Reports suggest that Intel is considering revisiting the dual-core configuration, which was previously considered outdated. According to a tweet from leaker chi11eddog, Intel is in the process of developing a new entry-level chip under the name "Intel 300," slated to belong to the 14th Gen lineup.
This chip is anticipated to incorporate one of Intel's hybrid CPU architectures, similar to Alder Lake, Raptor Lake, or Raptor Lake Refresh. This forthcoming CPU, the spiritual successor to the Pentium Gold G7400, is particularly intriguing due to Intel's decision to phase out the Celeron and Pentium sub-brands. As a result, the chip will bear the name "Intel 300," aligning with other entry-level products like the "Intel Processor N200." Initial specifications attributed to the chip include a 3.9GHz base frequency (excluding turbo clocks), a 6MB L3 cache capacity, and a dual-core configuration with two P-cores, each handling four threads. The estimated power consumption is around 46W.
The chip's graphics processing unit (iGPU) specifications were not disclosed by the Twitter leaker, although it is reasonable to anticipate it will feature one of Intel's lower-tier graphics configurations, such as the UHD 730 Graphics unit.
When positioned against Intel's other entry-level offerings like the Core i3 series, the "Intel 300" is set to be the most budget-friendly and least potent component within Intel's desktop portfolio. With a reduced core count compared to the Core i3-13100 and a notably slower clock speed due to the absence of Turbo Boost technology, this CPU is focused on less resource-intensive tasks like casual web browsing, office applications, and video streaming.
While Hyper-Threading is integrated, the inherent limitations of dual-core designs make them less adept for demanding tasks like gaming, especially within contemporary game engines that can take advantage of higher core counts, such as six cores.
Chi11eddog's insights indicate that the CPU could potentially launch as early as this quarter, suggesting that the arrival of this new entry-level chip on store shelves might be imminent, contingent upon its actual existence. The introduction of the dual-core "Intel 300" is projected to align with Intel's 14th Gen Raptor Lake Refresh lineup's launch, enhancing the company's offerings in the near future.
Intel's Potential Return to Dual-Core Configuration with Upcoming "Intel 300" CPU
