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| Image credit: Christian Wiediger |
From Intel 4004 (1971) to Core i9 12900KS (2022), Intel created some revolutionary CPU chip architectures. But... Their SKU prefixes are confusing. Not for its complicated letter and numerical combination, but for its frequently changing letter meanings (e.g. Intel removed the Gx prefix from their 12th Gen Alder Lake CPUs).
Intel CPU naming is confusing until you are an experienced tech guy or an employee of Intel
Intel CPU prefixes
What does the Intel CPU prefix mean? Intel CPU prefixes indicate some information about the CPU by some numbers and letters. Easy, right? Nope. It will be clear by this example: Intel Core i9 11900K. What you can understand? Just a Core i9? Well, there is more than meets the eye. Ok... No more drama. The answer is, it's an 11th Gen Core i9 with unlocked cores for overclocking. But how will you understand these? Don't worry, in here you will understand the super confusing prefixes through this easy date guide. Yes, I will update it every year when the new Intel CPU lineup will release.
But why Intel SKU names are so confusing? Well, I've got a dedicated video about it. Here it is,
So there are two types of main CPU SKU lineup regularly released by Intel. And we will explain them separately.
1) Desktop CPU SKU
2) Laptop CPU (preferred as mobile CPU SKU)
But to explain this on an easy way, we will divide Intel CPU SKUs into three types based on price, performance and purpose of the SKU.
1) High-performing SKU (e.g. X,K,H, etc)
2) Mid-performing SKU (e.g. P, KF, no letter etc)
3) Low-performing SKU (e.g. U,T etc)
Desktop CPU SKU prefixes (explanation):
New method (From 2nd gen Core and Core Ultra Desktop CPUs):
Although those new Intel Core and Core Ultra CPUs are disappointing (referring those Arrow Lake CPUs), that new naming scheme is pretty... "interesting". However, let's start with the illusion below.
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| Intel Core Ultra naming scheme |
So yeah, this confusing naming scheme is now current for the 15th gen... I mean 2nd gen Intel Core and Core Ultra CPUs.
So, Intel is the Brand name and the legendary Core still survives as the prominent word for indicate their mainstream and high-end desktop CPU series.
Then here comes the Ultra and the non-Ultra part (the colors may not match perfectly, but I hope it's okay for now.). This is the real quirk of this naming scheme. From now on, the new Intel chip will have two major class. While the faster CPUs will have the "Ultra" moniker (Intel Core Ultra 285K), the more "budget" CPUs will not have that "Ultra" word in their name. So, it makes sense why the 3 series don't have any ultra variant or the 9 series have no non-ultra variant.
Then, there is the brand modifier. There is nothing new here, they are the same old numbers (3, 5, 7 and 9).
Then, there is the CPU generation number. It's an easy one. The number just represents the generation of that CPU. For example, the Intel Core Ultra 285K, the generation number is 2. That means it's a 2nd generation Intel Core (Ultra) CPU.
Then, here come the SKU number. In the past, SKU numbers were pretty straightforward, and in the Core Ultra series, things also remain pretty understandable. The higher the SKU number is, the CPU gets more powerful. For example, The Intel Core Ultra 5 245K has an SKU number of 45, whereas the Core Ultra 9 285K has a SKU number of 85.
Now the last and one of the most important and also the most confusing part of the name, the SKU Letter. To know about an Intel CPU comprehensively, this part is very, very important. Each letter defines a different (or unique) kind of feature that other CPUs don't have. you can find the SKU letter dictionary below where I defined each and every SKU letter known in history. (If I missed any rare or outdated or common SKU, please let me know in the comments.)
Old method (From 1st Gen to 14th Gen Core i Desktop CPUs):
Understanding the desktop CPU SKUs is easy compared to those mobile CPU SKUs. Let's take a look at the Intel Core i9 12900K and its specifications as an example.
i9 12900K
The blue-colored number is the generation number of the CPU. As you can see, it's a 12th gen Alder Lake CPU. And the red-colored number is the main SKU number. As the SKU number increases, you can expect more performance and features in the CPU (of course, in a specific generation!). Like, you can get more performance on a 12th gen 700 (Core i7 12700) SKU if compare it with a 12 gen 600 (Core i5 12600) SKU CPU. Fun fact is, in desktop SKUs, we can see an easily understandable number sequence. And it's maintained from generation to generation. (except 1st gen CPUs)
Well these are the main SKU numbers used to refer desktop CPU models.
1xx or 3xx is used for Core i3 CPU (e.g. Core i3 12100F)
4xx or 6xx (also 5xx) is used for Core i5 CPU (e.g. Core i5 8400)
7xx is used for Core i7 CPU (e.g. Core i7 7700K)
9xx is used for Core i9 CPU (e.g. Core i9 9900KS)
*Note: it's just a common sequence to identify a SKU. But there are a lot of exceptions of this sequence. e.g. Core i9 10850K, (not 950) Core i7 2600 (not 700) etc.
Lastly the sky blue colored letter is the identifier of the CPUs capabilities. Even, It may got no letter on the model name. It would be easily be understandable. UNTIL... the most annoying part, It's updating pretty frequently. I mean, it's changing from generation to generation. So if you want to buy an older gen chip, you may misunderstand the letter meanings with the newer gen letter meanings. So in here I'll include the generation status with the letter (if necessary).
If you're still confused, see the image below to easily understand.
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| Intel SKU naming rule |
Desktop SKU letter dictionary:
(Applicable for all naming methods mentioned above)
1) High-performing CPU letters:
K: means the CPU core frequency is unlocked for overclocking. It's a bit costlier compare to the other similar Core CPUs. (e.g. Core i5 12600K)
KS: This is a super high-end CPU SKU prefix. It's one of the most expensive CPU lineups offered by Intel. It indicates Intel's most powerful CPU with unlocked cores on the specific generation. (e.g. Core i9 12900KS)
X: The most expensive CPU (preferred as Xtreme) lineup offered by Intel. These got unlocked cores just like K lineup CPUs. Also offers the most groundbreaking CPU performance at the generation. Especially for enthusiasts what want more cores and threads (e.g. Core i9 10920X)
2) Mid-performing CPU letters:
KF: I shouldn't put this on mid-tier. Coz.. (Oops... because) It also got unlocked cores for overclocking. But unlike K CPU lineup, it doesn't have an intergraded graphics processor (IGE). I you wanna save a few bucks and want to spend that money on a graphics card, this lineup is for you. (e.g. Core i7 10700KF).
No letter: If the CPU SKU doesn't contain any letter, then it means CPU with locked frequency and has intergraded graphics. If you want a budget PC built, you can add this lineup in your cart if you want a budget built and are not interested in overclocking. (e.g. Core i3 10100) (there is nothing to bold)
F: Like KF, it also got no intergraded graphics. But the major difference between F & KF is, KF has got a few unlocked cores for overclocking. But F lineup cannot overclock its cores. It's a lot cheaper than other offerings by Intel. (e.g. Core i5 10400F)
P (Outdated): Some previous Gen CPU's actually use the letter P to describe the lack of an iGPU. But now, the letter P is used to describe ulta power-saving Alder Lake CPUs, which will be discussed within a few minutes.
3) Low-performing CPU letters:
S: This letter is a bit rare. You may not find it everywhere. This lineup (straightforward meaning is "Performance-optimized lifestyle") is a little low performing compared to "no letter" SKU lineup. The TDP of its lineup is slightly lower. (35W) (e.g. Core i7 10700S)
T: This letter indicates Intel CPUs with a noticeable lower TDP and comes with a lower performance out of the box. This lineup is cheaper than most other Intel CPU lineups available in the market. (e.gc. Core i9 10900T)
Exceptions:
E: Nothing like high-end or low-end. Typically, these CPUs are Embedded. Yep, they are produced for a long time (for 7 or more years). You can't find these CPUs commonly in the market. (e.g. Intel i3 6100E)
C: A weird SKU that exclusively appeared in the Intel 5th Gen Blackwell lineup. It only has 2 CPU titles for itself. The Intel Core i7 5775C and the Core i5 5675C. It got unlocked multiplayer for Overclocking. That's all I know. There isn't much documentation about this SKU letter exept some YouTube videos and some nerd forum discussion.
R: Another weird SKU letter. I really don't think any regular consumer has ever bought a CPU with this SKU letter. It's dedicated for the BGA (Ball Grid Array) socket. It's another CPU socket where the pins look like balls. I still remember an 11th gen core i3 supporting this socket (maybe it was named i3 11105B or something like that, not sure). However, that what all I have about this SKU letter. I'll attach a TechPowerUP database link with the example. e.g. Intel Core i5 5675R.
Note: There are some combined letter SKUs offered by Intel. (e.g. HX, KF, TE, HQ etc.). They will be discussed in the Combined CPU SKU section.
Which one you should buy?
Are you an enthusiast? You better go for an eXtreme CPU or an unlocked top-of-the-line core i9. Because enthusiasts got some large chunk of bucks to spend for their builds. Or... if you want to achieve some impressive performance, but want the best value for the money.. Look for a Core i7 or an i5. They achieve tremendous performance. But the best silicon is available on a Core i9. But you don't need that superior performance for your everyday school assignments. A Pentium or Celeron is perfect for doing some regular browsing or other stuff like that. In simple words, buy a Core i9 if money is not a problem and you want the best of the best performance. Buy an i7 if you want a superior performance at a bit more investment. Budget seekers can look for an i5 or an i3. If you are an office employee, you better go for a Pentium or Celeron.
Laptop CPU prefixes:
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| Image credit: Artin Bakhan |
Laptop CPU SKUs offered by Intel are much more confusing. Because they are much frequently updated. I mean, there is no sequence of the mobile CPU SKUs. Like, you can obviously say that a desktop i7 12700K is faster than an i7 11700K without looking at the spec sheet. But what about i7 1185G7 ( I forgot the actual SKU name. So, apologize for any mistakes) vs i7 1280P? There is no sequence like those desktop SKUs. My point is, you can't compare any Core i7 or i5 with each other. Especially, for Mobile CPUs. Coz, different SKU letters can Indicate different performance meaning. Like the HX CPUs are lot more powerful than P CPUs. But, no worries! Now lets discuss about Intel's mobile CPU naming.
Laptop CPU SKU prefixes (explanation):
The new Core and Core Ultra naming:
I was too lazy to update this article. But once I've got the news of the new naming convention, I started to "reedit" as I promised. So, I've given a peek in the Intel Retail Edge app to look for the new naming convention and here's the illustration.
So according this illustration,
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| New naming convention |
The Intel Core name remains the same. But the real curve ball will catch you here. While processor branding is the same, the new Ultra and non-ultra Brand Modifier is a little... confusing? Well not that much compared to the recent AMD laptop CPU naming refresh.
There are two types of CPUs now, Ultra and non-ultra. So, there are Intel Core Ultra 5, Ultra 7 and Ultra 9. On the other hand, There are Intel Core 3, Core 5 and Core 7. The difference between Ultra and non-ultra CPUs are pretty straightforward though. The Ultra CPUs are more powerful (or got a newer architecture) than their non-ultra alternatives. But to be noted that there is no Core Ultra 3 or Core (non-ultra) 9.
Now, the SKU Number is another refresh. Firstly, I thought that the 15 in that example is resembling 15th gen. But I was wrong. Intel has pressed the reset button for the generation number in the new naming convention. The first digit of the SKU number is the generation number. That means the example given above is a First Gen Core Ultra CPU! Though, these new first Gen Core CPUs have nothing to do with the older first Gen "Core i" CPUs.
The other numbers (and the SKU Letter) represents different classes (and power consumption) between the same CPU tier. For example, a Core Ultra 5 135H vs a Core Ultra 5 125U. Both are 1st Gen Core Ultra 5 CPUs, but the last 2 digits and the SKU letter speaks about the noticeable performance difference between these CPUs.
The SKU Letter is the same as before. See the Mobile SKU Letter Dictionary section.
The old naming scheme:
Same as the good old desktop SKU rules. As example, Intel Core i7 1280P is a GEN 12 CPU 80 is the SKU number and P is a SKU letter.
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| A mobile CPU by Intel |
Mobile SKU letter dictionary:
1) High-performing SKU letters:
HX: the most Powerful (and they're unlocked) lineup among the Intel mobile SKUs. If you want the highest tier performance from your laptop, HX SKUs are the best choice for your needs. (e.g. Intel i9 12900HX)
HK: Not as fast as HX CPUs, but they're powerful (also unlocked) enough to energies your heavy games. Straight words, they're High Performers and unlocked. But they are also enough expensive to empty your pocket.
HQ: Not a high-end SKUs for these days. So, it can be a bit unfair to keep it on the high-end CPUs SKUs. Coz HQ CPUs are High Performing Quad Cores. It doesn't sounds like a good CPU for gaming these days. A 6 or 8 core gaming chip is a standard nowadays. So it's not surprising that HQ CPUs are not common these days. You can find these on some old Gen laptops.
H: Straight words, these are High Performance CPUs. These are still marketed as high-end chips. This is a great choice for a performance lover. (e.g. Intel Core Ultra 5 135H)
2) Mid-Performing SKU letters:
P (new): It's recently announced by Intel for the new 12th Gen Alder Lake CPUs. It means Power Optimized Lifestyle. Yep, these CPUs are made for the go-getters/handheld gamers who want some power of the latest Intel CPUs but with a long battery life. So these CPUs are optimized to save power but with a satisfying performance. (e.g. Intel Core i7 1280P)
U (outdated as a Mid-Performing): The SKU letter U is still around us.. but now this SKU is being used a bit differently. But a few generations ago, this letter was referred as a "Utilized for power saving lifestyle" thing. (e.g. Intel Core i7 7560U)
V: This new SKU latter has nothing to do with CPU performance (But Intel themselves claim that their CPUs containing letter V are low powered processors). Rather, it indicates that the CPU packs a powerful Arc iGPU (yeah, just like those AMD APUs). At this time, only laptops come with these kinds of CPUs e.g. Intel Core Ultra 5 226V. To be noted that, although these CPUs have more powerful iGPUs, they can't yet compete with AMD's most powerful APUs.
3) Low-performing SKU letters:
U: Now the letter U is used for Ultra Power Saving CPU. Introduced with the new Alder Lake CPUs, they are made to save the most battery as it can. With a very low TDP, for now, they only have 2 performance and 8 efficiency cores. Kinda like those old Intel Y series CPUs. If you see a 0 in the end (i5 123'0') it will mean that it has a TDP of only 9W but if you see a 5, (i5 123'5') it means it has a TDP of 15W. (e.g. Intel Core i5 1235U)
Y (outdated): Back in the Kaby Like days when U was considered as a Mid-Performer, Y was the Extreme Power Saver. Now it's gone. (e.g. Intel Core i5 8200Y)
Exception:
G(x) (outdated): Look, this prefix is not indicating any CPU performance or feature. Rather, G(x) prefix indicates the iGPU (intergraded GPU) of a specific CPU of a portable computer. Here 'x' can be 1 to 7. It means, G1 is the lowest tier iGPU and G7 is the highest tier iGPU offered by Intel. (e.g. Intel Core i7 1185G7)
Oh, G(x) SKU is discontinued and 11th Gen laptop CPUs are the last CPUs with this SKU.
Which one you should choose?
The CPU of a laptop is usually surface mounted. Especially, when it's a ultra-portable/slim laptop. So, be careful with your choice. Especially, most of the laptops don't have a dedicated GPU for the display output. In these cases, the CPU will be more important for your laptop performance. So, be sure to check the CPU spec sheet carefully. If you want a laptop for your daily needs (also) with a longer battery life, an iGPU from the CPU will be enough for you. Don't get greedy for the performance. But if you really need some serious gaming or workstation performance, you better look for the performance rather than the battery consumption of a laptop.
Conclusion and combined SKU letters
So, that was all for today. What do you think? Did I miss something?... Oh, the combined SKU letters. Intel slap those letters to a CPU to indicate a (or sometime more than one) more specific feature of a CPU. Like the HK is not just High-Performance but also Unlocked. TE is not just a Low Power Consuming CPU but also an Embedded CPU.
So, that's all I can get my head around this confusing naming SKUs. However, if I've made any mistakes, please let me know in the comments. Till then.. enjoy with your CPU...
Update notes: Originally published in 19/08/2022
1st Update was published 07/04/2024
Currently 2nd update 08/03/2025