Desktop Processors
Ongoing coverage on Desktop Processors.
Latest coverage
Both AMD and Intel's desktop CPU sales are falling off a cliff but Ryzen is falling a little slower
Desktop CPU shipments from both AMD and Intel experienced significant declines in the second quarter, with Intel seeing a slightly steeper drop than AMD. Despite this downturn in the desktop segment, overall CPU market growth was strong due to increases in server and mobile processors. This trend suggests a broader reluctance among consumers to upgrade their desktop systems, potentially due to the high cost of accompanying components like motherboards and RAM.
AMD Zen 6 server processors have me hopeful for some beefy desktop chips—it shouldn't be too long before Zen…
AMD CEO Dr. Lisa Su revealed that the upcoming Zen 6 server processors, codenamed 'Venice,' will offer up to 1.8 times more performance than Zen 5-based chips due to higher IPC and frequency. This advancement is expected to translate to more powerful desktop processors launching in late 2026 or early 2027, with AMD also outlining a yearly cadence for future server chip generations like Zen 7 and Zen 8.
Intel's mega-core Nova Lake desktop processors look all but confirmed to have sustained full boost power limits at…
Intel's upcoming Nova Lake desktop processors are rumored to have significantly higher sustained boost power limits (PL2), potentially reaching 474 Watts for dual-compute-tile models. This is indicated by the presence of three 8-pin CPU power connectors on new Z990 motherboards, a substantial increase from the current 250W limit. While these high-power chips are likely aimed at professionals competing with AMD's high-end offerings, standard single-tile Nova Lake processors are expected to maintain current power configurations.
Intel confirms Core Ultra refresh rumors, announcing "the fastest desktop gaming processors" the brand "has ever built," and I hope this means long-term support for its current motherboard socket
Intel has officially announced a refresh of its Core Ultra desktop processors, launching the Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus and Intel Core Ultra 7 270K Plus. These new CPUs are designed to be the fastest desktop gaming processors Intel has ever built and will use the existing LGA1851 motherboard socket. The company also introduced the Intel Binary Optimization Tool to improve processor efficiency.
