What is the difference between Intel® Core™ processor generations?

The Intel® Core™ processor family spans several generations of processor upgrades. There are three basic family generations of note. Usually, the greater the number, the later the generation. For example, 13th gen is newer than 12th gen, 11th gen and 10th gen. These correspond to improvements in process technology and features to allow for more sophisticated applications, such as virtual reality, gaming and office productivity. In addition to generations, processors can also be categorized by Intel® Core™. Though there are multiple options within each category, there are four basic groups. Intel® Core™ i3, for entry-level performance Intel® Core™ i5, for mid-level performance Intel® Core™ i7, for high-level performance Intel® Core™ i9, for highest-level performance

What is clock speed (MHz, GHz)?

Clock speed, measured in megahertz (MHz) and gigahertz (GHz), represents how fast a processor moves. It's calculated by the number of clock cycles managed per second.

CPU Cache stores frequently used data and instructions close to your Processor for quicker access.

What do the letters on Intel® Processors mean?

<ul><li>B – Ball Grid Array (BGA)</li><li>C – Desktop processor based on the LGA 1150 package with high performance graphics</li><li>G1-G7 – Graphics level (processors with new integrated graphics technology only)</li><li>E – Embedded</li><li>F – Requires discrete graphics</li><li>G – Includes discrete graphics on package</li><li>H – High performance optimized for mobile</li><li>performance graphics</li><li>HK – High performance optimized for mobile, unlocked. Not all systems sold with HK central processing units (CPUs) are designed to exceed the stated speed of the processor.</li><li>HQ – High performance optimized for mobile, quad core</li><li>K – Unlocked</li><li>M – Mobile</li><li>P – Power and thermal efficiency with more power than U series</li><li>Q – Quad-core</li><li>R – Desktop processor based on BGA1364 (mobile) package with high performance graphics</li><li>S – Performance-optimized lifestyle, special edition</li><li>T – Power-optimized lifestyle</li><li>U – Ultra-low power, mobile power efficient</li><li>X/XE – Extreme edition, unlocked, high end</li><li>Y – Extremely low power</li></ul>

Intel® Core™ Processors

Learn More about Intel

Help Me Choose: Intel® Processors for Gaming

The processor is the engine behind your computer processing critical information and instructions.

The speed at which your system runs programs, loads pages, and downloads files depends in part on the processor. Bandwidth, clock speed, and the number of cores in the processor all help determine processor performance.

Which Processor Do I Need?

Designed for demanding workloads, the new unlocked Intel^® Core™ processors deliver breakthrough performance for gaming, streaming, and recording for both Alienware and G-Series systems.

We Recommended	Intel® Core™ i9 Processors	Intel® Core™ i7 Processors	Intel® Core™ i5 Processors
AAA Gaming Power for today's top titles
Unlocked & Overclockable Fine-tuned CPUs for additional performance headroom
Game + Stream + Record Do it all without compromise
High-End Content Development High-definition gaming, video editing, and documentation creation.
Max Performance Our highest performing CPUs for multitasking high-demanding simultaneously.
Best For	Uncompromising performance for gaming, VR, and next-level content creation.	High-End Gaming, content development and multi-tasking.	Smooth performance for gaming, simple content creation and everyday tasks.

"K" Means Unlocked

What is Overclocking? Increase processing power by fine-tuning your system to run your processor at higher settings than default specifications, helping speed up your components—and your gameplay.

Overclock with Confidence

Intel® Performance Maximizer (Intel® PM) can automatically increase processor frequency and give you a competitive edge by examining your PC's performance DNA, and programming a personalized setting for a custom overclock.

Get Into Your Games Faster

Intel® Optane™ memory is a smart technology that accelerates computer responsiveness. It accesses your computers frequently used documents, videos, games, and applications quickly and remembers them after you power off—enabling you to create, game, and be productive with less waiting.

FAQ

: The Intel^® Core™ processor family spans several generations of processor upgrades. There are three basic family generations of note. Usually, the greater the number, the later the generation. For example, 13th gen is newer than 12th gen, 11th gen and 10th gen. These correspond to improvements in process technology and features to allow for more sophisticated applications, such as virtual reality, gaming and office productivity.

In addition to generations, processors can also be categorized by Intel^® Core™. Though there are multiple options within each category, there are four basic groups.

Intel^® Core™ i3, for entry-level performance
Intel^® Core™ i5, for mid-level performance
Intel^® Core™ i7, for high-level performance
Intel^® Core™ i9, for highest-level performance
: Clock speed, measured in megahertz (MHz) and gigahertz (GHz), represents how fast a processor moves. It's calculated by the number of clock cycles managed per second.
: CPU Cache stores frequently used data and instructions close to your Processor for quicker access.
: B – Ball Grid Array (BGA)
C – Desktop processor based on the LGA 1150 package with high performance graphics
G1-G7 – Graphics level (processors with new integrated graphics technology only)
E – Embedded
F – Requires discrete graphics
G – Includes discrete graphics on package
H – High performance optimized for mobile
performance graphics
HK – High performance optimized for mobile, unlocked. Not all systems sold with HK central processing units (CPUs) are designed to exceed the stated speed of the processor.
HQ – High performance optimized for mobile, quad core
K – Unlocked
M – Mobile
P – Power and thermal efficiency with more power than U series
Q – Quad-core
R – Desktop processor based on BGA1364 (mobile) package with high performance graphics
S – Performance-optimized lifestyle, special edition
T – Power-optimized lifestyle
U – Ultra-low power, mobile power efficient
X/XE – Extreme edition, unlocked, high end
Y – Extremely low power

Thread Director – Performance Hybrid Architecture

12th Gen Intel^® Core™ processors include two core microarchitectures—Performance cores (P-cores) and Efficient-cores (E-cores). Offload background tasks, like rendering, to the E-cores. At the same time, take advantage of 4K gaming, 3D design or other demanding activities on the P-cores.

For seamless performance and responsiveness, Intel introduces Intel Thread Director, a new intelligence built directly into the hardware. With real-time analysis, Thread Director guides the operating system to place the right application thread on the right core, at the right time.