From the glory days of the Intel Core i7 980 being the most powerful processor to the disappointment that the Intel core i9 11900k is, everything that grows must change. For over 15 years Intel has had the iconic Core i naming scheme for its desktop and laptop processors and now its gone there will be a new sheriff in town and it’s shorter but more confusing than ever.
In this article we will be breaking down the new naming scheme and what to watch out for when buying a new generation laptop from intel.
Intel’s naming scheme is now core x and core ultra x where the ultra variant is more powerful . The core x goes from core 3 , core 5 and core 7 while core ultra starts at core ultra 5, core ultra 7 and core ultra 9. The naming will follow this scheme Intel Core Ultra 9 processor 185H
- Intel Core Ultra – brand name
- 9- brand level
- 1-Series
- 85- SKU
- H- suffix
The core ultra branding also shows that the processor is AI enabled
Desktop suffixes
Now lets get into the suffixes, and I need you to stay with me here. Lets start with desktop processors.
- K- High performance, unlocked for overclocking
- F- Requires discrete GPU
- S- Special Edition
- T- Power optimized lifestyle
- X/XE- High performance, unlocked
Now to the more confusing bit, the laptop processor naming scheme
Laptop suffixes
- HX/ HK – Highest performance, unlocked for overclocking
- H- Highest performance
- P- Performance optimized for thin and light laptops
- U- Power efficient
- Y- Extremely lower-power efficient
- G1-G7 – The graphics level (for processors with newer integrated graphics)
As you can see its not easy to get the naming system but I hope this helps you when you go get a new laptop. we haven’t covered AMD naming scheme in this because it is a can of worms, but we’ll be sure to get to it.
