Intel CPU Naming Scheme is the topic of our discussion today. And, as we know that in this world especially nowadays, each technology that we have comes bundled with its own advantages and disadvantages. Talking about Intel CPUs, it is admissible that there are several downsides including the integrated GPU. But, the biggest of the lot is the naming scheme of the processors. The naming convention creates confusion and hence we will in this post be looking in-depth at Intel CPU Naming Scheme.

Introduction — Intel CPU Naming Scheme

Intel is a very well-known name in the processors market. The semiconductor giant has surely played an enormous role in transforming the planet and our lives because of its desktop and mobile (laptop) processors. Over time Intel has come up with many versions of its chip and also there have some quality add-ons too. These new chips have different names based on their characteristics. So, in this post, we will be looking at how does the Intel CPU Naming Scheme works?

Types of Intel Processors

There have been various versions in Intel’s processing unit. To be precise around eight different versions, or we can say different segments namely the Pentium, the Core i3, i5, i7, i9, and Celeron. Let’s discuss each segment in a bit more detail.

Core i3

Core i3 is your most elementary option. These are generally targeted at people that don’t do tons of multitasking and gaming. As a result, they cost little or nothing. The Core i3 processor should be enough if you are interested in normal browsing of the web or use simple applications and doing daily tasks like using Microsoft Office effortlessly.

Core i5

i5 may be a great option for multitasking and a moderate amount of gaming. i5 stock keeping units are a tad bit expensive than i3’s but, you are doing find yourself getting tons of additional horsepower for that extra amount.

Core i7

These processors can be used by gamers and content developers. When paired with the proper GPUs, i7 should be ready to handle anything you throw at it; including gameplays and video editing too.

Core i9

It builds on the previous i7 processors with this being comparatively faster. One other differentiating factor between them is Hyperthreading, which reinforces parallel computing.

Here’s an article on changing your CPU fan speed without using BIOS !!

Intel Processor Generations Naming Scheme

From 6th Generation To 9th Generation

The naming of different generations is quite easy to understand. Thus, let’s take an example, say Core i5 8251U 8th generations (for thin and lightweight laptops).
Here, “8” is, as you would possibly have guessed, the processor’s generation followed by another 3-digit number, “251”, which provides us a thought of how the processor will perform.

The lineup ends with a letter, which, during this case, is U. Intel’s U series processors bear lower clock speeds, thus, improving the general battery performance and lowering the performance by a big margin. These are only utilized in laptops.

There are tons of other suffixes utilized in both desktop and laptop processors. Therefore, let’s look at what other suffixes are there.

Different Suffixes used in Intel Processors

  • H — Mobile Processors optimized for performance
  • HK — These are for Mobile Processors specially performance and overclock optimized
  • HQ — Quad-core Mobile Processors optimized for top performance
  • K — Unlocked Processors. Overclockable
  • S — Special Edition
  • U — Power-efficient Mobile Processors
  • Y — Extremely low Powered Mobile Processors
  • T — Moderately power-optimized Processors
  • G — Desktop Processors including discrete/integrated graphics
  • F — Desktop Processors excluding discrete/integrated graphics
  • E — Embedded Processors
  • G — Specially designed Graphics processor for Ice Lake processors

The G-series is number G1 – G7. This suggests a processor with “G7” will have better graphics performance than “G1.” The Intel naming scheme of desktop processors remains equivalent to in previous generations.

Now you would possibly think, “Well, that’s pretty simple right? So what’s all the fuss about?” and that’s where it gets more ridiculous. Also, in Ice Lake mobile CPUs, having a better higher SKU number doesn’t mean better performance. Let us take four Ice Lake processors :

  • i5-1035G7
  • i5-1030G7
  • i7-1065G7
  • i7-1060G7

If I ask you to stack them supported their performance, ranging from the foremost to least powerful, your answer could be this:

  • i7-1065G7
  • i7-1060G7
  • i5-1035G7
  • i5-1030G7

And that’s where you’re wrong. As you’ll see within the above image, the digit after the primary three digits isn’t the performance number; rather, it represents the U/Y series if it’s 5/8 or 0, respectively. Hence, the proper arrangement is:

  • i7-1065G7
  • i5-1035G7
  • i7-1060G7
  • i5-1030G7

This tousled Intel naming scheme results in tons of confusion while buying Laptops, and one wrong decision might ruin the time that you’ll spend together with your shiny new machine.

CONCLUSION

From an enthusiast’s pov, Intel must filter out the confusion caused by its naming schemes. But, it knows not everyone decides to shop for by just watching the numbers. Hence, we don’t see Intel adapting to simpler names anytime soon. Thus, I hope this article has gone a good way in clearing your doubts and resolving your queries in the Intel CPU Naming Scheme. Now, on a parting note, until next time. See-ya !! 🙂

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