Intel Alder Lake: 12th Generation Core Mobile and Desktop Processors

Intel Alder Lake: 12th Generation Core Mobile and Desktop Processors

12th Generation Intel Core Processors:
Delivering Superior Performance Where You Need It Most

Take the next evolutionary leap with the performance hybrid architecture of 12th Generation Intel Core processors. Get the performance you need, where you need it—whether you’re a creator, developer, streamer, or everyday user. Whatever you’re into, do more of it, whenever you want.

Superior Performance When You Need It. Multitasking Like You’ve Always Wanted.

12th Gen Intel Core processors—a generation like no other before it. With unprecedented new performance hybrid architecture, 12th Gen Intel Core processors offer a unique combination of Performance and Efficient-cores (P-core and E-core). And that means real-world performance, intuitively scaled to match whatever you’re doing.

The Performance-core is Intel’s highest performing CPU core ever. And it’s designed to maximize single-thread performance and responsiveness for compute intensive workloads like AI and 3D design. The Efficient-core delivers multithreaded performance for tasks that can run in parallel (like image rendering), along with efficient offload of background tasks for modern multitasking.

So that Performance-cores and Efficient-cores can work seamlessly with the operating system, Intel built Intel Thread Director right into the hardware. Automatically monitoring and analysing on-the-fly, Intel Thread Director guides the operating system, helping it place the right thread on the right core, at the right time. And it does it all dynamically, adapting scheduling guidance based on actual computing needs, not on static rules.

12th Gen Intel Core processors support the next wave of discrete graphics cards and storage devices. These devices take advantage of increased throughput coming with PCIe 5.0 as well the higher speeds and bandwidth of DDR5 memory.

Another standard feature of 12th Gen Intel Core processors: Intel Wi-Fi 6E (Gig+). Offering exclusive, high-speed channels that other legacy devices simply can’t, Intel Wi-Fi 6E lets you experience nearly 3x faster connectivity without the interference. And that means more freedom to work or learn from home—or relax with super-smooth, high-quality streaming.

You can also connect your PC to multiple 4K monitors and other accessories, all with one reversible cable. The 12th Gen Intel Core processor family—our most innovative platform yet—enables Thunderbolt 4, the simplest, fastest, most reliable port available.

With 12th Gen Intel Core processors, standard, built-in features enable capabilities like noise suppression, auto-framing, and optimization for bandwidth and video resolution. That saves you time and lets you multitask in ways you’ve only ever dreamed of—until now.

Intel Alder Lake CPUs
(Credit: Intel Corporation)

Alder Lake-P vs Alder Lake-S

Alder Lake-P

Alder Lake-P parts will include all SKUs that used to be in the U and H subfamilies. Higher-end mobile parts will have 6 P-cores and 8 E-cores, while low voltage parts will combine two P-cores and 8 E-cores. All Alder Lake-P processors will be paired with an Intel Xe graphics engine with 96 execution units.

Alder Lake-S

Alder Lake-S processors are aimed at enthusiasts and will feature up to 8 P-cores and 8 E-cores, while mainstream and lower-end variants will only have P-cores. Either way, they’ll all come with an Intel Xe integrated graphics engine with 32 execution units.

Intel Alder Lake CPUs 2
(Credit: Intel Corporation)

Only the L3 cache is shared across P-cores and E-cores to allow them to operate separately depending on the workload that’s thrown at them. Intel has chosen to keep the instruction sets all the same for both types of cores, with the notable exception of E-cores, which won’t support AVX512 workloads due to their current architecture. This also means that if a laptop or desktop PC manufacturer chooses to enable E-cores, AVX512 will be disabled on P-cores.

Intel 12th Gen Alder Lake-P Mobile Series Processors:
Features at a Glance

FeatureBenefit
Performance Hybrid ArchitecturePerformance hybrid architecture, combining Performance-cores (P-cores) and Efficient-cores (E-Cores) to deliver balanced single-thread and multi-threaded real-world performance.
Intel Thread DirectorOptimizes workloads by helping the OS scheduler intelligently distribute workloads to the optimal cores.
Support for up to DDR5 4800 MT/s2This industry first memory technology supports fast frequencies and high bandwidth and throughput leading to enhanced workflow and productivity.
Support for up to DDR4 3200 MT/s2Supports faster frequencies and higher bandwidth and throughput leading to enhanced workflow and productivity.
PCIe 4.0 up to 8 LanesOffers up to 16 GT/s for fast access to peripheral devices and networking with up to 8 PCI Express 4.0 lanes.
Intel Deep Learning Boost (VNNI)Accelerates AI inference—vastly improving performance for deep learning workloads.
Gaussian & Neural Accelerator 3.0 (GNA 3.0)Runs AI workloads on accelerator to more efficiently blur video background and suppress background noise.
Intel UHD Graphics driven by Intel Xe architectureRich media and intelligent integrated graphics capabilities enable amplified visual complexity, enhanced 3D performance and faster image processing.
Enhanced DisplayImmerse in up to four simultaneous 4K displays at 60Hz and view up to 8K60 HDR Video in billions of colours.
Enhanced Media (12bit AV1/HEVC, E2E compression)Greater system-wide performance and support for enhanced quality of media encode and decode, efficiently.
Intel Wi-Fi 6E (Gig+)Intel Wi-Fi 6E is 3 times faster and with 40% higher peak data rates compared to the standard 802.22ac 2×2 and dual spatial stream 802.11ac, respectively.
Up to 16 CPU PCIe 5.0 lanesLatest generation PCIe lanes deliver greater performance efficiency, smooth gameplay and increased workflow productivity.
Intel Optane Memory H20Performance improvements and power reduction over Intel Optane memory H10 with SSD.
Integrated USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (20G)Up to twice the USB bandwidth (vs USB 3.2 Gen 1×1 (10G)) for fast data transfers.
USB Audio OffloadDeep sleep states are possible with the USB Audio Offload.
Discrete Intel Thunderbolt 4 (USB4 compliant)Universal cable connectivity for a simple, reliable connection that provides incredible performance.
Intel 12th Gen Mobile badges 2
Intel introduces the new 65- and 35-watt 12th Gen Intel Core desktop processors with ultimate scalable power and performance.
(Credit: Intel Corporation)

Intel 12th Gen Alder Lake-P Mobile Series Processors:
SKU Comparison

i7-1280Pi7-1270Pi7-1260Pi5-1250Pi5-1240Pi3-1220P
Processor Cores141212121210
Processor Threads201616161612
Number of P-cores644442
Number of E-cores888888
Intel Smart Cache (L3)24MB18MB18MB12MB12MB12MB
P-coresMax Turbo Frequency (GHz) up to4.84.84.74.44.44.4
E-coresMax Turbo Frequency (GHz) up to3.63.53.43.33.33.3
P-coresBase Frequency (GHz)1.82.22.11.71.71.5
E-coresBase Frequency (GHz)1.31.61.51.21.21.1
Processor Graphics96EU96EU96EU80Eu80EU80EU
Max Graphics Frequency (GHz) up to1.451.41.41.41.31.1
Base Power (PL1)28W28W28W28W28W28W
Turbo Power (PL2)64W64W64W64W64W64W

Intel 12th Gen Alder Lake Products

Alder Lake Industrial and Embedded PCs

Alder Lake-P NUC SBCs

Alder Lake-S Motherboards

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