Intel has recently expanded its mobile processor offerings with the introduction of the 14th-Gen Core HX-series mobile processors, based on the “Raptor Lake Refresh” uarch. These new processors enhance the upper end of Intel’s mobile processor product stack, which already includes the Core Ultra “Meteor Lake” mobile processors launched last Q4 2023 for the low power U-segment (7 W to 28 W) and H-segment (35 W to 45 W).
In another confusing addition, Intel has added the Core Processor Series 1 line of products, slotting in at the U-segment with a lower core-count variant of the “Raptor Lake Refresh” architecture. These processors follow a similar nomenclature to the Core Ultra sans the “Ultra” branding.
Built on Intel 7, the Core Processor Series 1 utilizes monolithic “Raptor Lake Refresh” dies. However, they lack some of the advanced features found in the “Meteor Lake” architecture, such as Low-power Island cores, 3D Performance Hybrid architecture, AI Boost, on-silicon NPU, and the 2x faster Arc Xe-LPG integrated graphics. Instead, they incorporate “Raptor Cove” and “Gracemont” CPU cores, along with older Xe-LP graphics with up to 96 EU.
The U-segment Core Processor 1 series is based on the smallest “Raptor Lake Refresh” variant, featuring a 2P+8E core configuration. The processors offer a mix of cache configurations, PCIe Gen 4 x4 connections for NVMe storage, and 12 PCIe Gen 3 lanes from the on-package PCH die. They support Thunderbolt 4, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and various memory interfaces including DDR4, DDR5, and LPDDR5(x).
Intel has launched three models in this series: Core 7 150U, Core 5 120U, and Core 3 100U. The 150U and 120U models share a 2P+8E core configuration but differ in clock speeds and iGPU configurations. The 150U features higher boost speeds for both P-cores and E-cores and a fully-enabled iGPU with 96 EU. The 120U has slightly lower clock speeds and an 80 EU iGPU. The Core 3 100U, meanwhile, offers a reduced core count and cache size, along with lower CPU core clock speeds.