Intel Arrow Lake-S “ES2” Desktop CPUs: Boosting Performance for Enthusiasts
7/09/2024Intel Arrow Lake-S “ES2” Desktop CPUs: Boosting Performance for Enthusiasts
Introduction
Intel’s upcoming Arrow Lake-S CPUs have been generating buzz in the tech community. These engineering samples promise significant performance gains over their predecessors, the Raptor Lake CPUs. Let’s dive into the details.
Performance Boosts
According to reports, the Intel Arrow Lake-S “ES2” Desktop CPUs offer the following improvements:
- Single-Thread Performance: A notable 3% increase in single-thread performance.
- Multi-Thread Performance: A substantial 15% boost in multi-threaded tasks.
It’s important to clarify that this single-thread increase isn’t due to improved instructions per clock (IPC) but rather overall performance enhancements.
Early Samples and TDP
The ES2 samples are based on actual silicon, not mere estimates. One such sample, an 8+16 SKU, was evaluated against a similar-spec Raptor Lake chip (13th Gen) at 250W. Keep in mind that this isn’t the final thermal design power (TDP) but rather a way to assess the chips’ maximum potential.
Interestingly, sources suggest that the Arrow Lake-S chips will have lower TDPs compared to the 14th Generation (Raptor Lake-S Refresh) CPUs.
Lion Cove and Skymont Cores
While we lack precise IPC figures for the Lion Cove and Skymont Cores in the Arrow Lake-S CPUs, we do know that Lunar Lake’s Lion Cove core offers a 14% improvement. The Skymont Core, in its LP-E configuration, is said to provide a 2% gain over Raptor Cove.
Future Prospects
The Qualification Sample (QS) revision, following the ES2/beta stage, could yield even better performance. Expect around a 5% increase in single-core performance and close to a 20% boost in multi-threaded tasks. Remember, these aren’t the final production silicon (PRQ).
Intel aims to compete fiercely with AMD’s upcoming Ryzen 9000 CPUs based on the Zen 5 core architecture. Zen 5 is set to hit shelves soon, while Intel’s Arrow Lake-S Desktop CPUs are targeting an October release alongside the new Z890 motherboards.
AMD vs. Intel: Next-Gen Desktop CPU Platforms
Here’s a quick comparison of AMD’s Granite Rapids and Intel’s Arrow Lake:
| Aspect | AMD Granite Rapids | Intel Arrow Lake |
|---|---|---|
| CPU Branding | Ryzen 9000 | Core Ultra 200 |
| Architecture | TSMC N4 | TSMC N3B? |
| IPC Improvement | +16% (Versus Zen 4) | ~14% (Versus Redwood Cove)? |
| Max Cores | 16 | 24 |
| Max Threads | 32 | 24 |
| L3 Cache | Up To 64 MB | Up To 36 MB |
| Integrated Graphics | RDNA 2 (2 CU) | Arc Xe-LPG (GT1) |
| Memory Support | DDR5-5600+ | DDR5-6400+ |
| Platform Support | 600/800-Series | 800-Series |
| Socket Support | AM5 | LGA 1851 |
| TDP | Up To 170W | Up To 253W (PL2)? |
| Launch Date | July 2024 | October 2024 |
Which 2024 desktop CPU lineup are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments!