A huge leak has left us a lot of information about the next batch of Intel Alder Lake-S processors, that is, about the models that will be part of the series “standard” (multiplier locked, iGPU functional), “F” (multiplier locked, iGPU not working) and «T» (low consumption, multiplier locked). These new processors will come in very different configurations, but most of them will have something important in common, which is that will lack E nuclei, that is, high-efficiency Gracemont cores.
As our regular readers will recall, with the arrival of Intel Alder Lake-S, the chip giant made the leap to a hybrid design, although it maintained the monolithic core base. This means that we have, in a single silicon chip, high-performance core blocks, based on the Golden Cove architecture, and high-efficiency cores, based on the Gracemont architecture. They work intelligently to handle different workloads, thanks to the “baton” of Intel Thread Director.
So far, every Intel Alder Lake-S processor to hit the market has featured both types of cores, but this is going to change very soon. As we can see from the attached table, courtesy of VideoCardz, only the Intel Core i7-12700, Intel Core i7-12700F and Intel Core i7-12700T will have 8 high-performance cores and 4 high-efficiency cores. Intel Core i5-12600 and lower will lack high-efficiency cores, and will have configurations of 6 cores and 12 threads in the case of the Core i5, and 4 cores and 8 threads in the case of the Core i3.
I think that, with this move, the chip giant has made an interesting change within the mid-range. All Intel Alder Lake-S included in this range will be configured with 6 cores and 12 threads, with the exception of the Intel Core i5-12600K and Intel Core i5-12600KF, which have 6 high-performance cores and 12 threads, in addition to 4 high-efficiency cores. That nuance makes an important difference, and puts the “K” and “KF” models in a more interesting position for more demanding users, and also for those who want play and stream with all the guarantees.
Intel Alder Lake-S without E cores: A cheaper option, but just as interesting
And for a very simple reason, the Core i5 Gen12 configured with six high-performance cores and twelve threads should offer, according to the latest leaks that I have seen, a performance superior to that of the Ryzen 5 5600X, and yet its price will be much more under. With this on the table, I believe that the story tells itself, and that the Intel Core i5-12400F could follow in the wake of the Intel Core i5-11400F and become, without a doubt, in one of the best price-performance processors of its generation.
The Intel Core i3 Gen12 are also emerging as a very attractive option, even though their configuration is limited to 4 high-performance cores and 8 threads. As I told you at the time when I analyzed the ASUS TUF Dash F15 laptop, which was equipped with an Intel Core i7-11370H (Gen11), a processor with 4 cores and 8 threads that have a very high IPC can still give a lot of play, and the Core i3 Gen12s are going to considerably exceed the CPI of the generation, so I think they will be able to offer a very solid value also in price-performance ratio.
Pricing has yet to be confirmed, but considering that the Intel Core i5-12600K can be purchased for 309.89 euros at PcComponentes, I think the Intel Core i5-12400F is likely to be around 200 euros. At the time of writing this article, the Ryzen 5 5600X exceeded 300 euros, So it goes without saying that the arrival of the new Intel chip will be good news for everyone, since it will be placed as a very interesting option within its range, and it will force AMD to lower prices.
In the cover image you can see some images with the boxes that will use these new Intel Alder Lake-S processors, and just above these lines I accompany another image with the new reference fan It will come with all the standard models, ‘T’ and ‘F’. I remind you that the “K” and “KF” series processors do not have any cooling system. The standard and “F” models will have a TDP of 65 watts, while the “T” models drop down to 35 watts.
The design change has introduced Intel in the new fan «Laminar RM1 65W» I like, and should be able to keep under control, without any problem, the new Alder Lake-S, since, as I told you at the time when I analyzed the Intel Core i9-12900K and Core i5-12600K, this generation borders on a good level in terms of efficiency and heat when not practicing overclock, nor exceeding the limiters of consumption.
