Intel is reportedly not planning to release any Core Ultra 9 F CPUs, instead focusing on new high-end processors called Intel Arrow Lake. These new CPUs are rumored to come with an untouched GPU, which would be a departure from Intel’s previous product lineup. In the past, Intel offered F-series CPUs that did not include an integrated GPU, catering to gamers who preferred to use a dedicated graphics card.
The F-series CPUs have been part of Intel’s offerings for over five years, starting with the Core i9 9900KF. These CPUs were designed for users who intended to use a separate graphics card and did not require an integrated GPU. With the availability of high-performance graphics cards in the market, there was no need for gamers to pay extra for a non-F CPU unless they wanted a backup option in case their GPU failed.
The rumor about Intel’s decision not to release Core Ultra 9 F CPUs comes from a prominent leaker known as Jaykinh on X, formerly Twitter. According to the rumor, all Core Ultra 9 SKUs will come with integrated graphics, and there will be no Core Ultra 9 F SKUs. While this may limit the options for gamers seeking high-end CPUs without integrated graphics, the savings from opting for an F-series CPU are relatively small for those willing to spend over $500 on a processor.
One possible reason for this shift could be the growing importance of AI processing in GPUs. Intel’s recent announcement of the Intel Lunar Lake mobile SoC, which features an Intel Battlemage GPU with dedicated XMX engines for AI processing, suggests a strategic decision to consolidate AI hardware in high-end CPUs. This move could allow Intel to emphasize the AI processing power of its new processors.
Despite the absence of Core Ultra 9 F-series CPUs, it is likely that Intel will continue to offer F-series CPUs at lower price points for budget-conscious consumers. These chips have traditionally been a popular choice for building budget gaming PCs, providing a cost-effective option for entry-level gaming performance.
In addition to the rumors about Intel Arrow Lake CPUs, Jaykinh also mentioned the possible names for Intel’s upcoming desktop CPUs, such as 285K, 265K, and 245K. These names align with previous rumors about the core counts of these processors, with the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K expected to have 24 cores, the Core Ultra 7 265K with 20 cores, and the Core 5 Ultra with 14 cores.
It is important to note that Intel has not officially confirmed any of these details, so the information should be taken with a grain of salt until the official launch of Intel Arrow Lake. In the meantime, consumers can explore alternative options like the Ryzen 7 7800X3D from AMD, which is currently a top pick for gaming CPUs.
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https://www.pcgamesn.com/intel/no-core-ultra-9-f
