Tag: Intel

October 20, 2024
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
Tags: Arc Alchemist, Intel, Lunar Lake
October 18, 2024
Intel Core i3 N350 Benchmark Shows Modest Integrated Graphics
A recent Geekbench 5 OpenCL score for Intel’s upcoming Core 3 N350 processor has emerged on X, offering us a glimpse into its potential graphics capabilities. It appears that the N350 will be utilizing Intel’s previous generation integrated graphics technology.
Graphics Performance Overview
The GPU of the N350 achieved a score of 6,191 points in the benchmark test. To give you a better perspective, here’s how it compares to several other graphics solutions:
It’s important to note that these are preliminary benchmarks, meaning the ultimate performance might differ. Additionally, synthetic benchmarks don’t always accurately reflect the real-world experience of using the hardware.
Implications for Core 3 CPUs
If these scores hold true, they indicate that the Core 3 CPUs may deliver mediocre graphics performance, a contrast to Intel’s Core Ultra series, which features more advanced graphics and includes built-in Neural Processing Units (NPUs).
The absence of an NPU in the Core 3 lineup might not be a significant concern for many users. However, if the graphics performance genuinely falls short, it could deter budget-conscious individuals in need of satisfactory integrated graphics.
TomsHardware (in English) via @BenchLeaks (in English)
Tags: Core 3 N350, Geekbench 5, Intel
October 17, 2024
Intel and AMD Join Forces to Compete with ARM for x86 Dominance
Think of it like Marvel heroes teaming up in real life. Intel and AMD have revealed that they and several other partners are joining forces to create an x86 Ecosystem Advisory Group (EAG). Intel’s CEO Pat Gelsinger and AMD’s Dr. Lisa Su shared the stage at the Lenovo Tech World 2024 event in Bellevue, Washington to announce this exciting news.
The x86 Ecosystem Advisory Group
The establishment of this EAG is significant for the "most widely used computing architecture" as it responds to the growing competition from ARM and architectures like RISC-V. The group also includes notable companies such as Broadcom, Dell, Google, HP Enterprise, HP Inc., Lenovo, Meta, Microsoft, Oracle, and Red Hat, along with key figures like Tim Sweeney and Linus Torvalds.
"We are proud to stand with AMD," Gelsinger stated, emphasizing the evolution of the x86 architecture over the years. Dr. Su remarked that the EAG aims to "ensure that x86 keeps evolving as the preferred computing platform for developers and customers" and to "guide" future innovations concerning x86. A joint press release outlined some goals for the EAG:
A Timely Collaboration
This partnership comes at a crucial moment. ARM IP can be licensed by any chip manufacturer, while RISC-V has no loyalty requirements. Since only Intel and AMD can utilize x86, it’s essential for these semiconductor leaders to collaborate in promoting this instruction set architecture (ISA).
Intel has been exploring the concept of x86S, a streamlined version of x86 that is purely 64-bit and excludes any legacy 16-bit components. Shouldn’t it be named x64 instead? The terminology can be a bit misleading, much like the recent naming conventions for Intel and AMD CPUs, if you know what I mean.
The term 64-bit is essentially an extension or a part of the x86 architecture, which AMD refers to as AMD64 or x86_64 in Linux. AMD64 is the dominant 64-bit code today, which is why you’ll see many drivers and operating system files labeled with "amd64." Intel has its own Intel 64 (distinct from Itanium or IA-64), while Microsoft clearly separates x86 code from x64.
Standardizing the Nomenclature
Maybe the EAG could kick off by standardizing this confusing naming system and the various implementations of x86_64. We might also witness AMD and its partners enhancing x86S in the future.
While ARM-based chips like Apple’s M series and Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon X Elite series have demonstrated impressive performance-per-Watt efficiency and responsiveness similar to smartphones, x86 remains deeply embedded in global computing and is unlikely to fade away soon.
Despite the efficiency of Apple’s M series chips, both Intel and AMD have shown that x86 can deliver solid performance at lower power levels with their Lunar Lake and Ryzen Strix Point products, respectively. Intel even mentioned in a recent interview that it’s not the ISA that controls power consumption, but rather the transistors that increase with core counts.
From being each other’s second-source providers of x86 in the 1980s to engaging in legal battles and counterclaims for market dominance, to collaborating on the unsuccessful Kaby Lake-G CPUs in 2017, Intel and AMD’s competition has profoundly influenced the PC industry as we know it today.
It has taken a third entity to bring these semiconductor giants to collaborate. Exciting times are surely ahead.
Intel Press Release
Tags: amd, Intel, x86 Ecosystem Advisory Group
October 9, 2024
Core Ultra 9 285K vs i9-14900K: Power Use and Gaming Speed
Intel’s Arrow Lake-S performance details have been leaked by a Chinese news source just days before its official release, and the results aren’t particularly impressive. The top-tier Core Ultra 9 285K appears to be slower than Intel’s fastest current generation Raptor Lake-R. Additionally, AMD’s Ryzen 7000X3D series outperforms it in demanding gaming situations. The lone positive note here is that Arrow Lake boasts better power efficiency.
Performance Comparisons
The Core Ultra 9 285K only trails the i9-14900K by a few frames per second. According to the leak, the Arrow Lake-S chip averages 261 fps, while the i9-14900K averages 264 fps. Interestingly, the information suggests that Intel is showing total system power usage rather than just CPU power. The Core Ultra 9 285K system is 80 W more efficient, while matching the performance levels of the Raptor Lake-R system.
Focus on Efficiency
It seems that raw performance is not the main goal for the new Arrow Lake series. Instead, Intel’s enhanced manufacturing method allows for lower thermal design power (TDP) with similar performance levels, or in some cases, up to 15% better performance. Another slide indicates that the Core Ultra 9 285K matches the i9-14900K while consuming 34-58 W less power, and certain games may experience a performance boost of 4-6% with a TDP reduction of up to 165 W. However, the specifics of the TDPs for the 15% performance improvement in F1 23 are unclear.
Competitive Edge
The leak also features two slides that pit the Core Ultra 9 285K against AMD’s older and newer Ryzen 9000 series processors. In productivity tests, the Arrow Lake-S flagship model outperforms the Ryzen 9 7950X3D by as much as 30%. Intel has consistently held an advantage in productivity and content creation for several generations. On the gaming front, though, the Arrow Lake-S is sometimes 15% faster, but it can be up to 21% slower in titles like Cyberpunk 2077, making it generally slower. Furthermore, Intel isn’t comparing it to the 7800X3D, which continues to be the top performer in gaming.
When compared to the Ryzen 9 9950X, the Core Ultra 9 285K is mostly even, achieving three wins and five losses, giving it a slight overall performance edge of 0.26%. This slide is not particularly useful since it fails to specify the TDPs for any of the CPUs. Additionally, there is a note indicating that the results utilize Application Optimized (APO) code, which typically skews results in favor of Intel.
Tags: Core Ultra 9 285K, Intel, Ryzen 7000X3D
September 18, 2024
AMD Must Strengthen Laptop Partnerships and Accelerate Growth
It is widely known that AMD has historically been behind Intel and Nvidia in the laptop market, particularly in the variety of available designs. Sasa Marinkovic from AMD addressed some of these worries in our conversation a few years back, but the situation has not seen significant improvement since then.
OEM Concerns
An AC Analysis report indicates that AMD’s increased focus on datacenter products is causing friction with its notebook OEM partners. The report describes the current relationship as a "cold war ice age," which is worrying as interest grows in Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Series and Intel’s new Lunar Lake offerings. Additionally, AMD’s ongoing "startup culture" and compromises in the consumer market are negatively impacting its future, unlike Intel and Nvidia, which seem to balance their datacenter and consumer lines more effectively.
OEMs are reportedly frustrated with the insufficient supply of AMD notebook chips for their designs in Q4 2023 and beyond. The analyst notes that partners have raised issues regarding miscommunication, unmet promises, and generally poor treatment, drawing parallels to Intel’s past behavior during its dominant years.
Supply Issues
ComputerBase supports this by highlighting that AMD has struggled to meet OEM chip demands. This is evidenced by the lack of Ryzen AI 300-powered laptops showcased at IFA 2024. Reports from discussions at the trade fair reveal that AMD’s failure to supply adequate and timely chips led manufacturers to reduce their portfolios of Strix Point laptops. One OEM remarked that AMD has "left billions of US dollars lying around" with its partners over the years.
Currently, AMD offers only two Strix Point APUs: the Ryzen AI 9 365 and the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370. The Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 has shown impressive performance in the three Asus laptops we tested. Recently, Asus’s exclusivity with AMD for these APUs ended, which is why other OEMs are finally starting to launch Ryzen AI 300-powered models.
New Launches and Future Prospects
HP is set to release an OmniBook Ultra that features the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, while MSI has announced the Summit 16 AI+, Prestige A16 AI+, and Creator A16 AI+ at IFA 2024, all powered by Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 and Ryzen AI 9 365 options. Acer mentioned back at Computex 2024 that they are working on a Swift 14 with Ryzen AI 300, but no details were provided during the IFA event.
AMD has also quietly launched the Ryzen AI 9 HX 375 APU, which boasts a slightly faster 55 TOPS NPU, but no laptops utilizing this APU have been revealed yet. Silent paper launches are not new for AMD in the notebook sector, as laptops featuring the Ryzen 9 7840HX are still absent, and very few Ryzen 7 8840U-powered mainstream laptops have reached reviewers, aside from a GPD Win Mini handheld and the Minisforum V3 tablet.
AMD Advantage Program
Do you recall the AMD Advantage program? It was AMD’s response to Intel Evo. Currently, AMD officially lists just three — yes, THREE — AMD Advantage laptops available in the US. However, on a global scale, models like the Asus TUF Gaming A16, Asus ROG Zephyrus G14, Framework 16, MSI Alpha 17, and MSI Alpha 15 are part of the Advantage program, though the Alpha 17 has now shifted to using an RTX 4070 Laptop GPU.
When discussing AMD’s mobile GPUs, the situation is similarly concerning. To date, only about five or six devices featuring RDNA 3 mobile GPUs have been reviewed. In contrast, we have tested 20 laptops with the RTX 4080 Laptop GPU and only one with the RX 7900M. This situation reminds us of the times when AMD Ryzen Renoir laptops were released with no GPUs exceeding an RTX 2060 Laptop GPU, while Intel laptops had much higher specifications.
Despite the challenges, AMD is expected to launch more budget-friendly Copilot+ laptops featuring Kraken Point in early 2025, likely at CES 2025. Kraken Point is a simplified version of the Strix Point APU with 4x Zen 5 + 4x Zen 5c cores, 8 CU RDNA 3.5 graphics, and a 50 TOPS XDNA 2 NPU. Upcoming flagship laptops will include Strix Halo and Fire Range APUs.
Market Share Growth
Interestingly, despite Intel’s aggressive marketing for Meteor Lake, AMD has managed to grow its mobile CPU market share from 16.2% in Q1 2023 to 19.3% in Q1 2024, accompanied by a notable 16.3% revenue increase. The full impact of AMD’s renewed focus on datacenter products on the consumer mobile segment will only be evident later in 2025.
Nevertheless, AMD needs to act quickly in the mobile space, especially with Qualcomm and Intel, which has introduced a staggering 80 new Lunar Lake designs, closing in on AMD’s market. Reports suggest that the company must address OEM needs promptly to prevent further reductions in designs due to a lack of mobile CPUs and GPUs.
Moreover, AMD and OEMs need to resolve feature inconsistencies between Intel and AMD laptop SKUs to make the selection process clear and appealing for consumers, rather than forcing them to choose between features. An example of this disparity can be seen in the Alienware m18 R1 Intel and m18 R1 AMD versions we reviewed last year.
The AMD m18 R1 lacks USB4, supports only three M.2 NVMe drives compared to four in the Intel version, has a less efficient GPU, and offers significantly lower battery life despite having a more efficient CPU. Additionally, the m18 R1 AMD experienced initial performance issues that were only resolved by reverting to an older Radeon driver.
Here’s hoping that 2025 brings better outcomes for both AMD and its customers.
Tags: amd, Intel, Ryzen AI 9
September 17, 2024
Pat Gelsinger’s Strategy to Stabilize Intel’s Financials
After several weeks of speculation regarding various strategies to improve Intel’s financial situation, CEO Pat Gelsinger has officially communicated the necessary steps that the company will take to navigate these challenging times.
Key Focus Areas for Recovery
Gelsinger noted that a recent meeting with the Board helped pinpoint three main areas that will play a crucial role in Intel’s recovery.
To kick things off, Intel revealed two significant chip production partnerships aimed at utilizing the 18A nodes effectively. The collaboration with Amazon Web Services involves a multi-billion-dollar investment in chip designs, with Intel set to manufacture AI fabric chips for Amazon using 18A, 18AP, and 14A technologies. Additionally, there will be more Xeon Scalable processors built on the Intel 3 platform. Intel is also set to gain access to up to $3 billion in direct funding from the U.S. government’s CHIPS and Science Act, which is designed to enhance the domestic chip supply chain.
Establishing Independence for the Foundry Division
A critical development that is likely to address Intel’s urgent financial challenges is the decision to create an independent subsidiary for the foundry division. This move has been anticipated since Gelsinger became CEO, as discussions about a potential foundry spin-off have been ongoing, particularly in light of the company’s financial difficulties. Gelsinger indicated that this change is part of a governance framework that was established earlier this year when Intel began separating the profit and loss along with financial reporting for both the foundry division and Intel Products. By becoming an independent subsidiary, the foundry division will provide significant advantages for Intel, including tax benefits and loss limits, while also enhancing transparency for future customers and suppliers.
Gelsinger emphasized that the independent foundry division will retain its current leadership, reporting directly to him. However, similar to the parent company, it will also have its own board of directors.
Delays and Workforce Adjustments
As anticipated from the ongoing discussions, Intel will need to delay the opening of its advanced manufacturing plants in Poland and Germany by approximately two years. During this time, the Irish facility will serve as the primary European center, while the Malaysian site is set to receive upgrades, including a new advanced packaging factory. The previously announced expansions in Arizona, Oregon, New Mexico, and Ohio are still proceeding as planned.
Lastly, Gelsinger mentioned a workforce reduction of 15,000 employees, which is expected to save the company around $10 billion. This, along with a partial sale of the Altera stake, is aimed at improving Intel’s balance sheet and liquidity in the coming quarters.
via @harukaze5719
Tags: 18A nodes, Intel, workforce reduction
May 3, 2024
Beelink SEi14 Mini PC: Intel Core Ultra 5 Chipset & eGPU Support
Beelink recently introduced the SEi14 mini PC featuring the Intel Core Ultra 5 chipset, making it the first Beelink product with the Intel Meteor Lake processor. This mini PC showcases a mid-range Intel Core Ultra 5 125H processor paired with an Arc iGPU comprising 7 cores.
Design and Cooling
The Beelink SEi14 mini PC, reminiscent of the SER8 model, boasts compact dimensions of 135 x 135 x 44.7mm, allowing it to seamlessly blend into any workspace. Sporting rounded corners akin to the Apple Mac Mini, it incorporates an effective cooling mechanism.
Connectivity and Ports
Equipped with a USB4 port providing speeds of 40Gbps, the Beelink SEi14 supports enhanced connectivity options. It features a variety of ports including two USB 3.2 Type-A, two USB 2.0, one USB Type-C (10Gbps), one DisplayPort 1.4, one HDMI 2.1, and a 2.5G LAN, enabling the simultaneous operation of three display outputs.
Performance and Features
Designed with a dust-proof structure and a high-density mesh bottom, the Beelink SEi14 accommodates two SODIMM slots allowing for up to 96GB of DDR5 RAM. Additionally, it offers two PCIe 4.0 slots that can house up to 1TB of storage. The model is furnished with an advanced cooling system incorporating a vapor chamber (MSC2.0-VC), ensuring efficient and quiet operation. It also features WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity.
Pricing Details
The starting price for the Beelink SEi14 mini PC is 2,699 yuan ($373) for the barebones model. While specifics on global availability and pricing remain undisclosed at present.
Tags: Beelink SEi14, Intel, Mini-PC
March 13, 2024
US License Policy Sparks Debate: Huawei’s Chip Supply Uncertain due to Intel and AMD.
The conflict between major chip manufacturers and the U.S. government has created uncertainty regarding Huawei's chip supply. Intel has managed to maintain its license to sell advanced laptop CPUs to Huawei, while AMD is facing challenges in obtaining a similar license, leading to a revenue disparity of over $512 million.
Licensing Disparities
AMD's unsuccessful attempts at securing a licensing agreement have raised concerns of unfair treatment within the industry. Figures like Republican Senator Marco Rubio have called for a reassessment by the Biden administration, yet official responses have been scarce, leaving Intel's license status uncertain as it nears expiration.
Huawei's Vulnerability
Huawei, a significant player in the global laptop market, heavily relies on Intel for its CPUs. Any restrictions on chip sales could significantly impact the company's laptop offerings and market share, especially in China. The outcome of these deliberations holds immense importance for Huawei's future prospects.
Industry Implications
The implications of these licensing challenges extend beyond AMD and Intel to other chip makers like Qualcomm and MediaTek. Qualcomm succeeded in obtaining a license for Huawei's smartphones, whereas Mediatek faced a setback with a denied application, resulting in decreased sales. Microsoft's recent collaboration with Intel for chip manufacturing further highlights the industry's response to these regulatory uncertainties.
The tech industry is navigating a complex landscape where decisions on licensing policies can have substantial effects on global supply chains and market dynamics. As Intel's license hangs in the balance, the broader impact of these policies reverberates throughout the industry.
Tags: amd, Intel, US-China tech relations
March 7, 2024
Intel to Launch Core i9-14900KS Processor on March 14, Reaching 6.2 GHz
Intel is gearing up to launch the Core i9-14900KS processor on March 14, as per reports from VideoCardz. This new processor is expected to achieve an impressive boost clock speed of 6.2 GHz.
Enhanced Performance and Features
The Core i9-14900KS will be added to the existing lineup, which includes its predecessors, the Core i9-12900KS and Core i9-13900KS. The i9-14900KS stands out with its higher clock speeds, reaching up to 6.2 GHz on two cores, 5.9 GHz on all P cores, and 4.5 GHz on the E cores. This improvement was a result of leaks in late February, hinting at upgrades alongside the Lunar Lake Laptop CPUs.
Pricing and Specifications
Despite a price tag of around $740, approximately 30% higher than the current flagship i9-14900K, the i9-14900KS promises substantial performance enhancements. It features 8 performance cores (P) and 16 efficient cores (E), totaling 24 cores and 32 threads. With 36MB of L3 cache and 32MB of L2 cache, the processor offers ample memory for multitasking needs. The thermal design power (TDP) is expected to increase from 125W to 150W compared to the i9-14900K.
Transition to New Technology
The Intel Core i9-14900KS will be the final CPU on the LGA-1700 platform, marking the end of an era with the old naming convention for Desktop CPUs. Moving forward, it will be succeeded by the LGA-1851 socket, starting with the 15th-generation Arrow Lake CPUs by the end of this year.
Tags: Core i9-14900KS, Intel
October 16, 2023
Intel 14th-Gen Desktop Processors Fall Short on Thunderbolt 5 Support
Intel has recently unrolled its 14th-generation desktop processors, termed as the Raptor Lake Refresh, to the tech market. Amid the buzz surrounding the launch, a key detail emerged that contrary to initial announcements, these desktop processors will not support the much-anticipated Thunderbolt 5 connectivity. This revelation has stirred a discussion among tech enthusiasts and potential buyers, weighing the implications of this missing feature.
Thunderbolt 5: The Missed Train
The absence of Thunderbolt 5 support in the 14th-gen desktop processors is significant. Thunderbolt 5 promises a leap in connectivity with a whopping 80Gbps of bi-directional bandwidth and up to 120Gbps of uni-directional bandwidth. This new standard is especially beneficial for power users and creators who demand high-speed connections for their projects. The technology also boasts support for up to three 4K displays at 144Hz using a single port, showcasing its potential to drastically enhance port capabilities for better performance.
Implications for Desktop Users
With the 14th-gen desktop processors missing out on Thunderbolt 5 support, desktop users might find themselves in a bit of a connectivity conundrum. While Thunderbolt 4, with its 40Gbps bandwidth, will remain the default, the lack of Thunderbolt 5 support may deter those looking for cutting-edge connectivity from opting for these new Intel processors. The spotlight now turns to the upcoming laptop processors based on the Meteor Lake architecture, where Thunderbolt 5 support is expected. It’s a wait-and-watch scenario to see how this plays out in the competitive processor market, and how it impacts the choice of both casual users and tech aficionados.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
The tech community is now keenly eyeing the CES event scheduled in early January, where more details about Thunderbolt 5 and Intel’s Meteor Lake processors are anticipated to be unveiled. It’s here that many new laptops equipped with these processors will likely be announced, marking the debut of Thunderbolt 5 in the Intel processor family. The dialogue around Thunderbolt 5’s absence in the 14th-gen desktop processors reflects a broader discussion on the evolving needs of users and the pressure on tech giants like Intel to keep pace with these demands.
Intel’s journey with the 14th-gen desktop processors sans Thunderbolt 5 support opens a window into the competitive and fast-evolving world of tech, where staying ahead in the connectivity game is crucial. As we move forward, the decisions made today by tech behemoths will shape the user experiences of tomorrow.
For further details, you can refer to the original article here.
Tags: Intel, Intel 14th Gen, Thunderbolt 5