Intel’s 1st Gen Core Ultra Meteor Lake CPUs Receive Notable 13% Speed Boost via Firmware Update

Intel’s 1st Gen Core Ultra CPUs have received a much-needed boost in performance through a recent firmware update. These CPUs initially faced disappointment as they were outperformed by AMD’s Ryzen 7000 chips. Not only were they slower than their Phoenix rivals, but they also consumed more power. However, the new BIOS update brings some good news by improving both performance and power efficiency.

According to UltrabookReview, updating the Zenbook 14 OLED to BIOS 203 resulted in a significant 12.5% performance uplift in Cinebench. Both the single-core and multi-core scores saw improvements, accompanied by a reduction in average power consumption. This suggests that future updates may further optimize workloads, with the exception of Latency-sensitive applications. In Cinebench R23, the CPU’s power consumption starts at 50W and gradually drops to around 35W for the best-effort run. During the 10-minute loop test, it starts at 50W and stabilizes at approximately 28W after 5-6 minutes.

It’s important to note that all review units were distributed with pre-release firmware, which suffered from unoptimized power delivery. However, the latest firmware update addresses a scheduling problem caused by early power measurement, resulting in notable performance gains.

At this stage, it is difficult to determine the extent of improvement that can be expected from software and firmware optimizations. Early reviews indicate that the Core Ultra Meteor Lake CPUs still exhibit higher peak power consumption compared to AMD’s Ryzen 7000 parts. However, some OEMs may optimize their designs to take advantage of this flaw, potentially leading to better-performing notebooks in the future.

Overall, the firmware update for Intel’s 1st Gen Core Ultra CPUs brings promising improvements in both performance and power efficiency. While they may have initially fallen short compared to their AMD counterparts, these updates offer hope for better performance in the future. As software and firmware optimizations continue, it will be interesting to see how these CPUs evolve and compete in the market.

Background Information

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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 expertise, 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 technology continues to shape the client computing landscape, providing users with powerful tools to fuel their digital endeavors.

  

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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.

  

Technology Explained

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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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Latency: Technology latency is the time it takes for a computer system to respond to a request. It is an important factor in the performance of computer systems, as it affects the speed and efficiency of data processing. In the computer industry, latency is a major factor in the performance of computer networks, storage systems, and other computer systems. Low latency is essential for applications that require fast response times, such as online gaming, streaming media, and real-time data processing. High latency can cause delays in data processing, resulting in slow response times and poor performance. To reduce latency, computer systems use various techniques such as caching, load balancing, and parallel processing. By reducing latency, computer systems can provide faster response times and improved performance.

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OLED: Organic light-emitting diode (OLED) technology is a cutting-edge display technology that has revolutionized the computer industry by producing superior image quality and superior energy efficiency. OLED technology works by using organic compounds to create an efficient and flexible light source. This type of technology has enabled thinner and lighter designs as well as improved color range and resolution. OLED technology is currently used in laptop displays and is increasingly used in televisions and mobile devices. Its benefits, such as relatively low power consumption and extraordinary brightness, give a more vivid and more powerful image even in dim areas. OLED technology has also improved computer performance, as its power efficiency passes on to other computer components and leads to extended battery life. OLED technology also features shorter response time and full color reproducibility, making it ideal for fast-paced action games.