If you’re confused by Intel’s new processor names, the Core Ultra 285K should be the logical replacement for the current i9-14900K. But let’s get back to this future top-of-the-range processor: it should feature 24 cores and 24 threads. In detail, 8 P-Core cores will be based on Lion Cove architecture and 16 E-Core cores will be based on Skymont E architecture. This chip will use the 8 16 “H0” chip configuration, and while communication around this generation indicates that the 6 8 chip will use Intel’s 20Anode, it’s unclear whether the “unlocked” K-series chips will also use 20A, or whether their manufacture will be entrusted to TSMC’s 3 nm process.
But beyond these questions, several rumors from Weibo suggest that this generation will lag behind generation 14 desktop processors in terms of frequency. The 6Ghz mark may never even be approached, with rumors of a maximum of 5.5Ghz for the top-of-the-range model. Is this really a worrying rumour? Not necessarily, in fact. In the first place, because it’s just a rumour, and above all because the new architecture could bring a considerable improvement in core performance without the need to push frequency to problematic levels, as we’ve seen recently. We may have some more precise information soon at Computex. In any case, Arrow Lake processors for desktop PCs should be available by the end of this year. With them, a new series of motherboards will also be launched, the 800 series equipped with socket LGA 1851. Only the “K” versions are scheduled for 2024. This means that only 3 references will be available at launch:
- Core Ultra 9 285K (to replace i9-14900K)
- Core Ultra 7 265K (to replace i7-14700K)
- Core Ultra 5 245K (To replace i5-14600K)
The Core Ultra 9 285K could therefore “peak” at 5.5Ghz (according to rumors), while the 14900K displays 6Ghz. You have to go back to the 12900K and 12900KS to find yourself on the same frequencies. Nevertheless, we all know by now at what price this surge in frequencies was achieved…
