Intel is relying on complete confusion when introducing new laptop processors. The “Ultra” disappears and so does the “i,” but not always, so the naming has the consistency of an enthusiastic toddler’s darts score.

After the launch of Core Ultra late last year, we were somewhat relieved. Finally, Core Ultra contained a clear lineup of Intel’s latest generation laptop chips. The focus on AI was a bit over the top, but with a new manufacturing node at the base, Core Ultra promised a nice leap forward for Intel-powered laptops. At CES, Intel dashed all hopes of a uniform and clear CPU lineup in the future.

After all, the manufacturer is bringing several new laptop processors onto the market. Some of these are not Core Ultra chips, but regular Core processors. The “i” disappears, which still corresponds to last year’s vision. What to make of another batch of mobile laptop chips is unclear. Intel is launching this at the same time and follows the classic Core i5, i7, i9 branding. We’re trying to decipher what will soon be on the shelves.

First and foremost is Core Ultra (Series 1). We discussed these chips in detail at the end of last year. You can choose between Core Ultra 5, Ultra 7 and Ultra 9. All of these processors are based on the Intel 4 production line and Meteor Lake architecture. Core Ultra is the latest and most advanced thing Intel currently has to offer for your laptop.

Intel Core-not-i-not-Ultra

Now Intel is also bringing Core (Series 1) onto the market, without “i” and without “Ultra”. Intel Core, Core 5 and Core 7 are available. Intel Core has nothing to do with Intel Core Ultra. These chips are manufactured using the older Intel 7 (10 nm) lithography and are based on the Raptor Lake architecture. These processors are nothing more than a small update to last year’s Raptor Lake chips, with a slightly higher clock speed to justify the new name. Since the architecture is identical to last year, Intel (Xe) graphics are on board and not the better Intel Arc graphics of the Core Ultra.

Intel is launching four new chips in this series:

The naming is confusing. By also eliminating the “i” for this family, Intel suggests that the Core chips are part of the same so-called generational innovation. We already thought it was doubtful whether Core Ultra was that special, but these Core-without-i chips have nothing to do with innovation. These are disguised new editions from last year.

Intel Core-still-i

We could still somewhat follow Intel if the marketing department had decided to simply abandon the “i” label on all new chips this year. If only it were like that: Intel is introducing a completely new mobile Core i series at CES: Intel Core i3, i5, i7, i9 (14th generation). To be clear, all Core chips, with or without “i” or “Ultra,” are part of the Fourteenth Edition of Core.

These new Intel Core i chips all receive the “HX” stamp. These are powerful 55-watt components for workstations. These chips are also based on Raptor Lake and Intel 7, so these chips are also built with the same technology as last year’s processors. There is no difference between the production node and architecture of these Intel Core with i chips and the new Intel Core without i chips. These are the same processors, but the powerful HX variants, while the regular Core CPUs are “U” chips.

Intel announces the following processors:

The result is a complete soup and perhaps the most confusing naming in Intel Core history. In fact, Intel is presenting last year’s chips at CES in a new look, under two names. With Intel Core, the manufacturer undermines the argument that the “i” had to disappear due to a generational leap, since the core processors are Raptor Lake processors. It’s also incorrect to say that everything will now be called Core, thanks to the introduction of a new range of Core i chips.

You have to know what you are doing very well to know what you are buying in your new laptop today based on the CPU name. We summarize as best as possible:

• Intel Core Ultra: These chips are new, with a new architecture (Raptor Lake) and a new production node (Intel 4). If you want the latest and greatest from Intel, you need an Ultra chip. These CPUs are currently only available for slightly slimmer and mobile laptops.
• Intel Core processor: These are chips for mobile laptops based on last year’s node (Intel 7) and architecture (Raptor Lake). There is no significant difference compared to thirteenth generation Core i chips.
• Intel Core i (14th generation): These new Core i chips are identical to the Intel Core chips and last year’s chips. They differ in that Intel (for now) only accommodates HX CPUs with a TDP of 55 watts. These processors are the latest Intel processors tailored to workstations, and these chips do not bring any major innovations compared to their predecessors from last year.

Why Intel, why…?