[News] Intel and AMD Unveil New Laptop Processors: Who Will Gain the Upper Hand?

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According to Zhu Xi’s column in TechNews, both Intel and AMD recently unveiled their latest generation of laptop processors at CES 2025. Intel introduced the laptop variants of Arrow Lake, namely Arrow Lake HX and Arrow Lake H, while AMD launched Fire Range, designed to compete directly with Arrow Lake HX, and Krakan Point, positioned against Arrow Lake H. These additions, alongside the previously announced Lunar Lake and Strix Point, make 2025 the year with the most diverse range of laptop processors ever released by both companies. Below, TechNews columnist Zhu Xi provides an in-depth analysis and comparison of Intel and AMD’s latest laptop processors.

Intel: Arrow Lake HX and Arrow Lake H using TSMC’s N3B Process

The Arrow Lake HX follows the traditional HX design approach—essentially a desktop-class Arrow Lake S redesigned for laptop. Despite this, for the HX series, which has been using the same architecture for two generations (Raptor Lake), Arrow Lake HX represents a major leap forward in every aspect, featuring: a brand-new architecture, a new manufacturing process (TSMC N3B), first-ever NPU integration.

Although the underwhelming performance of Arrow Lake S somewhat dampened expectations for Arrow Lake HX, the use of TSMC’s N3B process could prove more beneficial for laptops, since power efficiency is a even more crucial factor in laptops.

As for Arrow Lake H,  it is the true successor to Meteor Lake and the only Arrow Lake processor specifically designed for laptops. Meteor Lake was already decent in terms of power efficiency, and with Arrow Lake H leveraging TSMC’s process, its efficiency is expected to improve even further.

However, one unexpected aspect is that the integrated GPU in Arrow Lake H does not adopt the latest Xe 2 architecture (used in Lunar Lake); instead, it features a refined version of the Xe architecture found in Meteor Lake, called Xe+. Previous performance tests have shown that given sufficient power supply, Intel’s Xe graphics can deliver solid performance. Whether Arrow Lake H’s Xe+ graphics can rival the newer architecture in Lunar Lake remains to be seen.

AMD Brings X3D Technology to Laptop Once Again

AMD also introduced new processors targeting both HX and H segments.

For the HX category, AMD unveiled Fire Range, based on the Zen 5 architecture, which essentially derives from the desktop-class Granite Ridge. Since Granite Ridge has already demonstrated impressive performance, it is likely that Fire Range will also demonstrate great performance.

Even more exciting is that AMD introduces X3D technology to laptop once again, launching the first-ever laptop-specific X3D processor, the 9955HXD. X3D processors have already created a buying frenzy in the desktop CPU market, and now the question remains whether it can replicate that success.

Meanwhile, the newly announced Krakan Point serves as a mid-range extension of Strix Point, directly competing with Arrow Lake H. Strix Point has already received positive reviews for its performance, efficiency, and AI capabilities that meet Copilot+ PC requirements. Therefore, it is likely that Krakan Point will inherit these strengths while offering a more affordable price, helping AMD expand its market share in the laptop processor segment.

Intel vs. AMD: A Heated Competition in the Laptop Processors Market

TechNews columnist Zhu Xi points out that this year, both Intel and AMD have released an extensive lineup of laptop processors designed for high-performance laptops and gaming, each with its own unique advantages. The real test will come in mid-to-late February, when media reviews start rolling in. Whichever company delivers superior performance and power efficiency will gain the upper hand in the market.

 

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(Photo credit: Intel)