Intel is seemingly planning new Core Ultra 200E processors featuring between two- and 24-core configurations, spread over hybrid and P-core only solutions. One of these is a 12-core-only variant that is bound to attract gamers.
According to update logs from Aida64 spotted by overclocker Toppc, Intel may be in the process of bringing its Bartlett Lake-S chips to desktop PCs. The release notes indicate improved support for Intel Bartlett Lake-S CPUs and preliminary support for Wildcat Lake CPUs, both of which are yet to be released. The former originates from the edge and networking segment, whereas the latter is expected to be the successor to entry-level processors such as the Alder Lake-N lineup.
Announced at CES 2025, Bartlett Lake has a couple of appealing aspects to gamers. First, it said to offer configurations without any E-cores, focusing the available power on raw P-core performance. Better yet, while Raptor Lake Refresh and Arrow Lake-S options max out at eight P-cores, Bartlett Lake-S provides up to 12 P-cores, potentially giving it the edge in demanding tasks. Next, these P-core-only variants should be simpler to manage by the operating system as it no longer needs to shuffle tasks between two widely different packs of cores. Lastly, these CPUs are said to do so without sending consumption through the roof, with models rated for as low as 45W.
Bartlett Lake-S is expected to offer eight variants, configured as follows:
Interestingly, Bartlett Lake-S is compatible with existing Intel LGA1700 platforms, giving 600 and 700 series motherboards’ owners a worthy upgrade path. Though not at the same level as AMD’s AM4 platform, which celebrates nine years of existence while new chips continue to be released, it is nonetheless a welcome move by Intel which is known to support its consumer platforms for around four years.
Bartlett Lake-S processors were originally expected for January 2025 in its hybrid form, followed by the P-core-only models sometime in Q3 2025.
