Intel CPU processor core generations timeline and evolution

August 26, 2023

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Whenever you purchase a new laptop or a computer, the first thing the seller tells you about is the CPU and its generation. For example, This is an Intel 9th generation laptop, or that computer is powered by an Intel 10th generation CPU.

So, what exactly are these Intel generations? And, how they have improved over time? Below there is a full timeline of Intel processor generation and their evolution over time.

Table of Contents

Generations of Intel Processor
FAQ

Generations of Intel Processor

Intel processors have become better and better over generations. The main difference between different generations is the architecture. They also got better RAM support, cache support, and overclocking capabilities over time.

New generation CPUs also managed to achieve higher clock speeds and became far more energy-efficient. Let’s go take a look at all the Intel CPU generations one by one.

Nehalem – 1st Gen Intel processors(2008)

The very first generation of Intel processors was based on Nehalem microarchitecture. They were launched back in November 2008. The Nehalem processors were the first to get the Intel Turbo Boost 1.0 technology.

After getting discounted in Core & Core 2 processors(2006), hyper-threading technology also made a comeback in Nehalem CPUs.

Process Size: 45nm
Transistors: 731 million to 2300 million
Clock speed: 1.06 GHz to 3.33 GHz
Cores: 2-6 in normal/4-8 in Xeon
L1 cache: 64 KB per core
L2 cache: 256KB per core
L3 cache: 4 MB-24 MB shared by all cores
Sockets: LGA 1156, LGA 2011, Socket G2
RAM: 2-channel DDR3-1066
Intel turbo boost 1.0

Sandy Bridge – 2nd Gen Intel processors(2011)

After Nehalem came Sandy Bridge intel CPUs in 2011. However, they were first demonstrated in 2009. Unlike Nehalem Sandy Bridge also supported integrated graphics. They also had about 11.3% performance improvements over the last-gen CPUs.

Process Size: 32nm
Transistors: 504 million to 2.27 billion
Clock speed: 1.60GHz to 3.60 GHz
Cores: 1-4 in normal/4-6 in extreme/2-8 in Xeon
L1 cache: 64 KB per core
L2 cache: 256KB per core
L3 cache: 1 MB-8 MB shared by all cores/10 MB-15 MB in extreme/3 MB-20 MB Xeon
Sockets: LGA 1155, LGA 1366, LGA 1567
RAM: 2-channel DDR3
GPU: HD graphics, HD graphics 2000, HD graphics 3000, HD graphics P3000
Intel Turbo Boost 2.0

Ivy Bridge – 3rd Gen Intel processors(2012)

About a year after the release of Sandy Bridge, 3rd generation Ivy Bridge Intel processors were released. They were backward compatible with Sandy Bridge and supported Microsoft Windows XP.

These processors provided a 3% to 6% CPU and 25% to 68% GPU performance boost while being 50% energy efficient. But on the other hand, they also generated more heat. They were also the first ones to have tri-gate transistors.

Process Size: 22nm
Transistors: 2104 million
Clock speed: 1.4GHz to 4.1 GHz
Cores: 2-4 in normal/2-15 in Xeon
L1 cache: 64 KB per core
L2 cache: 256KB per core
L3 cache: 2 MB-8 MB shared by all cores
Socket: LGA 1155, LGA 2011, LGA 2011-1, LGA 1356, Socket G2
RAM: DDR3-1333 to DDR3-1600
GPU: HD graphics 2500, HD graphics 4000, HD graphics P4000
Intel Turbo Boost 2.0

Haswell – 4th Gen Intel processors(2013)

The 4th generation of Intel processors called Haswell was released in 2013. They were built on the same 22nm process as Ivy Bridge. However, it delivered an overall 3% performance boost while consuming significantly less power. The heat was still an issue as they got even hotter than the last generation.

Haswell brought new sockets and DDR4 technology to the table. They also partially supported Thunderbolt 2.0 technology.

Process Size: 22nm
Transistors: 1.4 billion to 5.56 billion
Clock speed: 1.1GHz to 4.4 GHz
Cores: 2-4 in normal/6-8 in enthusiast/2-18 in Xeon
L1 cache: 64 KB per core
L2 cache: 256KB per core
L3 cache: 2 MB-45 MB shared by all cores
L4 cache: 128 MB (iris Pro only)
Sockets: LGA 1150, rPGA 947, LGA 2011-v3
RAM: Dual channel DDR3/ DDR3L, DDR4
GPU: HD graphics 4200, HD graphics 4400, HD graphics 4600, HD graphics 5000, Iris 5100, Iris Pro 5200
Intel Turbo Boost 2.0

Broadwell – 5th Gen Intel processors(2014)

Broadwell was the 5th generation of Intel processor which was released in 2014. At just 14nm, the processor size was very small, resulting in significantly less power consumption.

5th Gen CPUs were Direct3D-12 ready and also supported OpenGL 4.4. Broadwell also brought Intel Turbo Boost 3.0 with them

Process Size: 14nm
Transistors: 1.9 billion
Clock speed: 1.2GHz to 4GHz
Cores: 2-4 in normal/6-10 in enthusiast/4-24 in Xeon
L1 cache: 64 KB per core
L2 cache: 256KB per core
L3 cache: 2 MB-6 MB shared by all cores
L4 cache: 128 MB (iris Pro only)
Sockets: LGA 1150, rPGA 947, LGA 2011-v3
RAM: DDR3, DDR3L, DDR4
GPU: HD graphics 5300, HD graphics 5500, HD graphics 5700p, HD graphics 6000, HD graphics 6100, HD graphics 6200, HD graphics 6300p, HD graphics
Intel Turbo Boost 3.0

Skylake – 6th Gen Intel processors(2015)

In 2015, Intel designed their Broadwell processor and called them 6th generation, Skylake CPUs. Skylake redesign changes brought greater CPU and GPU performance improvements and even more power efficiency. Those changes were also carried out to upcoming generations of Intel processors.

While overclocking was around for a while, Skylake “K” series CPUs were the reason why it got so popular. They also supported DMI 3.0 and Thunderbolt 3.0 as well as HDMI 2.0 with 4K resolution.

Process Size: 14nm
Transistors: 1.9 billion
Clock speed: up to 4.5GHz
Cores: 2-28
L1 cache: 64 KB per core
L2 cache: 256KB per core
L3 cache: 2 MB per core
L4 cache: 128 MB (iris Pro only)
Sockets: LGA 1150, rPGA 947, LGA 2011-v3
RAM: DDR3, DDR3L, DDR4
GPU: HD 530, Iris Pro 580, HD 510, Iris 540, HD 520, HD 550, Iris 550, HD 515
Intel Turbo Boost 3.0

Kaby Lake – 7th Gen Intel processors(2016)

Intel introduced the 7th-generation Kaby Lake processors in 2016. They were very similar to Skylake but with power optimization architecture.

The new graphical architecture of Kaby Lake also improved 3D graphics and 4k video playback performance. It was the first architecture to introduce overclocking in the i3 CPU. Surprisingly Kaby Lake didn’t have an L4 cache.

Process Size: 14nm
Clock speed: 1.0GHz to 4.5GHz
Cores: 2-4
L1 cache: 64 KB per core
L2 cache: 256KB per core
L3 cache: 8 MB shared
Sockets: LGA 1151, LGA 2066, BGA 1356, BGA 1440, BGA 1515
RAM: DDR3, DDR3L, DDR4(upto 64GB)
GPU: HD 630, HD 610, HD 615, HD 620, Iris Plus 640, Iris Plus 650, HD P630, UHD 620, UHD 615, UHD 617, UHD
Intel Turbo Boost 3.0

Kaby Lake R – 8th Gen Intel processors(2017)

There isn’t much of a difference between Kaby Lake and Kaby Lake R(Intel 8th generation) processors. Kaby Lake-R had re-designed multiple micro-architectures.

They supported quad-core hyperthreading, something that was missing in the last generation. Intel managed to achieve 15W TDP on them by cutting down the base clock speed. However, because of the same turbo boost, there wasn’t much impact on performance.

Process Size: 14nm
Clock speed: 1.0GHz to 4.5GHz
Cores: 2-4
L1 cache: 64 KB per core
L2 cache: 256KB per core
L3 cache: 8 MB shared
Sockets: LGA 1151, LGA 2066, BGA 1356, BGA 1440, BGA 1515
RAM: DDR3, DDR4(up to 64GB)
GPU: HD 630, HD 610, HD 615, HD 620, Iris Plus 640, Iris Plus 650, HD P630, UHD 620, UHD 615, UHD 617, UHD
Intel Turbo Boost 3.0

Coffee Lake Refresh – 9th Gen Intel processors(2017)

The original Coffee Lake CPUs were 8th generation. Intel 9th generation processors were introduced in 2017 with Coffee Lake refresh architecture.

These new CPUs had 8 cores for the first while maintaining super-fast clock speed. Of course, with more core and clock speed came more heat. So, Intel used an integrated heat spreader (IHS) instead of thermal paste to manage temperature better.

Process Size: 14nm
Clock speed: 1.8GHz to 5GHz
Cores: 2-8
L1 cache: 64 KB per core
L2 cache: 256KB per core
L3 cache: 16 MB shared
Sockets: altered LGA 1151 with more core support
RAM: DDR4-2666 2-channel up to 128 GB
GPU: GT2, GT3e
Intel Turbo Boost 3.0

Comet Lake/Ice Lake – 10th Gen Intel processors(2019)

Comet Lake is a 14nm 10th generation Intel desktop processor. And, Ice Lake is a 10th-generation, mobile processor. This generation came with Wi-Fi 6(802.11ax) and Thunderbolt 3.0. These CPUs supported BGA 1526 sockets and faster LPDDR4X RAM.

Process Size: 14nm(desktop)/10nm(mobile)
Clock speed: up to 5.3 GHz(desktop)/ 4.1 GHz(mobile)
Cores: 2-10(desktop)/2-4(mobile)
L1 cache: 64 KB per core(desktop)/80kb per core(mobile)
L2 cache: 256KB per core(desktop)/512kb per core (mobile)
L3 cache: 20 MB shared(desktop)/8 MB shared(mobile)
Sockets: BGA1526, LGA 1200
RAM: Up to LPDDR4X at 3733 MHz
GPU: Gen11 based
Intel Turbo Boost 3.0

Tiger Lake/Rocket Lake – 11th Gen Intel processors(2021)

What is Intel’s 11th Gen called? – The latest and greatest 11th-generation architecture includes Tiger Lake mobile CPUs and Rocket Lake desktop CPUs. Rocket Lake uses Sunny Cove CPU cores which increased IPC(instructions-per-clock) by 19%. They also support 8K resolution, Dolby Vision, and 12-bit HDR 10.

Tiger Lake processor made a great impact on the laptop processor. They have even faster clock speed and some improvements like PCIe 4.0, Thunderbolt 4, USB 4.0, and LPDDR5 memory support.

Process Size: 14nm(desktop)/10nm(mobile)
Performance Core Clock speed: up to 5.3 GHz(desktop)/ 5 GHz(mobile)
Cores: up to 8(desktop)/2-8(mobile)
L1 cache: 64 KB per core(desktop)/80kb per core(mobile)
L2 cache: 512KB per core(desktop)/1.25 MB per core (mobile)
L3 cache: 16 MB shared(desktop)/24 MB shared(mobile)
Sockets: LGA 1200, FCBGA1449, FCBGA1787
RAM: DDR4-3200/LPDDR5-5400
GPU: Gen12 based
Intel Turbo Boost 3.0

Alder Lake – 12th Gen Intel processors (2021)

Intel’s 12th-generation processor, Alder Lake, is the first processor to use an innovative hybrid architecture that combines the power of big and small cores in one package. This means that it can deliver higher performance than traditional processors while still being able to conserve energy.

It uses Golden Cloves Performance cores also known as P-cores and Gracemont high-efficiency cores known as E-cores. Alder Lake is heavily focused on improving gaming performance and energy efficiency.

With Alder Lake comes the new Socket, LGA 1700, and integrated Thunderbolt 4 as well as the Wi-Fi 6E. They have an 18% IPC uplift compared to the last generation.

Process Size: 10nm(desktop)/10nm(mobile) based on Intel 7 process
Max Clock Speed: up to 5.5 GHz(desktop)/ 5 GHz(mobile)
P-Core Clock speed: up to 5.3 GHz(desktop)/ 5 GHz(mobile)
E-Core Clock speed: up to 4 GHz(desktop)/ 3.8 GHz(mobile)
P-Cores: up to 8(desktop)/8(mobile)
E-Cores: up to 8(desktop)/8(mobile)
L1 cache: 80kb per P-core/96kb per E-core
L2 cache: 1.25mb per P-core/ 2mb across all E-cores
L3 cache: 30 MB shared
Sockets: LGA 1700, BGA1774, BGA1964
RAM: DDR4-3200/DDR5-4800
GPU: Gen12.2 based
Intel Turbo Boost 3.0

Raptor Lake – 13th Gen Intel processors (2022)

Intel 13th gen, Raptor Lake is built using second-generation of Hybrid architecture. It uses new Raptor Coves for performance cores and Gracemont efficiency cores. Just like Alder Lake, they are built on a 10nm process size based on Intel 7 process technology.

Raptor Lake CPUs are the first intel core processors to feature up to 24 cores, both P-cores and E-cores combined. While Raptor Lake uses the same LGA 1700 socket as Alder Lake, they can now support DDR5 RAM up to 5600MHz.

Process Size: 10nm(desktop)/10nm(mobile) based on Intel 7 process
Max Clock Speed: up to 6 GHz(desktop)/ 5.6 GHz(mobile)
P-Core Clock speed: up to 5.8 GHz(desktop)/ 5.5 GHz(mobile)
E-Core Clock speed: up to 4.3 GHz(desktop)/ 4 GHz(mobile)
P-Cores: up to 8(desktop)/8(mobile)
E-Cores: up to 16(desktop)/16(mobile)
L1 cache: 80kb per P-core/96kb per E-core
L2 cache: 2mb per P-core/ 4mb across all E-cores
L3 cache: 36 MB shared
Sockets: LGA 1700, BGA1774, BGA1964
RAM: DDR4-3200/DDR5-5600
GPU: Gen12.2 based
Intel Turbo Boost 3.0

Meteor Lake – 14th Gen Intel processors (2023)

Meteor Lake is the upcoming 14th Gen Intel CPUs. they are expected to launch near the end of 2023 or might even be delayed up to early 2024. It may also feature the L4 cache for the first time.

FAQ

What are the different generations of Intel CPUs?

Intel CPUs are divided into different generations as they evolve in performance and features. There is a total of 13 different Intel CPU generations with their unique code name as of now.

What generation is Intel on?

Currently, Intel’s 13th generation is the latest, It’s called Raptor Lake.

Is Intel’s 13th Gen out?

Yes, they are officially out now. Intel’s 13th gen was launched in the market on October 20, 2022.

How to check Intel Processor Generation in Windows 10/Windows 7?

Go to Start and type” system information”.
In system information, you can check the processor tab, It will tell you the name of your CPU.
The First Number of the processor is your CPU generation.
For Example, if the processor name is Intel Core i5-10600K then it will be a 10th-generation processor.

What is the latest Intel CPU Generation?

Intel 13th generation, Raptor Lake processors are brand new and considered the latest generation of Intel processors.

Which generation of Intel processors is best?

One simple answer to this question isn’t possible. most of the time newer generation would be better than the previous one. However, you have to check each CPU individually for its performance.

For example. Intel Core i5 8th generation 8600k is faster than Intel Core i5 10th generation 10400T.

AMD Ryzen 9 3900X vs Intel 10th Gen Core i9-10900k Benchmarks