Launched at the very end of last month following the release of their mobile CPUs, Intel’s new 10th generation of Core vPro desktop processors is finally here. Based on a Comet Lake-S architecture, the chips are built to tackle the challenges of “future work environments across the PC lifecycle” according to Intel’s VP of Client Computing, Stephanie Hallford. Still designed on a 14nm process, Comet Lake offers better remote manageability, security, and performance than ever before.
What’s new?
With i9, i7, i5, and i3 variants available, as well as Pentium and Celeron options for more entry-level applications, Intel’s 10th gen CPUs have been purpose-built to boost performance as much as possible. Turbo Boost Max 3.0 technology identifies the two best performing cores and boosts their performance by increasing frequency. On top of that, hyperthreading is available throughout the entire range, giving the option to make CPUs work that much faster. Built-in hardware-enhanced security also harnesses Intel Hardware Shield to enable advanced threat detection. The only real downside is the processors are not backwards compatible. They require an LGA1200 socket, which will sadly mean an upgrade of your motherboard.
Cooling-conscious CPUs
If you’re concerned about cooling, the 10th gen chips have considered this too. Their hyperthreading capability can be shut off at will to keep temperatures under control, reducing the need for cooling. And thanks to a larger Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS), more heat is kept away from the CPU too. The performance of Comet Lake’s i9 chips can even benefit from regulated temperatures – using Thermal Velocity Boost (TVB), the speed of single cores can be pushed up to 5.3GHz if the CPU is below 70°C, ideal when combined with our unique watercooled solutions.
Let’s talk cores
While core count has more or less remained the same across i3, i5, and i7, with the exception of a larger variety of options, the i9 chips now offer an increase to 10 cores and 20 threads compared to the 8 core, 16 thread makeup of their 9th gen range. Comet Lake’s flagship, the i9-10900K, sits at the very top of the specs table, besting the 9th gen frontrunner, the i9-9900K, with a 3.7GHz Base clock speed, 5.3GHz Boost, and 20MB of cache compared to 3.6GHz, 5.0GHz, and 16MB respectively.
The i9-10900K packs some serious punch:
- 10 cores, 20 threads
- 3.7GHz Base Clock
- 5.3GHz Boost Clock
- 20MB cache
- DDR4-2933 memory
- Integrated UHD graphics 630
- Wi-Fi 6
- Turbo Boost Max 3.0
- 125W TDP
400 series chipsets also incoming
Launched simultaneously alongside the 10th gen chips, Intel’s 400 series of chipsets are also now available. Now on the ‘tick’ of their tick-tock production cycle, this series includes the B460, H470, and W480 chipsets among others, as well as the Z490, which may well be the best of the bunch. With 24 PCIe 3.0 lanes, Wi-Fi 6 integrated wireless, and support for Optane Memory and Intel Smart Sound Technology, this chipset combined with the new Comet Lake CPUs could prove a force to be reckoned with.
10th gen now available in G2 PCs
We’re pleased to confirm that Intel’s 10th generation of chips are now in stock and available throughout our Entry Level and Workstation series of units. The CPUs will be added to these units across our entire range of products, from 1U to 4U, so you can start to take advantage of the promised performance boosts. If you would like to know more about Comet Lake and how you can get your hands on it within one of our PCs, please get in touch with the team.
