A Colorful M15 24 laptop with an Intel Raptor Lake Refresh was recently put to the test.
Now that the first laptops with Intel Meteor Lake have been delivered, the launch of Raptor Lake Refresh is imminent. One of these processors, which is intended for particularly powerful gaming laptops, has already been put to the test at Geekbench.
While Intel is already shipping its next-generation Meteor Lake laptop processors, the chips are only available up to the H series with a power dissipation (PBP) of 45 watts. Particularly powerful gaming notebooks and mobile workstations, which can provide the processor with more power, will continue to depend on Raptor Lake until 2025. The HX series will thus soon receive a refresh, which appears to differ from the chips of last year primarily in terms of higher clock frequencies.
A Colorful M15 24, using an Intel Core i5-14450HX, was recently tested at Geekbench. The new processor has six performance cores and four efficiency cores, just like the Intel Core i5-13450HX, but the boost clock frequencies have increased by 200 MHz to 4.8 GHz. With a single-core result of 1776 points and a multi-thread result of 11,026 points, the performance increase is only minimal, which is hardly surprising in view of the practically identical features of the Core i5-14450HX compared to its direct predecessor.
The launch of Raptor Lake-HX is expected soon, possibly at CES. According to rumors, the processor series consists of at least five different chips, led by the Core i9-14900HX, which, like the Core i9-13980HX, has eight performance cores and 16 efficiency cores, but also achieves 200 MHz higher boost clock rates of 5.8 GHz. As Intel will continue to use comparatively weak iGPUs with up to 32 execution units, Raptor Lake-HX is only intended for laptops with a dedicated GPU.
Reactions and Assessments:
Intel's Raptor Lake-HX Refresh brings forth incremental improvements, particularly in clock frequencies, as demonstrated by the leaked Geekbench results of the Colorful M15 24 laptop equipped with the Intel Core i5-14450HX.
The modest boost in clock frequencies, with a 200 MHz increase to 4.8 GHz, showcases Intel's efforts to enhance performance in the gaming laptop segment. However, the marginal performance gain, as indicated by the single-core and multi-thread results, raises questions about the necessity of this refresh for users with its predecessor, the Core i5-13450HX.
The imminent launch of the Raptor Lake-HX series, expected possibly at CES, introduces a lineup of processors with varying specifications. The flagship Core i9-14900HX stands out with higher boost clock rates at 5.8 GHz and a configuration resembling its predecessor, the Core i9-13980HX. This suggests a focus on refining existing architectures rather than introducing groundbreaking changes.
It's noteworthy that Intel continues to rely on dedicated GPUs for Raptor Lake-HX, signaling that these processors are targeted specifically at high-performance laptops where integrated graphics may not meet the demands of modern gaming and professional applications.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Incremental improvements in clock frequencies for enhanced performance.
- Continued support for powerful gaming laptops and mobile workstations.
- Diversified lineup with at least five different chips, providing options for various user needs.
- Stability and reliability associated with Intel's processor architecture.
Cons:
- Minimal performance gain in single-core and multi-threaded tasks compared to the previous generation.
- Reliance on dedicated GPUs may limit the appeal for users seeking integrated graphics solutions.
- Questionable necessity for users with recent HX series processors, such as the Core i5-13450HX.
- The refresh seems more focused on incremental improvements than revolutionary changes.
Conclusion:
Intel's Raptor Lake-HX Refresh, exemplified by the leaked Intel Core i5-14450HX Geekbench results, positions itself as an iteration rather than a significant leap forward in laptop processor technology. While the incremental improvements may appeal to some users, the overall value proposition raises questions, especially for those already equipped with recent HX series processors.
The imminent launch of the Raptor Lake-HX series brings a diverse lineup, catering to different performance needs. However, the focus on higher clock frequencies and reliance on dedicated GPUs suggests a conservative approach, prioritizing stability over groundbreaking innovations.
As the technology landscape evolves, users may weigh the pros and cons carefully, considering their specific requirements and whether the modest enhancements offered by Raptor Lake-HX justify an upgrade from existing hardware.
Market Impact and Future Expectations:
The market reception of the Raptor Lake-HX Refresh will likely be influenced by the competitive landscape and the evolving demands of users. Intel's decision to stick with dedicated GPUs indicates a commitment to the high-performance segment, but it may face challenges from competitors offering more integrated solutions.
Users awaiting the launch of the Raptor Lake-HX series should consider their use cases carefully. For gamers and professionals seeking top-tier performance in dedicated GPU scenarios, the new lineup may provide a viable option. However, those prioritizing power efficiency and integrated graphics might find other alternatives more compelling.
Future expectations for Intel's laptop processors will likely revolve around advancements in power efficiency, AI integration, and enhanced graphics capabilities. As technology continues to evolve, users anticipate processors that not only deliver raw performance but also address the diverse needs of modern computing.
Final Thoughts:
The leaked information about the Colorful M15 24 laptop with the Intel Raptor Lake Refresh, specifically the Core i5-14450HX, offers a glimpse into Intel's upcoming lineup. While the incremental improvements are commendable, the success of the Raptor Lake-HX series will ultimately depend on how well it meets the expectations of users and competes in a dynamic market.
Intel's strategy of refining existing architectures is a pragmatic approach, providing a stable foundation for high-performance laptops. However, as innovation becomes a key driver in the tech industry, users may eagerly await breakthroughs that redefine the capabilities of laptop processors.
