Intel 14th-generation CPUs: Everything you need to know about new Core and Core Ultra chips

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Intel is one of the biggest names in computing, and its Intel Core CPUs — central processing units, essentially the "brain" of a computer — are the most popular consumer-grade processors on the market. So all eyes are on Intel now as it releases two new entries in its Core lineup: The Intel Core 14th generation (also known as "Raptor Lake") and the laptop-focused Intel Core Ultra ("Meteor Lake").

Intel's 14th-generation desktop CPUs were released in October 2023 and are available now in some pre-built computers, including the Dell Aurora R16, one of our picks for the best gaming PCs you can buy. However, it took until January 2024 for these 14th-gen chips to make their way onto new laptops, like the MSI Raider GE78, alongside the debut of the industry's first Core Ultra models, including the Acer Swift Go. Although this new generation of CPUs doesn't offer much in the way of groundbreaking features, it's poised to be the standard in consumer computing for the next year.

Here's everything you need to know about Intel's two new CPU lines, including what they're made for, how they differ from the previous generation, and whether they're worth buying.

Intel 14th-generation Core and Core Ultra CPUs at a glance

Intel Core 14th generation: Intel's most powerful CPUs, but not by much

14th-generation Intel Core CPUs first launched in the fall of 2023, and you can now find various chips in new prebuilt desktop and laptop models from top brands. Desktop CPUs are also available to purchase on their own, so you can use them to build your own computer. If you're thinking about buying a new Intel 14th-gen chip or a computer with one built-in, here are some details you should know. 

Intel Core 14th generation for desktops

First, let's look at Intel's flagship line of consumer-grade desktop CPUs, the Intel Core i5/i7/i9 14th generation. The 14th generation debuted in October 2023 with the i9-14900K/KF, i7-14700K/KF, and i5-14600K/KF. These chips are the direct successors to the Intel Core 13th generation and feature small improvements.

These processors are sometimes known by their codename, "Raptor Lake." But that name is a generic title used for both the 14th and 13th generations — the 14th generation's unique name is actually "Raptor Lake Refresh." As that name suggests, Intel's new chips are mostly a new iteration of the previous lineup rather than a full overhaul.

You can see this in the 14th generation's hardware statistics. Both the 13th- and 14th-generation K/KF desktop chips have the same amount of performance cores; they have the same maximum memory size and bandwidth, and the base and "Turbo" clock rates have only barely improved.

The performance isn't much better, either. Benchmarking firms like Puget Systems report lower than 10% (and usually lower than 5%) performance speed gains across a wide variety of tasks. For the i5 and i7 models, this is largely due to the higher number of efficiency cores. That's not a big increase, and for most users, not worth upgrading for.

But to be clear, both generations are incredibly powerful, with the K/KF-series desktop chips able to run nearly any program and multitask with ease. Even if the new Intel processors aren't vastly more powerful than the last ones, they're still among the strongest on the market.

The 14th generation began with K/KF-series chips, which are generally some of the most powerful in any given generation. But early 2024 also saw the release of F- and T-series chips, which cost less but have lower clock speeds and power ratings. There's also a new beefier chip with no suffix. In addition, rumors are also swirling about a possible i9–14900KS, which would surpass all of them.

There are plenty of prebuilt desktop computers available now with Intel K/KF chips from brands like Alienware and Corsair. Here's a roundup of some key models you can shop now.

Intel Core 14th generation for laptops

All the CPUs mentioned so far are only for desktops. The 14th-generation laptop CPUs just dropped in January 2024. These laptop chips are all part of the Intel Core HX series, and we haven't seen any detailed performance comparisons yet.

But unlike past generations, don't expect to find an Intel Core i5/i7/i9 in every new laptop — in fact, they're likely to be much rarer, reserved for higher-end gaming and content creation laptops. Luckily, this small lineup includes great models from brands like Asus and MSI, as well as the Razer Blade 16, which is one of our picks for the best gaming laptop. Here are a few laptops you can buy now with Intel 14th-gen CPUs.

Intel Core Ultra: Better battery life and AI tools

Releasing alongside the Intel Core 14th generation laptop chips are the Intel Core Ultra CPUs, also known by their codename "Meteor Lake." The Core Ultra processors are built exclusively for laptops and tablets (although a version for all-in-one PCs is on its way). Like its siblings, the Meteor Lake line includes Ultra 5, Ultra 7, and Ultra 9 models. And this lineup is split into two different series: The high-end H-series, and the lower-powered U-series.

Core Ultras aren't as powerful as other premium laptop CPUs, but they're smaller and much more power efficient — this means longer battery life. And their unique construction makes them easier and quicker for Intel to manufacture, which should mean lower prices for devices with them installed.

Intel Core Ultra CPUs also boast a new component called the "neural processing unit," or "NPU." This section of the CPU is made to assist with generative AI processes and, ideally, will let onboard AI tools work faster without having to rely on remote servers.

And sure enough, early AI process testing from Notebookcheck shows the Ultra-equipped Acer Swift Go 14 performing well against other mobile CPUs, but taking up far less energy in the process. This means that Core Ultra laptops will work best for consumer-grade AI use in apps like Photoshop and Stable Diffusion, which tend to put heavy stress on laptop CPUs and batteries but don't require top-tier hardware.

Expect to see Intel Core Ultra chips in premium devices that prioritize sleek aesthetics and compact sizes. Some of the devices that have already been confirmed to be using Ultra chips are Asus' Zenbook Duo notebook and ROG NUC mini-PC, the new MSI Claw handheld PC, and Acer's midrange line of Swift laptops. With the Ultra series, portability comes before power — although the best models will offer both.

Compared to 14th-generation HX-series laptop CPUs, the Intel Core Ultra processors are geared at a much wider audience. If you plan on buying a midrange laptop or notebook PC this year with an Intel chip, it'll probably have a Core Ultra. Truly budget devices will likely stick with 12th or 13th-generation CPUs. Here are a few laptop models available now with Intel Core Ultra chips.

Should you buy a computer with a new Intel Core CPU?

When it comes to the mainline 14th-generation CPUs, it really depends on the price. Intel has set its MSRP at the same price as the older 13th generation, so ideally, you shouldn't be paying that much more. 

But for the large majority of consumers, the Intel Core 14th generation's improvements are marginal, and not worth spending a huge chunk of money for. Only professional or enterprise users doing intense work in bulk — for example, editors rendering multiple 4K videos each day, or finance workers jumping between dozens of massive spreadsheets — will appreciate the small performance gains. But many of those same enterprise users would probably be better off buying an enterprise-focused CPU like an AMD Threadripper instead.

If you can't afford a PC with an Intel 14th-generation CPU, don't panic. The cheaper 13th-generation CPUs are still fantastic, and AMD's current top-tier Ryzen processors are great too.

When it comes to the Intel Core Ultra, most consumers aren't going to have much choice over whether they buy a new laptop with one or not. After all, you can't build your own laptop (not easily, at least), and most laptop companies don't offer many customization options. Companies like Asus are actively porting the majority of their Intel-based laptops over to the Ultra lineup, too.

This isn't a bad thing. Core Ultra chips, especially at the higher end, are great processors for the majority of users. They don't offer much of a performance boost over similarly priced hardware, but their better power efficiency means longer battery life and lower temperatures. Besides, if you're using a thin laptop, you shouldn't expect maximum performance anyway. And AI enthusiasts will appreciate the new Neural Processing Unit.

What's on the horizon for Intel CPUs?

Despite the hype that Intel is giving its 14th-generation Intel Core CPUs, there are some reasons to suspect that they might not last as long as previous generations did. Case in point: At CES 2024, as the 14th generation HX-series and Core Ultra chips were landing on store shelves, Intel showed off two additional new processor lines. Both are set for release in Fall 2024.

The first is the "Arrow Lake" series, a line of gaming-focused chips that include an "AI accelerator" and will be available on both desktops and laptops. It's intended as a direct successor to the first Intel Core Ultra processors, and will likely be marketed as the "Intel Core Ultra 2."

The second is the "Lunar Lake" series, which is a mobile chip designed for "thin and light PCs." This chip features an upgraded NPU but also has a much lower power rating, meaning it'll likely be the CPU of choice for casual AI hobbyists.

Information about Arrow and Lunar Lake is scarce, so only time will tell whether they end up replacing Raptor and Meteor Lake or simply complementing them. Either way, 2024 is going to be a big year for Intel.