred some debate, there is a clear logical relationship between the silicon used in a GPU and its production costs. Bigger chips occupy more space on a wafer and have a higher risk of defects, which can lower yields or necessitate overdesign for reliability, both of which can drive up costs or reduce profit margins. Similar to Alchemist, Intel opted to sell a chip equivalent to an RTX 5070 for merely half the price, all while delivering performance akin to an RTX 5060. This approach led to significant financial losses, especially as the overall company was already facing economic challenges, including concerning trends in the laptop segment.

    Battlemage’s Performance

    Battlemage didn’t excel in productivity either, lagging behind the Alchemist A770 in benchmarks like Puget and Blender, with the exception of certain Unreal Engine 5 tests from Puget. Yet, there appeared to be a glimmer of hope during Computex last month, thanks to the Arc Pro B60, which boasts an impressive 24 GB of vRAM. Although many are weary of seeing LLMs integrated into every product, the demand for GPUs with over 16 GB for larger AI models remains high. The only current options are the prohibitively priced RTX 5090, the aging RTX 3090, and the 4090. If there’s a chance for Intel to market BMG-G21 chips with decent profit margins, helping Arc contribute positively to Intel’s finances and even fund the next-gen Celestial, this could be it.

    Intel, however, wasn’t actually selling Arc Pro B60s; instead, they were showcasing them and promoting their inclusion in preconfigured multi-GPU “Battlematrix” systems, expected to launch later this year. The standalone card availability remains uncertain, contingent upon Intel’s timeline for enhancing Battlemage’s software. If the Pro B60 takes too long to hit the market, it risks being overshadowed by a rumored refresh of the RTX 5000 series, which may utilize 3GB memory chips to offer additional vRAM. Once having 24 GB of vRAM ceases to be a unique feature in the mid-market segment, the Pro B60 could be eclipsed by a possible RTX 5070 Ti Super, while its attractiveness for budget-conscious gamers might diminish if AMD decides to slightly reduce the price of the RX 9060 XT (currently $349.99 on Amazon), which is already quite competitive at its suggested retail price.

    Future Prospects for Intel Arc

    Is it still possible for Intel Arc to turn the tide? Could a rumored B770 rival the midrange offerings from GeForce and Radeon? Personally, I really hope so—having a third strong contender in the GPU market is crucial for healthy competition. However, the current state of Arc makes me cringe, just like when I penned my previous article. Similar to the GPU shortages of previous years, the local AI surge has provided Intel with an opportunity to thrive. Yet, the immature software hindered Alchemist long enough for the initial chance to be lost, forcing Intel to sell high-cost silicon in lower-priced graphics cards, ultimately starving their next generation of research and development funding.

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  • Intel Nova Lake Core Count and TDP Details Leaked

    Intel Nova Lake Core Count and TDP Details Leaked

    Key Takeaways

    1. Intel’s Core Ultra 400 Nova Lake processors will focus on increasing core count to enhance multicore performance, with hyperthreading largely removed.
    2. The Core Ultra 9 processor is expected to feature a high core count and improved performance with new Coyote Cove P-cores and Arctic Wolf E-cores.
    3. Anticipated IPC (Instructions Per Cycle) increase of 20-40% compared to the previous Arrow Lake generation.
    4. Nova Lake processors are projected for release in 2026, with potential X3D-like models incorporating additional L3 cache.
    5. The Nova Lake CPU tile is likely to be manufactured using TSMC’s N2 node instead of Intel’s own advanced 18A/18AP process.

    Earlier predictions suggested that Intel would significantly boost the core count in its Core Ultra 400 Nova Lake processors. With hyperthreading largely removed, increasing the number of cores is the main way to enhance multicore performance in the new chips. A reliable leaker, @g01d3nm4ng0, has now disclosed the core counts for each CPU model.

    Tentative CPU Names

    The CPU names mentioned above are provisional and may be altered by the time they launch. However, the Core Ultra 9 processor is expected to stand out due to its massive core count. Moreover, its new Coyote Cove P-cores and Arctic Wolf E-cores are anticipated to deliver an IPC increase of around 20-40% compared to Arrow Lake. Additionally, the integrated GPU will combine elements from Celestial and Druid designs.

    A Long Wait Ahead

    Regardless, it’ll take some time before we get definitive details, as Nova Lake is not expected to be available until 2026. Still, the anticipation might be justified since Intel could introduce X3D-like models by pairing a CPU tile with additional L3 cache through Foveros 3D packaging technology. Lastly, it is widely believed that the Nova Lake CPU tile will be produced using TSMC’s N2 node rather than Intel’s advanced 18A/18AP process.

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  • Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6: Why Lunar Lake Excels for Business Laptops

    Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6: Why Lunar Lake Excels for Business Laptops

    Key Takeaways

    1. Performance is crucial for desktop computers, as they handle demanding tasks better.
    2. Laptops prioritize efficiency over sheer performance due to issues like heat, noise, and battery life.
    3. The main CPU competitors for Windows laptops are Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm, each offering different strengths.
    4. Intel’s Lunar Lake struggles with performance but excels in cooling, noise, and battery life compared to rivals.
    5. The Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 Intel is recommended for corporate users due to its balanced performance and efficiency.

    Faster, faster, faster – performance is key when it comes to choosing a computer. A quicker PC can handle more demanding tasks. Thus, performance should always take the top spot, especially for desktop computers, where it is crucial.

    The Laptop Dilemma

    However, laptops tell a different story. Boosting performance might lead to issues like increased heat, louder fans, and shorter battery life. This is particularly important since many users only run basic applications such as email, office tasks, and web browsing. This is often the case for business laptops, where efficiency is frequently more valuable than sheer performance.

    CPU Competition

    In the world of Windows laptops, three main CPU makers compete: Intel, the long-standing leader, AMD, the constant contender, and Qualcomm, a newcomer with ARM technology. This raises the question: which platform is best for business users? We can tackle this after examining the Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 Intel, since Lenovo provides this model with all three CPU choices, and we have tested each one.

    Surprisingly, the trends from previous generations have flipped: Intel previously offered great performance but lacked efficiency, while Qualcomm’s CPUs were not powerful but were energy efficient. This year, Intel’s Lunar Lake struggles to match the competition’s performance, but the ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 Intel operates cooler and quieter than its rivals, with battery life on par with the Snapdragon variant.

    The Final Verdict

    That’s why we see the Intel version as the top choice: for corporate customers, Intel’s Lunar Lake is the best overall solution. If higher performance is a must, the other options may be better, but they come with trade-offs in other areas.

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  • Intel Ends Support for Deep Link: No Future Updates Planned

    Intel Ends Support for Deep Link: No Future Updates Planned

    Key Takeaways

    1. Intel has officially ended support for its Deep Link technology, which aimed to enhance performance by integrating Intel CPUs and Arc GPUs.

    2. Deep Link was designed for improved efficiency in video streaming, encoding, and AI acceleration, requiring 11th to 13th Gen Intel CPUs and Arc Alchemist GPUs.

    3. Users experienced significant issues with Deep Link, including instability and compatibility problems, particularly with applications like OBS and Handbrake.

    4. The announcement of the end of support was made informally in a GitHub discussion rather than through a press release.

    5. Existing users can still use Deep Link on compatible hardware, but no future updates or fixes will be provided for any issues.

    Intel has formally ceased support for its Deep Link technology, a software package that was launched in late 2020 to enhance performance by integrating the capabilities of Intel CPUs and Arc GPUs. This announcement was made not through a traditional press release but instead via a GitHub discussion where an Intel representative acknowledged the end of support after a user inquired for a month about issues with Stream Assist in OBS Studio.

    Purpose of Deep Link

    Deep Link was created to provide better efficiency and performance for activities like video streaming, encoding, and AI acceleration. It necessitated a setup that included Intel’s 11th, 12th, or 13th Gen CPUs along with Arc Alchemist GPUs. The suite included four main features: Dynamic Power Share, Hyper Encode, Stream Assist, and Hyper Compute. These features facilitated intelligent power distribution between the CPU and GPU, allowed for multi-processor encoding, offloaded streaming tasks, and provided AI acceleration through OpenVINO.

    User Experiences

    Over time, many users reported issues such as instability or complete failure of the technology, particularly in applications like OBS and Handbrake. Additionally, some features needed support from specific vendors. Another complication was the widening compatibility issues as new CPU architectures, like Meteor Lake, were released without support for Deep Link.

    Final Confirmation

    While Intel had been quietly moving away from promoting Deep Link with newer releases like Battlemage, the definitive announcement came from an Intel staff member “Zack-Intel” in response to a GitHub thread – stating, “Deep Link is no longer actively maintained and will not be receiving future updates.” Users whose hardware remains compatible can still utilize Deep Link, but any upcoming driver or software problems will not receive fixes.

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  • Intel Releases New Microcode for 13th & 14th Gen CPU Issues

    Intel Releases New Microcode for 13th & 14th Gen CPU Issues

    Key Takeaways

    – Intel launched microcode update version 0x12F to fix ‘Vmin Shift Instability’ in 13th and 14th Gen Core desktop processors.
    – The issue, noted by Tekken 8 players, involves voltage fluctuations during low activity or idle periods.
    – The update improves voltage behavior without affecting performance in productivity or gaming tests.
    – Users are advised to update BIOS and enable “Intel Default Settings” in UEFI for stability.
    – Intel has extended the warranty for affected processors by two years, totaling five years of coverage.

    Intel has launched a new microcode update, version 0x12F, to address the ‘Vmin Shift Instability’ that is affecting its high-end 13th and 14th Gen Core desktop processors, especially the Core i7 and i9 “K” series. This comes after the previous update, 0x12B, released in September 2024, which was thought to solve the problem.

    New Update and Its Purpose

    The instability issue was first brought to light by players of Korean Tekken 8, and it arises from voltage fluctuations during periods of low activity or while the system is idle for long periods, sometimes days or even weeks. The new update improves how voltage behaves in these less demanding conditions, which helps to lessen the risk of long-term damage to the processor.

    Performance Testing Insights

    Intel has pointed out that the fundamental cause of the instability has not changed. However, tests conducted on processors like the Core i9-14900K with DDR5 5600 MT/s memory indicate that the 0x12F update does not cause any noticeable performance differences in productivity tests (like Cinebench or Speedometer 3) or gaming scenarios (such as Cyberpunk 2077 or Hitman 3).

    User Recommendations and Warranty Extension

    To alleviate these issues, Intel recommends that users update to the latest BIOS firmware and enable the “Intel Default Settings” profile in UEFI. This update is part of Intel’s ongoing efforts to maintain stability and performance in its newest desktop CPUs.

    Users who are affected should be aware that Intel has also extended the warranty for the impacted processors by two years, giving a total coverage period of five years for qualifying chips.

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  • Intel Arc Pro 140T Leaks Ahead of Computex 2025 with Dell Pro Max 16

    Intel Arc Pro 140T Leaks Ahead of Computex 2025 with Dell Pro Max 16

    Key Takeaways

    1. Intel will unveil new Arc Pro GPUs at Computex 2025 from May 20 to May 23.
    2. A new Arc Pro GPU was discovered on Geekbench, but it is an integrated model, not a standalone.
    3. The Arc Pro variant is based on the Arc 140T integrated graphics solution in Arrow Lake chips.
    4. The Arc Pro 140T tested has 128 Compute Units and 16 GB of dedicated RAM with a clock speed of 2,300 MHz.
    5. A refreshed Dell Pro Max 16 may be released this spring, featuring the new GPU.

    Earlier this week, Intel hinted that it will unveil new Arc Pro GPUs at Computex 2025, taking place in Taipei from May 20 to May 23. This annual tech show was previously thought to be the launchpad for Intel’s highly anticipated Arc B770, which is designed to be a stronger option compared to the Arc B580 (currently priced at $389 on Amazon).

    New GPU Discovery

    Just as expected, a fresh Arc Pro GPU has surfaced on Geekbench within a Dell Pro Max 16. However, the GPU noted is an integrated one, not the standalone model that many were anticipating. The image below suggests that Intel has developed a Pro variant of the Arc 140T, which is an integrated graphics solution found in Arrow Lake H and HX chips.

    Benchmark Insights

    In this context, the Arc Pro 140T was tested alongside a Core Ultra 7 265H. At first glance, the iGPU’s main specs remain similar to those of the standard Arc 140T, featuring 128 Compute Units and 16 GB of dedicated RAM. The listing also indicates a clock speed of 2,300 MHz, which aligns with the Core Ultra 7 265H versions of the Arc 140T. While additional information is scarce at the moment, it seems a revamped Dell Pro Max 16 might be released this spring.

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    Intel Arc Pro 140T Leaks Ahead of Computex 2025 with Dell Pro Max 16
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