Tag: Intel

May 31, 2025
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.
Source:
Link
Tags: CPU Performance, Intel, Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6
May 11, 2025
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.
Source:
Link
Tags: Arc GPUs, Deep Link, Intel
May 10, 2025
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.
Source:
Link
Tags: Core i7, Core i9, Intel
May 10, 2025
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.
Source:
Link
Tags: Arc Pro 140T, Dell Pro Max 16, Intel
May 8, 2025
Choosing the Right Intel CPU for 2025 Laptops: A Guide
Key Takeaways
1. Fierce Competition: The Windows laptop market in 2025 sees intense competition among Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm, offering consumers a variety of options but creating confusion.
2. Intel’s Core Ultra Series 2: Intel’s product lineup for high-end laptop processors, the Core Ultra Series 2, is complicated and not as cohesive as it appears, making it difficult for buyers to navigate.
3. Product Distinction Issues: Not all Intel Core Ultra Series 2 CPUs are equal, with specific models like Arrow Lake HX being limited to larger laptops, while Arrow Lake U may not offer significant improvements over older models.
4. Confusing Naming Conventions: Intel’s naming scheme for its 2025 CPUs, such as Arrow Lake U, can mislead consumers, as it suggests minimal differences from previous generations like Meteor Lake.
5. Real-World Example: The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition illustrates the confusion, as newer models with different Intel CPUs (Arrow Lake U and H) can leave buyers uncertain about which processor to choose.
2025 is shaping up to be an interesting year for laptops. There are a variety of strong options available, and the competition among the three major CPU makers in the Windows laptop market—Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm—is fierce. While this is beneficial for consumers, it can also lead to some confusion due to the sheer number of choices.
The Intel Dilemma
Even after picking a CPU brand, the confusion doesn’t always go away. This year, Intel is particularly challenging to navigate. The once-dominant chipmaker has a single product line for high-end laptop processors, known as the Core Ultra Series 2, at least on paper. However, what seems like a cohesive product lineup is actually quite scattered, which can be very perplexing for buyers. The complete Core Ultra range that Intel offers in 2025 includes:
What complicates matters for shoppers is that these product lines aren’t as distinct as they might appear. Arrow Lake HX stands out as it is only available in larger, heavier laptops, while the other three can all power similar laptops. And they do just that.
Real-World Example
Take the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition, which you can find on Amazon. We took this laptop for a spin in December 2024 using Intel’s Lunar Lake, and for quite some time, that was the only option available. However, starting from late April, Lenovo began offering the pricier ThinkPad thin and light models equipped with Intel Arrow Lake U and Intel Arrow Lake H, causing many buyers to wonder: Which CPU should I choose?
While this situation isn’t ideal, it really becomes a concern when you realize that not all Intel Core Ultra Series 2 CPUs are created equal. The biggest problem lies with the Intel Arrow Lake U, also known as Core Ultra 200U.
Confusing Naming Conventions
The name implies there’s little distinction between Arrow Lake U and the others, but in truth, Intel Arrow Lake U is merely an upgrade of last year’s Intel Meteor Lake / Core Ultra 100U, fabricated using the newer Intel 3 process. Consequently, customers who opt for laptops with these CPUs won’t benefit from the advancements Intel has made in efficiency, which are present in Lunar Lake and the more robust Intel Arrow Lake H, featuring the more advanced Lion Cove and Skymont CPU cores made on the modern TSMC 3 nm node.
Honestly, Intel’s naming scheme for its 2025 CPUs is quite bewildering. It’s not clear why “Arrow Lake U” is even called that when it should actually be labeled as Intel Meteor Lake Refresh. Therefore, customers considering a laptop with Intel Arrow Lake U can also comfortably explore older models from 2024 with Meteor Lake, as the differences between the two CPU families appear to be quite small.
Source:
Link
Tags: Arrow Lake-U, Intel, Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13
May 5, 2025
Intel Arc B770 16GB GPU Still in Development and Not Scrapped
Key Takeaways
1. Intel’s high-end graphics card, the Arc B770, faced delays and uncertainty regarding its release date due to complications with its die.
2. A trusted leaker suggests that the Arc B770 is still in development, with new Battlemage GPUs discovered, possibly including the B770.
3. The Arc B770 may be revealed at Computex 2025, coinciding with AMD’s showcase of the RX 9060 XT.
4. Expected specifications for the Arc B770 include an Intel G31 GPU with up to 32 Xe cores and 16 GB of GDDR6 VRAM, positioning it to compete with high-end Nvidia cards.
5. Proper pricing and availability will be crucial for Intel to establish a greater presence in the GPU market, especially given ongoing supply issues with Nvidia and AMD products.
Last year, YouTuber Moore’s Law is Dead reported that Intel’s high-end graphics card, the Arc B770, faced delays without a set date due to complications with its die. Some sources even suggested that it might have been completely shelved. Although there have been some Intel GPUs that were not officially announced appearing sporadically online, none have turned into real products. However, a recent leak from X hints that Intel might soon have something to share with us.
New Hopes for the Arc B770
According to OneRaichu, a trusted leaker, the Arc B770 is still in the works. Recently, three new Battlemage GPUs were discovered in the PCIe database, and this could likely include the B770. The other two GPUs are expected to be for workstation use, with one rumored to have 24 GB of VRAM. These graphics cards might be revealed during Computex 2025, which takes place from May 20 to 23, coinciding with AMD’s planned showcase of the RX 9060 XT.
Specifications of the Arc B770
To refresh your memory, the Arc B770 was expected to come with an Intel G31 GPU featuring up to 32 Xe cores and 16 GB of GDDR6 VRAM on a 256-bit bus. With these specifications, it should be able to compete with the GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Super and possibly even the RTX 4080 in some situations.
If the pricing is set correctly, the Arc B770 could help Intel gain much-needed market presence, and now would be a good moment to launch it since Nvidia and AMD GPUs are often hard to find at their retail prices. Of course, the biggest hurdle will be availability, as even four months after its release, the Arc B580 still remains quite scarce.
Source:
Link
Tags: Arc B770, GPU, Intel
May 3, 2025
Intel Launches Free Game with Spring Bundle: Dying Light Deal
Key Takeaways
1. Intel is partnering with Techland to offer a new game bundle, excluding Civilization 7, which adds value for gamers and content creators.
2. The bundle is valued at $160, but the price for Dying Light: The Beast is not yet set and is not available on major PC platforms.
3. Collaboration with Techland includes optimizing the game for Intel’s x86 platform and supporting GPU-specific features like XeSS 2 technologies.
4. Intel aims to attract gamers by providing better value, including performance-boosting chipset driver updates and price cuts on its 14th generation Intel Core CPUs.
5. The bundle is available at selected retailers until July 31, 2025, covering a range of Intel’s 14th generation CPU options.
Intel is teaming up with the developer Techland, known for Dying Light, to provide a new game bundle that keeps Civilization 7 from its earlier package. This collaboration also brings great value for streamers and content creators, featuring extended trials for software like Canvid, VEGAS Pro 365, and XSplit Premium Suite.
Bundle Pricing and Value
Intel lists the bundle’s value at $160 but hasn’t set a price for Dying Light: The Beast, which is still not available on major PC gaming platforms like Steam and the Epic Games Store. This suggests that Intel might be offering even more value to gamers and users than before.
Collaboration with Techland
Part of Intel’s partnership involves close work with the developers to make sure the game is optimized for its x86 platform. They are also supporting their GPU-specific XeSS 2 features, which include XeSS Super Resolution (XeSS-SR), XeSS Frame Generation (XeSS-FG), and Xe Low Latency (XeLL). These technologies compete with Nvidia’s DLSS, Frame Generation, and Reflex, along with AMD’s Radeon anti-lag and FSR alternatives. However, adoption rates by developers remain lower, even with Intel’s Battlemage CPU series making a mark in the growing mid-range and entry-level GPU market by 2025.
Intel’s Strategy for Gamers
It’s no secret that Intel faces challenges in attracting gamers with its current and past generation Intel Core Series CPUs, especially compared to AMD’s specialized X3D CPUs. Nonetheless, Intel is making strides in a different area: providing better value for its users. This includes updates to its chipset drivers that can reportedly boost performance by up to 10%, along with significant price cuts on its 14th generation Intel Core series CPUs aimed at gamers and productivity users.
Availability of the Bundle
The bundle is currently available at select retailers, such as Newegg and Best Buy in the US, and it spans a wide range of CPU options. This includes Intel’s entry-level 14th generation Core i5 CPUs up to its high-end Core Ultra 9 Series 2 offerings, as well as laptop chips from the same generation.
Note: This offer is live now and will continue until July 31, 2025, giving users about three months to take advantage of one of Intel’s more aggressive CPU bundles recently.
What’s Coming Next
Intel and Techland are collaborating on Dying Light: The Beast, which is the latest in the Dying Light series. As the exclusive CPU partner, Intel has been working closely with Techland to enhance the Dying Light: The Beast experience for PC gamers in anticipation of the game’s release this summer.
Source:
Link
Tags: Core i5, Dying Light: The Beast, Intel
April 30, 2025
Intel Launches Ultra-Thin Cooling Solution for 1000W Chips
Key Takeaways
1. Intel has introduced an experimental liquid cooling solution capable of handling up to 1,000 watts of heat from next-gen chips.
2. The innovative cooling system is integrated at the package level, using a compact water block with copper microchannels for efficient heat transfer.
3. Prototypes for LGA and BGA processors show 15-20% improved thermal performance over standard liquid coolers.
4. The cooling technology utilizes solder or liquid metal thermal interface material for better contact, allowing for more compact system designs.
5. While not yet available commercially, this cooling method addresses rising demands from AI workloads and high-performance computing, indicating a potential shift in CPU thermal design.
As the power and heat generated by chips keep increasing, especially in server processors and AI accelerators, companies are always looking for better ways to manage heat. Intel has taken a unique route to tackle this challenge by revealing an experimental liquid cooling solution at its Foundry Direct Connect event, which can handle up to 1,000 watts of heat from the next-gen chips.
Innovative Cooling Approach
The main concept of this package-level water cooling is to enhance heat transfer by placing the cooling system as near to the heat source as possible. Unlike typical cooling systems that are installed on top of processors, Intel’s method integrates the cooling directly at the package level. Instead of using a regular heat spreader, Intel’s solution includes a specially crafted compact water block that has precisely designed copper microchannels guiding the coolant across the CPU package. This idea is somewhat similar to direct-die cooling, which eliminates the heat spreader entirely to reduce thermal resistance.
Prototype Development
Intel has created prototypes for both LGA and BGA processors and has showcased this with Intel’s Core Ultra and Xeon server processors. The company asserts that this solution provides 15-20% improved thermal performance compared to standard liquid coolers used on delidded dies. The cooling system is said to employ solder or liquid metal thermal interface material, which ensures better contact. Furthermore, the very slim design of these cooling blocks may allow for more compact system designs, even while managing significantly greater power loads.
Future Implications
Although standard consumer CPUs don’t yet reach the 1,000-watt mark, this technology looks ahead to rising demands from AI workloads, high-performance computing, and professional uses. Intel has reportedly worked on this technology for years, with some research tracing back to 2005.
Intel has not disclosed when or if this cooling method will be available for commercial products, but the demonstration hints at a major potential change in CPU thermal design. As chips continue to grow in power consumption and package density, direct cooling solutions might become vital for high-performance computing.
Source:
Link

Tags: Core Ultra, Intel, Liquid Cooling
April 25, 2025
Intel’s Lunar Lake AI PCs Struggle Sales Compared to Raptor Lake
Key Takeaways
1. AI Trend Race: Since ChatGPT’s launch in late 2022, companies are rushing to leverage AI for marketing, with Microsoft promoting AI in its Windows laptops through initiatives like “CoPilot+ PC.”
2. Chip Development: Intel and AMD are focusing on creating specialized “AI PC” chips for laptops, with Intel releasing its Core Ultra 100 and 200 APUs, while AMD has included “AI” in the names of its latest mobile chips.
3. Consumer Preferences: Intel has seen a shift in consumer demand, favoring older Raptor Lake laptops over newer AI-focused models, leading to a shortage in production capacity for those older models.
4. Marketing Challenges: The marketing strategies for Intel and AMD’s new processors have been ineffective, lacking engaging use cases that highlight their strengths, such as battery life and gaming capabilities.
5. Future Insights: AMD’s upcoming earnings call will reveal whether its Ryzen AI-based laptops are performing better in the market compared to Intel’s recent offerings.
Since ChatGPT’s launch in late 2022, a new race in AI has begun, prompting firms of all sizes to cash in on the “AI” trend. Microsoft also wanted in on the action, aiming to promote its Windows laptops through AI marketing. Last year, they rolled out the “CoPilot+ PC” initiative to certify laptops that achieve a certain level of machine learning performance.
Chip Makers in the AI Game
Both Intel and AMD, the leading manufacturers of Windows PC chips, have been developing “AI PC” chips tailored for laptops. Intel kicked off its AI PC journey with the Core Ultra 100 Meteor Lake APUs in 2023, which was followed by the Core Ultra 200 Lunar Lake APUs last year. AMD, not to be outdone, went a step further by incorporating “AI” into the names of their newest mobile APUs.
Consumer Preferences Shift
However, it appears that Intel’s pursuit of the AI PC trend hasn’t yielded the expected results. Intel has disclosed that buyers are leaning towards older Raptor Lake mobile laptops instead of the newer Meteor Lake/Lunar Lake models. In their recent Q1 2025 earnings call, Intel mentioned that the rising interest in older Raptor Lake and Alder Lake laptops has led to a shortage in their Intel 7 process capacity. This increased demand for the 13th-generation Raptor Lake laptops is largely attributed to their lower price point. The company stated that laptop manufacturers are “hedging their bets” due to “macroeconomic concerns and tariffs.”
Marketing Missteps
Taking cost factors into account, it’s worth questioning whether the Meteor Lake and Lunar Lake laptops were effectively marketed to the public. Over the last couple of years, Intel and AMD have branded their products as ready for the AI era, highlighting larger NPUs and more advanced iGPUs. Yet, without engaging use cases, the whole AI PC narrative appears to have unraveled.
As noted by Hardware Canucks on X, things could have turned out differently if the latest Intel and AMD processors had been marketed based on their true strengths. For example, laptops featuring Intel’s Lunar Lake APUs, such as the latest Vivobook S 14, can finally claim battery life comparable to that of Apple MacBooks.
In addition, with the recent Arc and Radeon iGPUs, users can enjoy modern gaming on sleek, lightweight devices. These significant selling points haven’t been effectively utilized by Intel, AMD, and Microsoft, overshadowed by the AI PC jargon.
AMD is set to hold its earnings call next, and as Tom’s Hardware highlights, it will be fascinating to see if the Ryzen AI-based laptops are mirroring Intel’s path or performing better compared to AMD’s previous generation chips.
Source:
Link
Tags: Asus Vivobook S 14, Intel, Raptor Lake
April 24, 2025
Intel to Cut Over 20,000 Jobs to Reduce Bureaucracy
Key Takeaways
1. Intel plans to lay off over 20% of its workforce, about 20,000 employees, to simplify management and reduce red tape.
2. The new CEO, Lip-Bu Tan, aims to restore an engineering-focused culture and rejuvenate the company’s engineering talent.
3. The layoffs are expected to be announced alongside Intel’s first-quarter financial results on April 24.
4. Intel’s current employee count stands at approximately 108,900 after previous layoffs in August 2024.
5. The company faces challenges in maintaining market share against competitors like Nvidia and AMD, and its return to previous sales levels may take years.
Intel appears to be gearing up for a significant overhaul that might not bode well for its workforce. A recent report indicates that the company plans to let go of over 20% of its employees in an effort to simplify management and cut down on red tape. Changes have been underway at Intel ever since new CEO Lip-Bu Tan took the helm last month. The announcement regarding the layoffs is anticipated this week.
Rebuilding Engineering Culture
According to a Bloomberg report, which references a source privy to the situation, this bold strategy aims to restore an engineering-focused environment at Intel. This aligns with Tan’s view that the company must rejuvenate its engineering talent that has diminished over time. Tan believes Intel should modify its manufacturing techniques to better meet customer demands. This approach seemingly involves laying off more than 20% of the workforce, which translates to around 20,000 employees worldwide.
Current Employee Count
By the close of 2024, Intel was reported to have 108,900 employees, following a previous wave of layoffs in August 2024. The new round of job cuts is expected to be disclosed on Thursday, April 24, coinciding with the release of first-quarter financial results.
Market Challenges
Intel has been facing difficulties in maintaining its market share against rivals such as Nvidia and AMD. Tan was appointed to tackle these challenges, and according to the report, his strategy includes creating more attractive products by divesting non-essential assets. Additionally, analysts have suggested that Intel may struggle to return to its former sales heights. If it manages to do so, it might take many years to achieve that goal.
Source:
Link
Tags: Intel, Layoffs, Lip-Bu Tan