Intel’s 15th Gen Arrow Lake CPUs Set for 2nm Mass Production in 2024: A Technological Leap

Intel’s 15th Gen Arrow Lake CPUs Set for 2nm Mass Production in 2024: A Technological Leap

Intel is gearing up for a major leap in processor technology with its upcoming 15th Gen Arrow Lake CPUs. Following the successful launch of the 1st Gen Core Ultra, the tech giant is now focused on achieving “process leadership” with these highly anticipated processors.

In an interview with Nikkei, Sanjay Natarajan, Senior Vice President and Executive of Intel’s Technology Department, shed light on the company’s plans for the future. The 15th Gen Arrow Lake processors are set to replace the current Meteor Lake lineup in 2024. These CPUs will utilize the 2nm-class 20A node, marking a significant advancement in semiconductor manufacturing.

One of the key innovations of the 20A process is the use of EUV lithography, which enhances yields and production capacity. Additionally, Intel will introduce RibbonFET transistors, also known as GAA (Gate All Around), in this node. RibbonFET is the successor to FinFET and promises improved performance and power efficiency.

Another technology that will debut with the 20A process is PowerVia. This backside power delivery technology optimizes power and frequency, resulting in more efficient CPUs. Intel’s internal tests have shown that PowerVia can deliver over 5% frequency improvement and more than 90% cell density on Intel 4.

The 15th Gen Arrow Lake processors will feature a disaggregated architecture, utilizing a chiplet design. The CPU die will be based on the 2nm-class 20A node and will incorporate Lion Cove (P) and Skymont (E) cores. Notably, this will be the first Core CPU to drop hyper-threading (SMT) on the P-Cores, a decision that could have implications for multi-threaded workloads.

The integrated graphics unit (iGPU) of the 15th Gen Arrow Lake processors will be based on the Battlemage graphics IP and will be manufactured using TSMC’s advanced 3nm/4nm node. This collaboration with TSMC highlights Intel’s commitment to leveraging external foundries for specific components to ensure the best performance and efficiency.

Desktop users can expect the 15th Gen Arrow Lake processors to arrive in late 2024, offering up to 24 cores (8P + 8E). This powerful lineup will be exclusive to the client family, showcasing Intel’s dedication to delivering technology to consumers.

Looking ahead, Intel has other exciting projects in the pipeline. The Granite Rapids and Sierra Forest platforms are slated to utilize Intel 3, while Clearwater Forest will make use of the 18A process. These future releases demonstrate Intel’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of semiconductor technology across various product lines.

As Intel prepares for the mass production of its 15th Gen Arrow Lake CPUs in 2024, the industry eagerly awaits the arrival of these processors. With advancements in lithography, transistor design, and power delivery, Intel is poised to reclaim its position as a leader in processor technology. The 15th Gen Arrow Lake CPUs promise to deliver unparalleled performance and efficiency, setting a new standard for the industry.

Background Information

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About Intel: Intel Corporation, a global technology leader, is 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 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.

  

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About TSMC: TSMC, or Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, is a semiconductor foundry based in Taiwan. Established in 1987, TSMC is a important 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 semiconductor fabrication processes and plays a critical role in advancing semiconductor technology worldwide.

  

Technology Explained

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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.

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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.

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EUV: Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography (EUV or EUVL) is an advanced semiconductor manufacturing technique that employs extremely short wavelengths of light in the extreme ultraviolet spectrum to create intricate patterns on silicon wafers. Utilizing a wavelength around 13.5 nanometers, significantly shorter than traditional lithography methods, EUVL enables the production of smaller and more densely packed integrated circuits, enhancing the performance and efficiency of modern microprocessors and memory chips.

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iGPU: An integrated Graphics Processing Unit (iGPU) is a component built into a computer's central processing unit (CPU) or system-on-chip (SoC) that handles graphical tasks. Unlike dedicated graphics cards, which are separate components, an iGPU shares system resources with the CPU, allowing for basic graphics capabilities without the need for an additional card. While typically less powerful than dedicated GPUs, iGPUs are energy-efficient and well-suited for everyday computing tasks

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P-Cores: P-Cores (Performance Cores) are a type of processor technology developed by Intel that is designed to improve the performance of computer systems. This technology is based on the concept of multi-core processors, which are processors that contain multiple cores or processing units. P-Cores are designed to increase the speed and efficiency of computer systems by allowing multiple cores to work together in parallel. This technology is used in a variety of applications, including gaming, video editing, and data analysis. P-Cores are also used in servers and other high-performance computing systems. The technology is also used in mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, to improve battery life and performance. P-Cores are an important part of the computer industry, as they allow for faster and more efficient computing.

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SMT: Simultaneous multithreading (SMT) is a technology that allows a CPU core to process two tasks (threads) simultaneously. It is crucial to the swift operation of modern-day CPUs. SMT is AMD’s brand of multithreading, while Hyperthreading is Intel’s