Intel Processor Naming and Numbering Scheme Explained With Benchmark
Let’s be honest, Intel’s naming and numbering scheme has always been confusing just like other chipset makers includingAMDandQualcomm Snapdragon. Intel has further complicated their processor naming and numbering scheme making it even worse by completely rebranding the entire CPU lineup.
Here’s the old vs. new naming scheme of Intel:
As you can see, apart from the processor’s name and tier (which is ‘9’), it’s difficult to understand what the other numbers and suffixes mean in the name. Intel has two main variants now –Core and Core Ultra.
So what’s changed in the new Intel Core processors?
Now that you have a brief overview of the changes, let’s break down Intel’s new naming and numbering scheme.
Table of Contents
Intel Core Ultra Processors
Intel Core Ultra processors (code-named Meteor Lake) are built on the latest Intel 4 process node, designed for thin and light laptops. They come with integrated NPUs and Intel Arc GPUs. This lineup includesCore Ultra 5, Core Ultra 7, and Core Ultra 9.
Let’s take theIntel Core Ultra 7 155H, for example:
Intel Core Processors (Series 1)
While the names might sound similar, there are differences between the regular Intel Core and Intel Core Ultra CPUs. First, the regular Intel Core CPUs lack an NPU, which is essential for performing AI tasks, and they don’t come integrated Intel Arc GPUs meant for gaming. They are also built on slightly less advanced architectures.
The processors in this variant include Core 3, Intel Core 5, and Intel Core 7. Here’s a simplified explanation of the naming scheme:
For example, an Intel Core 5 processor 120U follows the same logic as the Ultra series.
There are various suffixes for Intel processors, and in the later section, you’ll find a simple table explaining the meaning of each suffix.
Intel Core 14th Gen Processors
This is the last generation of Intel processors to feature the‘i’moniker next to the brand level/tier. Intel may retire this in the coming years. Here’s the naming and numbering explanation of the 14th Gen Intel Core processors.
This processor comes in four variants: Intel Core i3, Core i5, Core i7, and Core i9 and we will use the Intel Core i7-14650HX as an example.
Intel Processor Suffixes Explained
You might have noticed that some processor names end with extra letters. Here’s what each suffix means for Intel processors:
Intel Core and Intel Core Ultra Benchmark
Alright, we’ve got the benchmark scores for the regular Intel Core and Intel Core Ultra chipsets. Just a heads-up – these numbers don’t always match up with how things perform in real life since it can change based on your Windows laptop or PC hardware.
Intel Core Ultra Benchmark Score
Intel Core Benchmark Score
Here’s the reorganized table, now starting with all Intel Core 3 series, followed by 5 and 7 series:
We hope this guide clears up the confusion around Intel’s processor names. We get it, moving from the classic naming scheme to this new one (and losing the iconic ‘i’) can be tough to wrap your head around.
Rahul is your go-to guide for fixing Windows, Steam, Android, Samsung TV, and Google Chrome. An engineering college dropout who followed his passion for tech, he brings 3 years of troubleshooting experience and 2+ years of running his own tech blog to the table. When he’s not solving your tech problems, you’ll find him unwinding with the latest anime or K-drama.
