Set to initially release on December 14 for the mobile segment, the Meteor Lake family of CPUs from Intel has generated intrigue regarding its eventual entry into the desktop domain. Earlier speculations were rife with both assertions and doubts about the existence of the desktop counterparts.
However, in a video interview with PC World, Michelle Johnston Holthaus, Intel Corporation's Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Client Computing Group, provided clarity on this matter. She confirmed the future launch of Meteor Lake desktop SKUs, slated for 2024. This revelation is in line with Holthaus's vision for a processor family that bridges both mobile and desktop sectors.
Holthaus's interaction with PCWorld provided assurance of the forthcoming Meteor Lake CPUs tailored for desktops, scheduled for a 2024 release. Yet, the specifics regarding their launch timelines remain undisclosed.
Hints from earlier leaks propose a potential launch of Intel's 14th Gen Core/Raptor Lake Refresh desktop range at the onset of 2024. It's conceivable that this launch, featuring CPUs with a 65 W TDP, may coincide with CES 2024. Rumors suggest the debut of a "Meteor Lake-S" desktop CPU series by mid-year, followed by the Arrow Lake generation towards 2024's conclusion.
In the backdrop of this development, there have been mentions of multiple developmental delays for Meteor Lake, with certain setbacks stemming from technical complications. Leaked data insinuates that the MTL-S SKUs, compatible with the LGA1851 socket, will operate within 35 and 65 W TDPs. This configuration would limit them to the Core i3 and i5 segments. Moreover, Meteor Lake's introduction will see a shift in Intel's naming convention. The "Core i5" label will transition to "Core Ultra 5" for the "Premium" processor bracket, while the future "Core i3" equivalent will be positioned under Intel's "Mainstream" category, branded as "Core 3", without any allusion to Ultra performance attributes.
In a detailed conversation during Intel Innovation 2023, Mark Hachman of PC World probed Holthaus about the potential of a Meteor Lake desktop variant. Holthaus not only validated these rumors but also indicated a planned 2024 release for these chips. These insights reiterate Intel's strategy of crafting a harmonized processor suite for both laptop and desktop platforms.
Furthermore, Meteor Lake chips are set to revolutionize Intel's processor line-up, as they mark the company's first foray into consumer processors designed from chiplets. These processors will encompass distinct tiles designated for CPU cores, integrated GPUs, and I/O connectivity. Adopting the Intel 4 process, these chips will leverage the EUV lithography technique for the first time in the industry. Intel is prepping to roll out the initial wave of Meteor Lake processors on December 14, with a primary focus on the mobile segment.
