Intel 12th Gen Laptops: To Wait or Buy Now?

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Architecture of Intel's 12th gen processors
3. Overview of P and E cores
4. 12th gen processor types for laptops
5. Performance of H45 and H55 options
6. Comparison with 11th gen Tiger Lake
7. Potential increase in thread count with 12th gen
8. Benefits of the hybrid design for laptops
9. Importance of efficiency in laptop form factor
10. Expectations for multi-threaded performance
11. Potential improvements in single-threaded performance
12. Considerations for battery life
13. Use of E cores for increased battery efficiency
14. Comparison of battery life between Intel and AMD
15. Compatibility with Windows 11
16. Benefits of Intel's thread director
17. Introduction of DDR5 memory
18. Potential impact on laptop prices
19. PCIe gen 5 support and its practical benefits
20. Predictions on the release of Intel's 12th gen mobile processors
21. Should you buy a laptop now or wait for 12th gen?
22. Considerations for Black Friday sales
23. Expected improvements in productivity workloads
24. Future reviews and comparisons on 12th gen laptops

🖥️ Architecture of Intel's 12th gen processors

The release of Intel's 12th gen processors for desktops has created anticipation for their arrival in laptops as well. These new processors feature a hybrid architecture with two types of cores - P cores and E cores. P cores, also known as performance cores, are the traditional cores with hyperthreading that users are accustomed to. On the other HAND, E cores, or efficiency cores, are smaller and more efficient, but they lack hyperthreading, resulting in only one thread per E core. The introduction of E cores is expected to be particularly beneficial for running lighter background tasks while consuming less power.

💻 12th gen processor types for laptops

According to leaked information, the 12th gen processor lineup for laptops is expected to include various options. While lower-powered chips will not be the focus, gaming laptops are likely to feature the H45 and new H55 options. H45 chips have a 45 watt power limit and were previously available with up to 8 cores and 16 Threads. With the introduction of 12th gen, H45 is expected to reach a maximum of 6 P cores with hyperthreading and up to 8 E cores, resulting in a total of 20 threads. Additionally, the H55 class is expected to provide even higher thread counts, with up to 8 P cores and 8 E cores, offering a potential 24 threads on a laptop processor - a significant increase compared to previous generations.

🎮 Performance of H45 and H55 options

The inclusion of 6 P cores and 8 E cores in the H45 and H55 options indicates a potential improvement in multi-threaded performance for gaming laptops. While quad cores seem to be making a comeback with the inclusion of 4 P cores and 8 E cores in the i5 option, it is important to note that this configuration still offers 16 threads, double that of a traditional quad core. The higher thread count and increased efficiency of 12th gen laptop processors are expected to provide better multi-threaded performance, along with improved single-threaded performance due to higher IPC (instructions per cycle) compared to previous Intel generations.

⚡ Benefits of the hybrid design for laptops

The hybrid design of Intel's 12th gen processors, particularly the inclusion of E cores, holds great promise for laptops. From an efficiency standpoint, E cores are better suited for laptops, where factors such as power consumption, thermals, and battery life are crucial. In comparison to desktop processors, where power usage may not be a primary concern, laptops benefit from the energy efficiency offered by E cores. This design choice is expected to address Intel's historical challenges with battery life and thermal performance on laptops, potentially making them more competitive with AMD Ryzen models - which have generally offered superior battery life performance.

⏰ Predictions on the release of Intel's 12th gen mobile processors

While Intel has yet to provide official information about the release of 12th gen mobile processors, it is reasonable to expect an announcement at CES next year in January. However, it is important to note that the announcement may not coincide with the availability of products for purchase. Based on previous release Patterns, there may be a short delay between the announcement and the actual launch of laptops featuring 12th gen processors. Therefore, whether to buy a laptop now or wait for 12th gen depends on individual needs. If immediate functionality is required, purchasing a current generation laptop might be necessary. However, for those who can afford to wait a couple of months, it may be worth holding off to see what the 12th gen has to offer.

🔍 Should you buy a laptop now or wait for Intel 12th gen?

The decision to invest in a laptop now or wait for Intel's 12th gen should be based on personal circumstances. If there is an immediate need for a laptop, it may be necessary to purchase one now, especially if there are attractive Black Friday deals available. However, if waiting is a viable option, it might be wise to postpone the purchase and see what the 12th gen processors have to offer. CES, which takes place in January, will likely provide insights into the capabilities and performance of Intel's 12th gen processors. Waiting for those laptops to become available could result in a more informed decision and potentially better deals on current generation laptops. Ultimately, the choice should be based on individual preferences and requirements.