Tag: Intel

  • Intel’s €10B German Chip Plant Delayed to 2029 Amid Funding Changes

    Intel’s €10B German Chip Plant Delayed to 2029 Amid Funding Changes

    The future of Intel’s semiconductor factory in Magdeburg, Germany, is becoming uncertain as government leaders think about changing the €10 billion subsidy meant for it. This situation arose after Intel announced the delay of construction until 2029-2030, which has led to talks about possibly moving the funds from the Climate and Transformation Fund.

    Financial Moves in Question

    Finance Minister Christian Lindner is advocating for redirecting those subsidies, including the initial €3.96 billion planned for 2024, back into the federal budget. This approach is not favored by Economic Affairs Minister Robert Habeck, whose department manages the fund and aims to maintain its emphasis on fostering economic development and supporting environmental initiatives.

    Uncertain Future for Intel

    Alexander Schiersch, from the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW), notes that Intel’s current financial issues make it about a 50/50 chance that they will proceed with the Magdeburg project at all. This ambiguity raises worries regarding Germany’s broader ambitions for its semiconductor industry and the local development strategies being implemented.

    Potential Consequences of Delays

    Delays like this can create many complications. If Intel decides to proceed, they would need to negotiate a new subsidy agreement. However, if the project is canceled, the specially prepared site might be difficult to repurpose, complicating local development efforts.

    In addition to these challenges, the changing global economy adds more complexity to the situation, affecting both Intel and German officials. Intel’s decision to reduce its foundry activities only increases the uncertainty surrounding the future of the facility.

    (Source: TomsHardware in English via HardwareLUXX in German)

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  • Lenovo Product Manager Hints at Early 2026 Panther Lake-H Release

    Lenovo Product Manager Hints at Early 2026 Panther Lake-H Release

    We recently got to see Intel’s new Arrow Lake-H CPU, the Core Ultra 9 285H, on Geekbench for the first time. This CPU is expected to be launched at CES 2025, along with the Arrow Lake-HX and upgraded Raptor Lake CPUs. Additionally, the next generation, Panther Lake (Core Ultra 300), is rumored to debut around the same timeframe next year.

    Insights from Lenovo

    This information was shared by a Lenovo product manager through ITHome, with a mention of @harukaze5719 on X. On the other hand, the user @SquashBionic, who has a good track record of leaking Intel-related information, suggests that Panther Lake might see an earlier paper launch within the year. This seems possible, and Intel might introduce Panther Lake close to the launch date of Lunar Lake.

    CEO’s Promises

    SquashBionic’s comments align with what Intel’s CEO Pat Gelsinger has stated about a Panther Lake launch in 2025. Given that a Panther Lake chip has been powered on already, we shouldn’t expect mass production and an official launch to be very far off. Alternatively, Intel might reveal some of the Panther Lake series in 2025 and unveil the remaining models in 2026. Currently, at least five Panther Lake SKUs are known, with the highest-spec version limited to 45 Watts.

    Memory Restrictions

    According to the ITHome report, Panther Lake will not feature on-package memory like Lunar Lake does. However, there is a specific case that isn’t part of Panther Lake-U, which means at least one CPU from the Panther Lake lineup will come with non-upgradable RAM. Supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has also echoed this in a recent Medium article, noting that original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) weren’t too happy about the memory limitations and that Intel had limited influence over DRAM pricing.

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  • Intel Core Ultra 9 285H Launches: 16-Core CPU and Throttling Issues

    Intel Core Ultra 9 285H Launches: 16-Core CPU and Throttling Issues

    A recent leak had indicated that Intel’s upcoming Arrow Lake-H processors would feature a combination of three distinct CPU core designs: Lion Cove (P-core), Skymont (E-core), and Crestmont (LP E-core). However, new information from a Geekbench listing for the Core Ultra 9 285H suggests a different outcome. Intel is set to unveil Arrow Lake-H, Arrow Lake-HX, and an additional Raptor Lake refresh during CES 2025.

    Performance Metrics

    The top-tier Arrow Lake-H CPU appeared on Geekbench, achieving scores of 2,665 in single-core and 15,330 in multi-core tests. It was tested in conjunction with a Dell laptop equipped with 64 GB of DDR5-6400 memory, hinting that it might be targeted towards workstation users. The Core Ultra 9 285H features a total of 16 CPU cores arranged in a 6+10 setup, with the P-core boost clock advertised at 5.4 GHz. Nevertheless, it appears that the CPU is experiencing significant throttling, failing to reach the promised boost clock speeds.

    Comparison with Competitors

    Due to this throttling issue, the Core Ultra 9 285H is only 6% faster than the Meteor Lake-based Core Ultra 9 185H (which scored 2,506 in single-core and 13,972 in multi-core tests) and 9% faster in multi-core performance. It falls short when compared to the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, which managed to score 2,857 and 15,221 points in the same benchmarks. Curiously, even the Lunar Lake-based Core Ultra 9 288V outperforms it in single-core tasks.

    Future Expectations

    While it’s expected that performance will likely improve by the time of launch, the Core Ultra 9 285H does not seem to offer a substantial upgrade over Meteor Lake. It is hoped that there will be a notable enhancement in power efficiency, which Intel has been focusing on since the launch of Lunar Lake earlier this year.

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  • October 2024 Steam Hardware Survey Shows Stable Trends

    October 2024 Steam Hardware Survey Shows Stable Trends

    Steam has released the findings from its October hardware survey. The hardware landscape remains mostly unchanged, with Intel processors leading the way over AMD, holding a 66%-33% advantage. Unlike GPUs, we don’t see a detailed breakdown of models, but it’s clear that Intel’s stronghold in the laptop sector plays a significant role in this dominance.

    GPU Popularity

    The xx60 series GPUs remain a favorite among gamers, as the GeForce RTX 3060 leads in desktops while the GeForce RTX 4060 takes the lead in laptops. The desktop variant is catching up quickly and should reach similar levels soon. Interestingly, the older GeForce RTX 1650 ranks fourth, surpassing the more robust RTX 2060.

    AMD’s Position

    As expected, AMD’s products are lower on the ranking. The first entry is an unlisted Radeon GPU, which is probably the 780M. Following that is the Radeon RX 6600, then the Radeon RX 580. Notably, Nvidia’s top-tier GeForce RTX 4090 ranks above AMD’s offerings, while the Radeon RX 7900 XTX is positioned below the aging GeForce RTX 1650 Super.

    Operating System Trends

    Windows 11 remains the most commonly used operating system, and 1080p is still the favored resolution for gamers. Despite the Steam Deck’s rise in popularity, Linux users represent a mere 2% of the total user base. These patterns are expected to persist until early 2025, when we might see a slow shift as new hardware from Intel, Nvidia, and AMD becomes available.

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  • US Government Considers Intel AMD Merger Proposal

    US Government Considers Intel AMD Merger Proposal

    A recent speculation has emerged suggesting that both Apple and Samsung are interested in purchasing Intel. Prior to this, Qualcomm was also thought to be in the market for a similar acquisition. The idea of Intel merging with another firm seems more plausible now, especially given its reported net losses of $16.6 billion this quarter. Interestingly, it appears that the U.S. government also sees potential in this scenario.

    Government’s Involvement

    According to Semfor, the U.S. Commerce Department is exploring various methods to assist Intel. While a direct financial boost through the CHIPS Act could provide some relief, it may not be sufficient. The department might “suggest” a merger with competitors like AMD or Marvell. Although not specifically named, Apple seems like a likely option due to its significant cash reserves and its role in producing high-end chips. Furthermore, being an American company adds to its appeal.

    Intel’s Current Standing

    For the time being, Intel seems to be in a relatively stable position after securing a large order from the U.S. Department of Defense and Amazon Web Services. The company is pinning its hopes on the success of its 18A node technology to aid in its recovery. However, it’s perhaps premature to guess what the future holds for Intel with government involvement, but we shouldn’t have to wait too long for answers.

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  • Intel Stock Soars After EU Antitrust Probe Ends Favorably

    Intel Stock Soars After EU Antitrust Probe Ends Favorably

    At the close of January 2022, Intel successfully contested a fine exceeding one billion Euros that was originally issued in 2009. The Luxembourg-based General Court had previously decided to overturn the European Commission’s penalty. They criticized the way the Commission analyzed Intel’s rebates to companies like Dell, HP, NEC, and Lenovo, arguing that it misinterpreted these actions as attempts to hinder AMD’s presence in the market. Now, it seems that the final blow has been dealt to the European Commission’s allegations, at least in this instance.

    Court Decision Finalized

    "The Court of Justice dismisses the Commission’s appeal, thereby upholding the judgment of the General Court," noted Reuters earlier today. A few months back, a court advisor shared his views on the swift actions of EU regulators, pointing out that they seemed to have rushed their decisions without performing a thorough economic analysis.

    Intel’s Stock Performance

    For anyone interested in the legal documents associated with this case, they should search for "T-286/09 P Intel Corporation v Commission." This search will yield a wealth of helpful information, especially for those studying cyberlaw. For others, the key takeaway is that Intel has emerged victorious. Despite experiencing a more than 50% decline in the past year, the tech giant is showing signs of recovery in the stock market. Intel’s stock increased by a respectable 1.64% today, closing at $22.34 per share.

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  • Griffin Cove and Nova Lake IPC: Intel to Replace E-Cores with P-Cores

    Griffin Cove and Nova Lake IPC: Intel to Replace E-Cores with P-Cores

    Intel’s CPU plans appear to be ever-changing, based on the latest leaks. So far, it’s been revealed that Intel has scrapped Beast Lake, Beast Lake Next, and has also disbanded Jim Keller’s Royal Core initiative. Moreover, there are reports suggesting that Team Blue could launch Panther Lake desktop chips to compete against AMD’s Zen 6 by 2025.

    Future Innovations

    In a recent update regarding IPC metrics for Nova Lake, Moore’s Law Is Dead indicates that Intel might be developing a groundbreaking CPU architecture set to debut in 2027 or later. The source mentions that Intel is working on Griffin Cove P-cores for a yet-to-be-named architecture expected to arrive in 2027 or beyond. These P-cores might utilize the Intel 14A-P, which is an upgrade of the Intel 14A technology anticipated to commence production in 2026.

    Design Changes Ahead

    Interestingly, MLID suggests that Intel could adopt a “Unified Core” approach for E-cores, mirroring AMD’s strategy. The upcoming CPUs based on Griffin Cove or Griffin-Next might eliminate the distinction between P and E-cores, taking inspiration from Zen 5 and Zen 5c cores. Unlike Intel’s separate P and E-cores, the Zen 5 series features similar architecture with minor changes in the Zen 5c for size reduction. Intel seems to be planning to implement a similar design for its 2027 architecture, moving away from the two distinct core types within a single CPU.

    Performance Expectations

    On the performance front, MLID speculates that the Griffin Cove P-cores could see a 10-20% IPC increase compared to Nova Lake and its Coyote Cove P-cores. However, since Griffin Cove is still quite a ways off, any talk of “IPC enhancement” should be approached with skepticism. MLID is aware of this uncertainty and cautions in their video that “anything after Nova Lake is NOT finalized”.

    In addition, MLID claims a potential IPC boost of 9 to 18% for the Coyote Cove P-cores in Nova Lake, although no numbers are provided for the Arctic Wolf E-cores. The leaker further suggests that Nova Lake might implement the refreshed Intel 18A-P process instead of the previously rumored 14A and TSMC 2 nm.

    As we move forward, it remains to be seen what Intel has planned with Nova Lake. In the meantime, we can look forward to the reviews of the Arrow Lake Core Ultra 200 CPUs, which should roll out in the coming years. The end of 2024 is shaping up to be an exciting period for gamers, especially since AMD has announced that the Ryzen 9000X3D will launch next month.

    Moore’s Law Is Dead on YouTube, Teaser image: Intel, Moore’s Law Is Dead, edited.

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  • TSMC Denies Intel Fab Acquisition Rumors

    TSMC Denies Intel Fab Acquisition Rumors

    TSMC, the biggest contract chipmaker in the world, has clearly shut down any discussions about acquiring Intel’s manufacturing facilities. This comes at a time when Intel’s foundry division is having a hard time attracting clients, raising questions about CEO Pat Gelsinger’s IDM 2.0 strategy and its potential success.

    TSMC’s Firm Stance

    During a recent earnings call, TSMC’s CEO, C.C. Wei, was very straightforward, stating, “Are we interested to acquire one of IDM’s fabs? The answer is no, OK? No, not at all.” This direct response effectively ends the rumors about who might take over Intel’s fabs if they choose to sell their manufacturing operations.

    Reasons Behind the Speculation

    The talk surrounding Intel’s fabs stems from various considerations. To begin with, there’s the financial aspect. Intel’s extensive manufacturing infrastructure would require a substantial amount of money to take control of, and even TSMC, despite its vast resources, would think long and hard before proceeding. Additionally, there’s the technical challenge. Intel’s fabs are specifically designed for their own products and processes, making it a difficult and costly task to adapt them for use by other companies.

    Different Business Models

    The contrasting operational styles of the two companies further contribute to TSMC’s lack of interest. TSMC maintains a streamlined corporate structure, which is quite different from Intel’s approach of tackling large projects and engaging in deep fundamental research. Furthermore, any significant acquisition like this would likely face considerable pushback from antitrust regulators and could potentially escalate geopolitical tensions.

    A Fundamental Clash

    Perhaps the most significant reason for TSMC’s disinterest lies in their differing business philosophies. TSMC focuses solely on being a pure-play foundry, while Intel adopts an IDM model, managing both design and manufacturing internally. These diverging strategies simply do not align, making the possibility of TSMC acquiring Intel’s fabs virtually impossible.

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  • Intel Arrow Lake H Series Leaks: 5 Models, 45W TDP Variant

    Intel Arrow Lake H Series Leaks: 5 Models, 45W TDP Variant

    Intel’s Arrow Lake H series has had its details exposed online. This information comes from the reliable leaker Jaykihn, who also revealed details about Arrow Lake-HX and Lunar Lake earlier this year. The lineup consists of five SKUs, featuring one Core Ultra 9 model at the top. We get a glimpse into its CPU and integrated GPU performance.

    Core Configurations

    It was previously speculated that Arrow Lake-H would include three types of CPU cores. The P-cores are identified as Lion Cove, while the E-cores are Skymont, and the LP-E cores are Crestmont, which are derived from Meteor Lake. It’s still unclear why Intel chose to reintroduce LP-E cores, particularly given their previous underwhelming performance.

    Thermal Design Power

    The only model with a higher performance, the Core Ultra 9 285H, has a TDP of 45 Watts. The other models are limited to 28 Watts, which aligns closely with prior H SKUs. The entire range appears capable of boosting up to 65 Watts (PL2), based on the available information.

    Integrated Graphics

    Furthermore, the Core Ultra 7 265H, Core Ultra 7255H, and Core Ultra 9 285H all feature an integrated GPU with 8 Xe cores. In contrast, the Core Ultra 5 235H and Core Ultra 5 225H come equipped with 7 Xe cores. Each model’s maximum boost clock speeds decrease progressively.

    Jaykihn shared this information on X.

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  • Intel Graphics Drivers Increase Gaming Performance by 24%

    Intel Graphics Drivers Increase Gaming Performance by 24%

    Intel has launched a fresh set of graphics drivers that bring major performance improvements and optimizations for many games, along with support for new titles. The drivers, 32.0.101.6127 WHQL and 32.0.101.6044 Non-WHQL, cater to integrated GPUs (iGPUs) in the Core Ultra 200V series processors (Lunar Lake), as well as discrete Arc Alchemist GPUs. Users can expect significant enhancements, with Lunar Lake iGPUs achieving up to a 24% performance boost, while Arc Alchemist GPUs can enjoy as much as a 20% increase in game performance.

    Fixes and Enhancements

    Alongside performance upgrades, Intel has resolved various known issues with this driver update, which enhances overall stability and functionality:

    Nevertheless, Intel has stated that some problems are still under investigation. These lingering issues include flickering in Doom Eternal (Vulkan), crashes in Blender during specific rendering benchmarks, corruption issues in Adobe Premiere Pro when using 8K AV1 Encode, and stability concerns in Star Wars Outlaws.

    Download Availability

    The 32.0.101.6127 WHQL and 32.0.101.6044 Non-WHQL drivers can be downloaded and are compatible with Intel CPUs from the 11th Generation up to the latest Lunar Lake processors. Nonetheless, Intel recommends that users should opt for OEM-customized drivers instead of the generic Intel versions. The OEM drivers are tailored for specific devices and have gone through rigorous testing to ensure they are compatible and stable.

    Another noteworthy point about this release is the increased driver package size, now reaching 1.4GB. This is due to the combination of drivers for both Arc GPUs and Lunar Lake iGPUs. Although this merger is expected to be temporary, it currently means that users of either GPU will need to download the entire package.

    Intel via Tom’s Hardware

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