The Usefulness of Performance Metrics in Intel's Ninth Gen Laptop CPUs
Intel has been providing performance metrics for their latest ninth gen laptop CPUs, but they seem to be somewhat useless. The 9300H has a 4.3% higher value over the 8300H, which is not a significant enough difference to make it worth considering. This is especially true when compared to other models, such as the 8400H and 9400H, which have the same clock speed but with slightly different values.
The cache stepping has also increased from the eighth gen to the ninth gen, which may seem like a significant improvement at first glance. However, upon closer inspection, it appears that this is not a direct correlation between cache size and performance. The 9750H, for example, has a 33% larger cache than the popular 8750H, but its single core turbo speed is only 400 megahertz higher. This may not be enough to make up for the differences in multi-core performance.
One of the most concerning issues with Intel's ninth gen laptop CPUs is thermal throttling under multi-core load. The 8th gen chips were always either thermal or power limit throttled, and it seems like this will continue with the ninth gen. This means that even if the clock speeds are increased, the actual performance may not be significantly better.
Theoretical Performance Metrics
From a theoretical perspective, the ninth gen CPUs seem to have a significant boost in single core performance. The 9750H has a single core turbo speed of 4.5 GHz, which is an impressive increase from the 8750H's 4.1 GHz. However, this does not necessarily translate to better multi-core performance. The i7-8850H has the same theoretical performance as the ninth gen CPUs despite having a lower clock speed.
The use of performance metrics can be misleading when comparing different generations of Intel laptops. A 400 megahertz boost in single core turbo speed may seem impressive, but it's not enough to make up for the differences in multi-core performance. The ninth gen CPUs may have more cores than their predecessors, which could lead to significant improvements in certain applications.
The Potential for Eight Core Processors
There are rumors that the 99th Gen ADH-K will be an eight core processor with sixteen threads. This would be a significant departure from the current six-core processors found in most laptops. If true, this could lead to significant improvements in performance and power efficiency.
The Top-End Desktop Chips
It's worth noting that the top-end desktop chips have also seen some changes. The 98th Gen ADH-K has the same single core clock speed as the current 8950HK, but with a 200 megahertz turbo boost for an impressive 5.0 GHz single core turbo speed. This could be a significant improvement in certain workloads.
The Power and Thermal Limitations of Laptops
One of the biggest challenges facing laptop manufacturers is balancing performance with power and thermal limitations. The 8th gen desktop chips were already having issues with thermal throttling, and it seems like this will continue with the ninth gen laptops. This means that even if the clock speeds are increased, the actual performance may not be significantly better.
The Release Date of Ninth Gen Laptops
It's difficult to predict when the ninth gen laptops will be released, but based on Intel's history, it's likely to be sometime in the near future. The 8th gen chips have already been out for a year, and it seems like they are still selling well. If Intel follows a similar pattern, we may see ninth gen laptops soon.
Should You Buy Eighth Gen Now or Wait?
Considering that the ninth gen CPUs may not bring significant improvements over the eighth gen, it's worth considering whether you should wait before buying a new laptop. The 8th gen chips have already proven to be powerful and capable in most workloads, and it's possible that they will continue to perform well for some time.
The Implications of Ninth Gen Laptops
If Intel's ninth gen laptops do live up to the hype, we can expect significant improvements in performance and power efficiency. However, if they follow the same pattern as their predecessors, this may not be enough to justify an upgrade.
In Conclusion
Intel's ninth gen laptop CPUs have a number of promising features, including increased single core turbo speeds and potentially more cores than their predecessors. However, it remains to be seen whether these changes will translate to better performance in real-world workloads. The release date of these laptops is still uncertain, but based on Intel's history, it's likely to be sometime soon.
The ninth gen CPUs may not bring significant improvements over the eighth gen, and it's worth considering whether you should wait before buying a new laptop. Ultimately, the decision will depend on your specific needs and requirements. If you're currently using an 8th gen laptop that meets your needs, there may be no compelling reason to upgrade just yet.
However, if you're in the market for a new laptop and want the latest and greatest technology, it's worth keeping an eye on Intel's ninth gen laptops. They have the potential to bring significant improvements in performance and power efficiency, making them a great option for those who need the best of the best.