Following the release of the desktop version, Intel’s 13th-generation Core processors for laptops at CES 2023 have been released. Here is an overview of what you need to know about these new mobile processors.
Intel has already released its 13th generation of SoCs for desktop computers and high-end gaming PCs. This increased competition with AMD’s Ryzen has resulted in improvements from both brands. However, the desktop market is a specialized world, and to reach a wider audience, laptops are the way to go. At CES 2023, Intel unveiled its full line-up of CPUs for the mobile market, including options for creators, gamers, and a variety of different devices. Here is an overview of the processors that will be available in 2023.
The Intel Core i9-13900HX, the flagship
If you’re looking for the best that Intel has to offer for laptops in 2023, look no further than the i9-13980HX. This processor has a total of 24 cores – 8 performance cores and 16 efficient cores – for a total of 32 threads, with a 36 MB L3 cache and a maximum turbo frequency of 5.6 GHz. The SoC has a base power consumption of 55W, with a maximum of 157W.
The 13th generation HX platform features an improved thread director, and supports DDR5 RAM up to 5600 MHz and DDR4 up to 3200 MHz. It include XMP 3 as well. In terms of connectivity, there is support for PCIe Gen 5 x16 (or 2×8 for the manufacturer’s choice) and the ability to use up to 2 Thunderbolt 4 controllers at 40 Gbps. The platform will also allow for the use of Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6E cards and Bluetooth LE Audio.
In terms of performance, the manufacturer claims an 11% increase in single-thread performance and a 49% increase in multitasking performance compared to the base Intel Core i9-12900HK, not its equivalent HX version. The comparison is also made with the Ryzen R9 6900HX, which appears to be significantly behind, although it is not an equivalent generation (the 7000 for mobile is expected) and is not integrated into an equivalent thermal management configuration (MSI Titan GT77 versus Alienware M17, it’s not quite the same, Intel). In terms of gaming, Intel expects an overall 12% performance increase compared to an equivalent configuration i9-12900HX.
The 13th generation Intel P and U, for mobility
These are the two references from Intel that you will see most frequently throughout the year. Mid-range PCs and ultrabooks typically use these processors.
In the P category, the main representative is the i7-1370P with 14 cores – 6 performance and 8 efficient – and 20 threads, with 24MB of L3 cache, able to turbo up to 5.2 GHz with a TDP of 28W. In the U category, we find the i7-1365U with 10 cores – 2 performance and 8 efficient – and 12 threads, with 12MB of L3 cache, able to turbo up to 5.2 GHz with a TDP of 15W.
These also benefit from the major improvements to the platform, including the interesting integration of Intel Movidius. This is a module dedicated to accelerating artificial intelligence operations, which can have a significant impact, particularly on the quality of video recordings and streams or the dynamic management of CPU/GPU load. However, Unfortunately, Intel Movidius is not a standard feature in all chips and must be added as a discrete option.
The Intel N and i3 N are accessible and durable computers
Previously, these processors were known as Pentium and Celeron. These two names, which are now only recognized by the elderly (we are getting old), have been discarded and the range has been simplified to simply be called “N”. This year we have two variations: the classic N range, and the i3 N.
The Core i3-N-305, the flagship of the category, will offer 8 cores for 8 threads and 6MB of cache, with a turbo of 3.8 GHz for a TDP of 15W. However, most manufacturers will probably turn to the Intel N200, a 4-core and 4-thread processor with 6MB of cache that can reach up to 3.7 GHz. Here, we are on a TDP of 6W. The Intel N200 represents a 28% performance gain on CrossMark compared to the Pentium Silver N600, while the Intel Core i3-N305 is 42% more powerful than the N200.
Of course, the machines that will incorporate these configurations will not be the most powerful on the market, that is obvious. These processors will likely be integrated into B2B solutions, including video advertising panels. That being said, these SoCs are very important in ultra-affordable product categories, such as Chromebooks and small Windows tablets. And for them, these Intel Ns are an excellent evolution: they are now engraved using the Intel 7 process, support Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, and offer AV1 decoding and eDP 1.4b for connecting high-resolution screens. This will greatly modernize the most financially accessible products while also providing them with a certain longevity.
The Intel Evo certification is evolving for the better
The Intel Evo certification continues on this 13th generation but is evolving for the better. To recall, it exists to highlight laptops that meet numerous quality criteria established by Intel itself. For its 13th generation of processors, Intel emphasizes the importance of device autonomy, responsiveness, and fluidity, regardless of whether the device is plugged in. These processors also support multi-device use with the Intel Unison platform.
But the the biggest novelty of the certification this year is that it finally accepts machines that incorporate GPUs from other suppliers. Therefore, PCs with an Nvidia or AMD graphics cards can also be EVO certified; this will not prevent them from having to meet certain quality requirements for graphics tasks of course.
