Intel Ends 15-Year ‘i’ Processor Branding, Introduces ‘Ultra’ for High-Performance Chips
Intel is simplifying its processor branding in an effort to make it more comprehensible. The company will be transitioning from its long-standing “i3/i5/i7/i9” branding to a more straightforward “Core 3/5/7/9” concept, starting with the upcoming Meteor Lake generation of processors. According to Intel, this rebranding is in response to customer feedback and will be reflected in both text and badge. This is a significant change as Intel has been using the “i” branding for its processors for more than a decade.
Intel’s high-end processors include “Ultra” in their branding before the number – in practice it would look like “Intel Core Ultra 9.” And for those who want more information, Intel says that generation details will continue to be passed down (for example, “Intel Core 9 processor 1300AB.”) The company noted that both standard Core and Core Ultra processors can be paired with Intel Arc graphics.
When it comes to Intel processor branding, a higher number still means a faster processor. Naturally, the Core Ultra models have more speed and power. As of this writing, Intel has yet to announce a release date or details for the new Meteor Lake processors. However, rumors suggest that they will arrive sometime this year.
