Eleven months after the launch of the 12th-generation Alder Lake S platform, Intel officially introduced the 13th-generation Core Raptor Lake S platform. The Alder Lake S platform features a hybrid architecture with performance cores (P-Cores) based on the Golden Cove microarchitecture and efficiency cores (E-Cores) based on the Gracemont microarchitecture. The Raptor Lake S platform builds upon Alder Lake S with further optimizations, upgrading the performance cores to the Raptor Cove microarchitecture while retaining the Gracemont microarchitecture for the efficiency cores.
The Alder Lake S platform is referred to as the 12th Gen Core, the Raptor Lake S platform is referred to as the 13th Gen Core, and the Raptor Lake S Refresh platform is referred to as the 14th Gen Core.
12th Gen Alder Lake S architecture diagram
13th Gen Raptor Lake S architecture diagram
The 13th Gen Intel® Core™ platform processors and platform controller hubs (PCH) are fully capable of running IoT software stacks. Additionally, the LGA socket of the 13th Gen Core™ products is compatible with the previous generation, allowing businesses to easily upgrade their systems. Specific SKU models feature larger L2 and L3 cache capacities, support up to DDR5-5600 memory and PCIe 5.0 connectivity, and include support for Intel® Time Coordinated Computing (Intel® TCC) while meeting Intel® vPro® standards. The 13th Gen Core™ processors have been improved and upgraded in terms of manufacturing process, microarchitecture, and core count, offering users and gamers enhanced performance and greater energy efficiency.
Supports up to DDR5-5600 memory and PCIe 5.0 connectivity, which means vendors can design powerful next-generation solutions that meet emerging application needs while preparing for future applications. The CPU provides up to 16 PCIe 5.0 lanes and 4 PCIe 4.0 lanes, enabling each processor to support configurations with more external accelerators or expansion cards. Meanwhile, the PCH offers up to 12 PCIe 4.0 lanes and up to 16 PCIe 3.0 lanes, further enhancing expansion flexibility. Systems based on the 13th Gen Intel® Core™ processors can quickly transfer and process large amounts of data, featuring higher I/O density to support hardware integration and cost-effective deployments.
In addition to being backward compatible with DDR4 memory, the 13th generation Core processors are also compatible with the previous generation 600 series motherboards. This means that users of 12th generation Core processors can upgrade to the 13th generation without needing to replace their motherboard. Furthermore, DDR4 versions of motherboards offer excellent value for money.
In terms of the manufacturing process, it is also based on the Intel 7 process technology. However, Intel has continued to advance process optimization by improving lithography techniques and optimizing transistor structures, thereby enhancing the performance and energy efficiency ratio of the chips. This allows Raptor Lake S to achieve higher frequencies at the same power consumption or reduce power consumption at the same frequency.
In the fourth quarter of 2023, Intel launched the final processor platform with the 'i' naming convention, the Raptor Lake S Refresh platform, which, based on its name, is an upgraded version of the Raptor Lake S platform.
14th Gen Raptor Lake S Refresh Architecture Diagram
The average speed of the Raptor Lake S Refresh CPUs will be 3% faster than the 13th generation, but the Core i7 will be 17% faster in multi-threaded workloads due to its additional cores. Furthermore, the Raptor Lake S Refresh has improved the L3 cache, further enhancing processor performance, whereas the Raptor Lake S primarily upgraded the L2 cache. In terms of frequency, the Raptor Lake S Refresh processors have seen an increase, with the top-tier i9-14900K featuring 24 cores (8P + 16E) and a maximum frequency of 6GHz, compared to the performance cores of Raptor Lake S, which generally max out at 5.8GHz.
In terms of performance improvements, Raptor Lake S Refresh builds upon the performance advantages of Raptor Lake S and further enhances its capabilities. By offering higher frequencies, optimized cache, and support for AI acceleration, it takes performance to the next level, focusing on meeting the needs of users with extremely high demands for computer performance. These include high-end gamers seeking the ultimate gaming experience, professionals handling complex AI tasks, and specialists requiring high standards for real-time rendering. Additionally, compared to the Raptor Lake S platform, the S Refresh is more oriented toward the high-end enthusiast market. It attracts users willing to pay a premium for extreme performance with its superior capabilities and advanced features. For instance, hardware enthusiasts and professional esports players, who demand exceptional computer performance and are willing to pay extra for the latest and most powerful processors, are the target audience for Raptor Lake S Refresh. Under the current AIPC concept, Raptor Lake S Refresh has also been specifically optimized for AI-related applications. In scenarios such as AI model training, inference, and real-time AI processing—like intelligent video analysis and voice recognition—Raptor Lake S Refresh leverages its AI acceleration advantages to deliver more efficient processing power, enabling these applications to run and respond faster.
Intel, as a well-known brand in the processor industry, enjoys high brand recognition and market acceptance. Its long-standing accumulation of technical expertise and strong reputation instill confidence in consumers regarding the quality and reliability of its products, giving it a competitive edge in the market. Different users have varying needs for processors; some prioritize gaming performance, while others focus more on professional application performance. Additionally, consumers have diverse requirements regarding price, power consumption, and heat dissipation. Intel adjusts its product strategies in response to changing market demands to meet the needs of different users.
With the development of technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, and cloud computing, the demand for processor performance will continue to grow. The Intel Raptor Lake S and S Refresh platforms, with their outstanding performance and technical advantages, have a promising market outlook in the high-end desktop processor segment. Particularly in AI-related application fields, the advantages of this platform will become even more evident, attracting more users.
Content reference source:
Alder Lake S Architecture Diagram:
Raptor Lake S architecture diagram and performance improvements:
Raptor Lake S Refresh Framework Diagram: