Intel Core Processor Comparison Chart by Generation

Intel processor naming has changed significantly over the years. Older Intel Core processors use the familiar Core i3, i5, i7, and i9 designations, while newer processors use the Intel Core Ultra and Intel Core naming systems.

This Intel processor comparison chart brings together Intel Core processors from different generations and allows you to compare their main specifications, including the processor number, launch date, socket, clock speed, Turbo frequency, cache, cores and threads, TDP, integrated graphics, manufacturing process, and memory support.

The original part of the table covers older Intel processors released from the 4th generation onward. Newer generations and the current Intel Core and Core Ultra naming systems are explained below.

Intel Processor Generations

Intel’s traditional Core processor generations started with the first-generation Core processors and continued through the 14th generation. The first three generations were based on Nehalem/Westmere, Sandy Bridge, and Ivy Bridge architectures. From the 4th generation onward, Intel used architectures such as Haswell, Broadwell, Skylake, and later generations.

Intel’s traditional Core processor generation numbering runs from the 1st generation through the 14th generation. Starting with Core Ultra, Intel changed its naming system. Newer Core Ultra processors are identified as Series 1, Series 2, and Series 3 rather than as 15th, 16th, or 17th-generation Core processors.

Intel Core Laptop Processor Generations

Intel Core processors for laptops have gone through several generations since the first Core i-series processors appeared. The early generations are now obsolete and are mainly relevant when identifying older laptops. Newer generations introduced major changes in CPU architecture, core count, manufacturing process, and power efficiency.

1st–4th Generation — Obsolete Laptop Processors

5th–11th Generation Intel Core Laptop Processors

12th–14th Generation Intel Core Laptop Processors

2023–2026 Intel Core Ultra Laptop Processors

Why the Processor Tables Are Divided

The tables are divided because Intel changed both its processor architecture and naming system over time.

• 1st–11th Generation — these processors use the traditional Intel Core naming system, such as Core i3, i5, and i7. They are grouped together because they belong to the same general naming era.
• 12th–14th Generation — starting with the 12th generation, Intel introduced a hybrid architecture with Performance-cores (P-cores) and Efficient-cores (E-cores). This makes the core configuration an important specification to include in the table.
• Core Ultra Series 1–3 — Intel introduced a new Core Ultra brand and stopped using the traditional generation numbers for these processors. Therefore, Core Ultra Series 1, Series 2, and Series 3 should not be called the 15th, 16th, or 17th generations.

This structure makes it easier to compare processors within the same naming and architectural era while keeping the tables compact and readable.