Please pay attention to buy a laptop! The 8th generation standard pressure Core is coming!

Yesterday, someone asked Xiao Bian whether it's a good time to buy a new notebook after the holiday. Whether the timing is right or not, Xiao Bian feels that it's better to share this information with you. In March 2018, Intel introduced its 8th-generation Core Duo processors for notebooks, which are designed to deliver improved performance compared to previous generations. Before these high-performance CPUs, there were U-series low-voltage models used in thin and light laptops.

What's New in the 8th-Generation Core Duo?

According to recent reports, the 8th-generation Core Duo series includes several models such as Core i5 8300H, i5 8400H, i7 8750H, i7 8850H, i9 8950HK, Xeon E 2176M, and E 2186M. These chips are expected to replace the 7th-generation Core products, offering significant improvements in performance. The new lineup is more powerful and features advanced architecture tailored for modern computing needs.

The new i5 processors are designed with a 4-core, 8-thread architecture, which is different from the desktop versions that have 6 cores and 6 threads. This design helps manage power consumption while maintaining strong performance. Interestingly, the specs of the new i5 are comparable to the 7th-generation i7, but with higher turbo frequencies and an increased L3 cache of 8MB. This makes them more efficient in real-world tasks.

The 8th-gen i7 has the same 6-core, 12-thread configuration as its desktop counterpart, but it runs at a lower base frequency. However, it still offers a 8MB L3 cache, which is double that of the 7th-gen i7. Despite the reduced clock speed, the TDP remains at 45W, showing that Intel is balancing performance with thermal efficiency. Even with the 14nm process, the power wall remains a challenge for high-core-count CPUs.

Intel also introduced the i9 series for notebooks, which differs from the desktop version. These are essentially overclockable mobile i7 processors with no lock on the multiplier. They offer a wide range of TDP, from 45W to 65W, making them suitable for high-end gaming laptops. This flexibility allows manufacturers to build powerful systems without strict power constraints.

Additionally, the Xeon series is aimed at mobile workstations and is only used by professionals. These CPUs are built for demanding applications like 3D rendering and video editing. As for the integrated graphics, all 8th-gen Core CPUs come with the UHD 630 GPU. While not as powerful as dedicated GPUs, it’s sufficient for 4K playback and general use.

Will the Power Wall Be a Major Issue?

Despite the 14nm process, the 8th-gen Core CPUs face the same TDP limits as their predecessors. To compensate for the increased core count, Intel has lowered the base frequency and boosted the Turbo frequency. They’ve also increased the L3 cache to improve data handling efficiency. However, without proper cooling, running at full load for long periods can be problematic.

Manufacturers must invest in better thermal solutions to fully utilize the new CPUs. If they just upgrade the CPU without changing the cooling system, users might hit the power wall, leading to performance throttling. So, it's important to choose a well-designed laptop if you're planning to go for the 8th-gen Core.

Buying Tips

If you're considering purchasing an 8th-gen Core CPU, here are some recommendations:

1. The new i5 (4-core, 8-thread) is highly capable and can match the performance of the 7th-gen i7. It's a great choice for most users and is more affordable than the i7 or i9 models.

2. Avoid 7th-gen Core CPUs now, as they will soon be outdated.

3. Don’t buy older models with new CPUs unless the thermal design is updated. Otherwise, you may experience performance issues due to overheating and power limitations.