Intel Arrow Lake-S Processors: I/O Capabilities and Advantages

Intel’s upcoming Arrow Lake-S processors, part of the Core Ultra 200 series, are set to launch in the last quarter of 2024. These chips promise exciting improvements in performance and connectivity. Let’s dive into the details:

I/O Configuration

PCIe Gen 5 Lanes:
- Arrow Lake-S processors will offer 20 PCIe Gen 5 lanes (usable).
- 16 lanes are dedicated to discrete graphics cards.
- 4 lanes are reserved for M.2 NVMe SSDs.
- Additionally, there’s a Gen4x4 interface directly connected to the CPU, allowing users to connect another Gen4 SSD without sacrificing GPU or storage lanes.
Thunderbolt 4 Ports:
- Arrow Lake CPUs will feature integrated Thunderbolt 4 controllers across the 800-series chipset.
- Users can connect up to 4 displays to the integrated Arc Xe-LPG graphics via DisplayPort 2.1 or HDMI 2.1 directly from the motherboard.
Memory Advantage:
- While AMD’s Ryzen 9000 chips have a sweet spot of 6000 MT/s or 3000 MHz (Infinity Fabric in 1:1 ratio), Arrow Lake chips boast a stock memory frequency of up to 6400 MT/s.
800-Series Chipsets:
- Intel’s 800-series chipsets include Z890, H870, B860, and H810.
- These chipsets offer up to 24 PCIe Gen 4 lanes, 8 SATA III lanes, and 3x GbE ports.
- USB ports comprise 10 USB 3.2 Gen2 x1 (or 5 USB 3.2 Gen 2×2) and 14 USB 2.
- All top motherboards support DDR5-6400.

Core Topography Speculation

The newer topography of Arrow Lake CPUs places E-cores between columns of P-cores, unlike previous generations.
The exact benefit of this arrangement remains unclear, but it could impact inter-core latency or bandwidth.

Conclusion

Intel’s Arrow Lake-S processors promise impressive I/O capabilities, memory advantages, and Thunderbolt 4 integration. As we await their official release, tech enthusiasts can look forward to enhanced performance and connectivity options.