In recent years, the low-end desktop CPU market is largely dominated by Intel as AMD puts its focus on higher-end segments, so it’s not too uncommon to see Core i3s being featured in budget PC builds. As the chipmaker is bringing the rebrand to its desktop lineup, its low-end offerings are expected to get a big spec bump, according to leaker @OneRaichu on X/Twitter (via Videocardz).
Core Ultra 3 “205” / “215”
Simply put, the leaker claims the new Core Ultra 3 part, which is yet to have a definitive SKU name (it’s either 205 or 215), will pack 8 cores for the first time. It’s unclear what exactly the core configuration would be, but most signs are pointing to 4P+4E layout, which is what Lunar Lake uses for all of its upcoming SKUs.
Now, if you’re familiar with the hybrid architecture of Intel’s recent CPUs, you’d know this is not quite the same 8 cores you’ll find in, say, an AMD Ryzen 7 processor – but remember, Core i3s never had E-cores to begin with, so this is still a big net positive in terms of multi-core performance. While Intel has confirmed to ditch hyper-threading, signs are pointing to net gain in performance, but we’ll have to wait until the official launch to see what Intel claims.
Adding to that, Arrow Lake is expected to use the new Skymont E-core architecture that promises massive performance boost over the current-gen Gracemont architecture found in 14th Gen Core processors. All things considered, the leaker said the new Core Ultra 3 part will be “much stronger” than the 14th Gen counterpart. The P-cores, meanwhile, are expected to get an iterative upgrade with the new “Lion Cove” architecture that provides some IPC gains.
Don’t expect this model to be available right at launch, though – per Intel’s tradition, K-series are the first to enter the market before the mainstream 65W series gets introduced at a later date. Lower-end models like Core Ultra 3 may even be silently launched, as low-end products are rarely marketed in the same manner as its higher-end counterparts.
Pokdepinion: Low-end CPUs suddenly looked a lot more exciting now, isn’t it?
