Intel to Cease Production of boxed versions of13th Gen Core CPUs

Intel plans to phase out boxed versions of its 13th Generation Core 'Raptor Lake' processors by June and focus on its 14th Generation Core line, which offers improved performance for similar prices.

Improved performance for similar prices compared to 13th Gen chips
Streamlining and simplifying of Intel's boxed retail chip products
Potential for deals on remaining stock of 13th Gen enthusiast chips

In a surprising move, Intel has announced its decision to phase out the boxed versions of its high-performance 13th Generation Core ‘Raptor Lake’ processors. According to a recent product change notification (PCN) released by the company, Intel plans to cease shipping these desktop CPUs by late June. Instead, Intel will continue offering its existing lineup of boxed 14th Generation Core processors, which are based on the same ‘Raptor Lake’ silicon and generally offer better performance for similar prices.

Customers and distributors interested in purchasing boxed versions of the 13th Generation Core i5-13600K/KF, Core i7-13700K/KF, and Core i9-13900K/KF/KS ‘Raptor Lake’ processors with an unlocked multiplier have until May 24, 2024, to place their orders. Intel will ship these units by June 28, 2024. The PCN does not mention any changes to the availability of tray versions of these CPUs, which are typically sold to OEMs and wholesalers.

The discontinuation of Intel’s boxed 13th Generation Core processors coincides with the release of the company’s current 14th Generation product line, known as ‘Raptor Lake Refresh.’ Interestingly, the 14th Gen chips are essentially an improved version of the same silicon found in the discontinued SKUs, offering better performance at every level for the same price. Since most current generation motherboards support both generations of chips, Intel likely sees little reason to continue offering older, slower SKUs of the same silicon.

It is worth noting that Intel is retiring its enthusiast-class 13th Generation Core chips before discontinuing their even older 12th Generation Core ‘Alder Lake’ processors. The 12th Gen chips are still available in both boxed and tray versions, and the Alder Lake silicon itself is widely used across multiple product families. Therefore, while Alder Lake shares the same platform as Raptor Lake, the chips based on that silicon have not become obsolete in the same way as the 13th Gen Core chips.

Ultimately, Intel’s decision to retire their near-duplicate SKUs reflects their aim to streamline and simplify their boxed retail chip products. This could potentially present an opportunity for PC buyers to find deals as retailers work to sell off their remaining stock of 13th Gen enthusiast chips.

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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.