Intel’s 15th Gen Arrow Lake-S Power Limits Leak: Promising Efficiency at 20A/2nm

Intel's upcoming 15th Gen Arrow Lake-S CPUs promise improved efficiency and performance for desktop users, featuring up to 24 cores based on the LGA1851 socket and 800-series chipsets, fabricated using Intel's cutting-edge 2nm-class 20A node, and introducing new core architectures for significant improvements in instructions per clock (IPC) performance.

Advancements in fabrication technology and platform upgrades
New core architectures expected to deliver significant improvements in instructions per clock (IPC) performance
Reduced PL2 limit of 177W, a 43% reduction compared to its predecessor

Intel’s 15th Gen Arrow Lake-S Power Limits Leak: Promising Efficiency at 20A/2nm

Intel’s upcoming 15th Gen Arrow Lake-S CPUs are generating excitement among tech enthusiasts as power limit details have recently leaked. These processors, set to launch in late 2025, promise improved efficiency and performance for desktop users.

Before diving into the specifics, let’s take a quick look at Arrow Lake’s predecessor, the 14th Gen Meteor Lake. While Meteor Lake was considered a “Tick” in Intel’s development cycle, Arrow Lake will be a combination of both “Tick” and “Tock” advancements. This means that Arrow Lake will bring significant improvements to the table.

Arrow Lake is designed to be a desktop-centric platform, featuring up to 24 cores based on the LGA1851 socket and 800-series chipsets. The compute or CPU tile will be fabricated using Intel’s cutting-edge 2nm-class 20A node, while other components such as the SoC, I/O, and GPU tiles will be carried over from Meteor Lake. This modular “chiplet” design will utilize five disaggregated dies produced across multiple process nodes, including TSMC N6, N4, and Intel 16.

In addition to the advancements in fabrication technology and platform upgrades, the 15th Gen family will introduce new core architectures. The current “Redwood Cove” P-core will be succeeded by Lion Cove, while the “Crestmont” E-core will make way for Skymont. These new microarchitectures are expected to deliver significant improvements in instructions per clock (IPC) performance.

Now, let’s delve into the leaked power values for the 15th Gen Arrow Lake-S platform. According to Darkmont, a reliable source for such information, the base or PL1 limit for these processors will be set at 125W. This aligns with the power limits of Intel’s existing 12th and 13th Gen K-series parts.

However, the most notable change comes in the form of the “PL2” or Boost Clock power limit. The Core i9-15900K, a flagship processor in the Arrow Lake-S lineup, will have a reduced PL2 limit of 177W. This represents a significant 43% reduction compared to its predecessor, the 13900K, which had a PL2 limit of 253W. This reduction can be attributed to the advancements in Intel’s 20A process, which is two nodes ahead of their current 7nm technology.

Furthermore, the leaked information reveals that the PL4 power limit, which represents the absolute maximum power allowed momentarily, will be set at 333W for Arrow Lake-S. This marks a 26% reduction compared to the 420W limit of the 13900K. It’s worth noting that AMD’s upcoming AM5 platform is expected to have a TDP of 170W and a peak PPT of 230W.

While these leaked power recommendations are specifically for a mini-PC configuration, it’s reasonable to assume that they will also apply to stock desktop recommendations. This assumption is supported by the fact that Intel’s NUC 13 Extreme mini-PC features the full TDP range of the Core i9-13900K.

As we eagerly await the launch of Intel’s 15th Gen Arrow Lake-S CPUs, these leaked power limit details provide a glimpse into the promising efficiency and performance improvements that await desktop users. With advancements in fabrication technology and new core architectures, Intel is poised to deliver a compelling lineup of processors that will cater to the needs of both enthusiasts and professionals alike.

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Background Information

About AMD: AMD, a large player in the semiconductor industry is known for its powerful processors and graphic solutions, AMD has consistently pushed the boundaries of performance, efficiency, and user experience. With a customer-centric approach, the company has cultivated a reputation for delivering high-performance solutions that cater to the needs of gamers, professionals, and general users. AMD's Ryzen series of processors have redefined the landscape of desktop and laptop computing, offering impressive multi-core performance and competitive pricing that has challenged the dominance of its competitors. Complementing its processor prowess, AMD's Radeon graphics cards have also earned accolades for their efficiency and exceptional graphical capabilities, making them a favored choice among gamers and content creators. The company's commitment to innovation and cutting-edge technology continues to shape the client computing landscape, providing users with powerful tools to fuel their digital endeavors.

About Intel: Intel Corporation, a global technology leader, is renowned for its semiconductor innovations that power computing and communication devices worldwide. As a pioneer in microprocessor technology, Intel has left an indelible mark on the evolution of computing with its processors that drive everything from PCs to data centers and beyond. With a history of groundbreaking advancements, Intel's relentless pursuit of innovation continues to shape the digital landscape, offering solutions that empower businesses and individuals to achieve new levels of productivity and connectivity.

About TSMC: TSMC, or Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, is a semiconductor foundry based in Taiwan. Established in 1987, TSMC is a prominent player in the global semiconductor industry, specializing in the manufacturing of semiconductor wafers for a wide range of clients, including technology companies and chip designers. The company is known for its cutting-edge semiconductor fabrication processes and plays a critical role in advancing semiconductor technology worldwide.

Technology Explained

AM5: Socket AM5 (LGA 1718) is a zero insertion force flip-chip land grid array (LGA) CPU socket designed by Advanced Micro Devices, that is used for AMD Ryzen microprocessors starting with the Zen 4 microarchitecture. AM5 replaces the Socket AM4 and is AMD's first LGA socket designed for mainstream, non-enthusiast CPUs.

chiplet: Chiplets are a new type of technology that is revolutionizing the computer industry. They are small, modular components that can be used to build powerful computing systems. Chiplets are designed to be used in combination with other components, such as processors, memory, and storage, to create a complete system. This allows for more efficient and cost-effective production of computers, as well as more powerful and versatile systems. Chiplets can be used to create powerful gaming PCs, high-end workstations, and even supercomputers. They are also being used in the development of artificial intelligence and machine learning applications. Chiplets are an exciting new technology that is changing the way we build and use computers.

CPU: The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the brain of a computer, responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations. It is the most important component of a computer system, as it is responsible for controlling all other components. CPUs are used in a wide range of applications, from desktop computers to mobile devices, gaming consoles, and even supercomputers. CPUs are used to process data, execute instructions, and control the flow of information within a computer system. They are also used to control the input and output of data, as well as to store and retrieve data from memory. CPUs are essential for the functioning of any computer system, and their applications in the computer industry are vast.

GPU: GPU stands for Graphics Processing Unit and is a specialized type of processor designed to handle graphics-intensive tasks. It is used in the computer industry to render images, videos, and 3D graphics. GPUs are used in gaming consoles, PCs, and mobile devices to provide a smooth and immersive gaming experience. They are also used in the medical field to create 3D models of organs and tissues, and in the automotive industry to create virtual prototypes of cars. GPUs are also used in the field of artificial intelligence to process large amounts of data and create complex models. GPUs are becoming increasingly important in the computer industry as they are able to process large amounts of data quickly and efficiently.

SoC: A System-on-Chip (SoC) is a highly integrated semiconductor device that encapsulates various electronic components, including processors, memory, input/output interfaces, and often specialized hardware components, all on a single chip. SoCs are designed to provide a complete computing system or subsystem within a single chip package, offering enhanced performance, power efficiency, and compactness. They are commonly used in a wide range of devices, from smartphones and tablets to embedded systems and IoT devices, streamlining hardware complexity and facilitating efficient integration of multiple functions onto a single chip.