We’ve known for some time that Intel was going to shake up the way the company’s processors are named. So we’re going to have to get used to a whole new scheme to recognize the processors that will be arriving in the coming weeks. To put it simply, Intel has revealed that the “i” traditionally associated with the Core name will disappear, and that we can also expect a new segment hierarchy option. As soon as Meteor Lake arrives, Core i3, Core i5, Core i7 and Core i9 will disappear, to be replaced by Core 3, Core 5, Core 7 and Core 9.
Getting used to the new “naming” of Intel Core processors
But the change doesn’t stop there: the next Core 5, Core 7 and Core 9 will be launched in Mainstream and Premium variants. An “Ultra” variant will also appear on the Core 5, 7 and 9. Even if things aren’t 100% clear-cut, this Ultra version could be the denomination that replaces the “K” versions. This is indeed a hypothesis, since some people are talking about the arrival of an Intel Core Ultra 9 14900K chip… In short, we’ll have to wait a few more weeks.
Meteor Lake in the second half with…Raptor Lake Refresh
Finally, to make this name change even more complex, Generation 14 should also see Meteor Lake chips cohabiting with Raptor Lake Refresh-S chips, which will be making their presence felt on desktop PCs by the end of 2023 and probably part of 2024 ( see explanations here ). And since Intel loves sports, we recommend you see how these Raptor Lake Resfresh chips will be named…
