Intel expands 13th Gen desktop CPU lineup with 65-watt and 35-watt chips
Intel rounded out its 13th Gen family of desktop chips with new models with lower power usage.
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What you need to know
Intel just unveiled a new range of desktop CPUs at CES 2023. The newly announced 13th Gen Core processors launch today and round out the chipmaker’s 13th Gen lineup that began withIntel’s 13th Gen Core K-series CPUsin September 2022. Intel unveils its non-K-series processors today, and the family includes 65-watt and 35-watt CPUs.
The latest 13th Gen CPUs draw less power, but they also cannot be overclocked. They’ll likely be seen in pre-built systems, though any PC builder could opt for them if they’d like.
On the high end of Intel’s new offering is the Core i9 range of chips. They are up to 11% faster for “mainstream application performance” than their predecessors when it comes to single-thread performance. They see an improvement ofup to 34%in the same category in multi-thread performance. The CPUs also have8 more efficiency coresand up to 18MB more L2 cache and feature Intel Thermal Velocity Boost.
The Intel Core i7 range of the company’s 13th gen chips has amax turbo frequency of 5.2GHz. Those CPUs have four more efficiency cores and up to 12MB more L2 cache than the previous generation.
Core i5 chips from the new family will deliver up to30% improved performancewhen it comes to multitasking. They have up to 8 more efficiency cores and 4MB more L2 cache than the last generation. Intel also introduced its Performance Hybrid Architecture for these CPUs.
All of the 13th Gen Intel Core CPUs are forward and backward compatible with 600- and 700-series motherboards. They all support DDR5 and DDR4 memory as well.
To improve performance per watt (PPW), Intel Dynamic Tuning Technology support was added to this generation of chips. That tech improves power scaling, which allows the processors to deliver power to meet demand more efficiently.
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Windows Central take
Intel first launched its 13th Gen Core desktop CPUs back in fall 2022, but the chips released back then had massive power draws (up to 125W base / 253W max). The non-K-series CPUs announced today use much less power, making them ideal choices for PC owners that don’t need such absurdly high performance.
Today’s desktop announcement was made alongside Intel’s new 13th Gen mobile processors and new entry-level chips. The conjunction of the announcements ushers in a new generation of Intel CPUs in full.
Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
