Intel’s Arrow Lake-S CPUs for desktops, branded as the Core Ultra 200 series, are set for release at the end of October. However, leaked photos and early listings of these processors have surfaced online, particularly on Chinese marketplaces like Taobao, as reported by leaker @harukaze5719.
The listings include six different CPU models, all described as engineering samples, typically used for internal testing. These early units were sold at around $1,450 for the entire batch, indicating a premium on unreleased hardware.
Photos from the listings show that the shape of these CPUs is slightly more elongated compared to the current Intel Raptor Lake Refresh series, aligning with details from previous leaks. The heatsink design, wing-shaped fins, and the “Intel Confidential NA QDF4” inscription further suggest that these are authentic Intel engineering samples.
Despite their authenticity, these processors are not the final retail versions of Arrow Lake-S. Intel typically runs several tests to refine performance and resolve issues before finalizing the product for market release. Thus, while the leaked samples offer a glimpse of what’s coming, they are still subject to potential changes before the official launch.
When will Intel Arrow Lake-S CPUs be released?
Intel has confirmed that it will unveil its Core Ultra 200 “Arrow Lake-S” CPUs on October 10, 2024, with the processors expected to hit the market by October 24, 2024. This launch, alongside the Core Ultra 200V for notebooks, marks a crucial moment for Intel, especially after the cancellation of Innovation 2024, which was initially planned for its debut.
Intel faces intense competition from AMD, whose next-gen chips have been available for months, and internal pressure due to financial difficulties. The company has been grappling with instability issues in its 13th and 14th-generation CPUs and has suffered financial losses, resulting in layoffs of over 15,000 employees. To mitigate this, Intel has split its operations into two distinct business units to stabilize its finances.
The Core Ultra 200 series release is expected to be a pivotal step for Intel, aiming to move past these challenges and regain momentum in the competitive CPU market.
