Intel’s new “Arrow Lake-S” desktop CPUs have made a splash online. Images and listings showcasing several new SKUs have surfaced on the internet. The next round of Intel’s “Core Ultra 200” desktop CPUs will be unveiled at CES 2025.
They will include “non-K” and “F” variants. According to information leaks, Intel will introduce four non-K SKUs in the coming weeks. These include the Core Ultra 9 285, Ultra 7 265, Ultra 5 245, and Ultra 5 225.
Initial images of these models have appeared in China. They show them inside “tray packaging” used for shipping to system integrators. The Core Ultra 9 285 is reported to have a 24-core configuration.
It will have 8 Performance Cores and 16 Efficiency Cores. It will have a maximum TDP of 65W and boost clocks reaching up to 5.6 GHz. The Core Ultra 7 265 is set to feature a 20-core configuration with 8P and 12E cores.
It will have 5.3 GHz boost clocks and 65W TDP. For mid-range options, the Core Ultra 5 245 is expected to have a 14-core configuration. It will have 6P and 8E cores, with max clocks at 5.1 GHz and a 65W TDP.
The Core Ultra 5 225 variant will offer a 10-core configuration with 6P and 4E cores. It will have max clocks at 4.9 GHz and 64W TDP. In addition to the “non-K” SKUs, several “F” variants have also surfaced in China’s retail channels.
These include the Core Ultra 5 230F and Core Ultra 7 265F. The former is reportedly exclusive to Chinese markets. We now have a clearer picture of the ARL-S lineup.
Official details and additional variants are expected to be confirmed at CES 2025. The official launch is slated for January 13, 2025. The first images of Intel’s upcoming budget Arrow Lake CPUs have leaked.
They reveal that they come with an integrated heat spreader (IHS) that is smaller than what is used for other Core Ultra 200 Series chips. The images appeared on Taobao, a Chinese e-commerce site. A merchant has listed the Core Ultra 5 245 and Core Ultra 5 225 for sale ahead of Intel’s official launch.
This merchant also offers the Core Ultra 7 265 and Core Ultra 9 285.
Intel’s upcoming non-K and F variants
The smaller IHS on the 245 and 225 is notable.
The elevated portion that contacts the CPU cooler is slightly reduced, particularly at the top of the chip. This adjustment could potentially affect how these CPUs fit into LGA 1851 motherboards, which were designed for the original IHS. Although the 245 and 225 are compatible with the LGA 1851 socket, the differences might affect their overall fit.
The codes printed on the smaller IHS of the 245 and 225 start with a “V.” This indicates they are manufactured in Vietnam. The original larger IHS models, including the unreleased 285 and 265, have codes starting with “L.” This signifies production in Ireland. These codes reveal details about the manufacturing process and the origin of the CPUs.
Screenshots from CPU-Z listings on Taobao suggest that the 245 and 225 share the same family, model, and stepping identification as the 285. This hints that the core architecture and functionalities are consistent across these models, despite the differences in the IHS. Intel has not officially commented on the reason behind the smaller IHS for certain models.
The company often uses a mix of larger and smaller dies for its different series, which might explain the variation. The smaller IHS could imply that Intel has opted for a smaller heat spreader for models with a smaller die. The official launch of these CPUs is expected soon, possibly during Intel’s presentation at the upcoming conference next week.
Intel’s “entry-level” Core Ultra 3 205 SKU has been spotted in a leaked “Arrow Lake-S” spec sheet. This confirms the presence of the CPU. Intel’s Arrow Lake desktop CPUs had previously hit the markets with the debut of Core Ultra 5, Core Ultra 7, and Core Ultra 9 models.
The absence of a Core Ultra 3 SKU had been noted, though rumors suggested its presence. The leak indicates that the Core Ultra 3 205 SKU is in the works. It will likely replace the “Core i3” generation from previous CPU lines developed by Intel.
The Core Ultra 3 205 seems poised to launch without variations such as K, KF, or F models. This suggests a single configuration for this SKU. The Core Ultra 3 205 aims to cater to low-powered or budget-friendly devices.
While specific details about the processor’s core distribution remain uncertain, it is speculated to contain four P-Cores and four E-Cores. The base clock speed is anticipated to be 3.9 GHz, with a potential boost up to 4.8 GHz for P-Cores. Details about the onboard iGPU are currently unknown.
However, a generational improvement is expected, given the newer Lion Cove P-Cores and Skymont E-Cores architectures. This generational upgrade is likely to position the Core Ultra 3 205 as a competitive option against previous-gen CPUs such as the Core i3 14100/F. The release date has not been officially announced.
However, the SKU may debut around Q1 2025, potentially during CES 2025.
