Table of Contents
Intel Processor Model Number Breakdown
To understand Intel processor models, it's important to break down the model number. Intel follows a specific naming convention that allows you to easily identify the processor's series, generation, model, and other characteristics.
1. Series and Family (i3, i5, i7, i9)
The first part of the processor name (e.g., “i3”, “i5”, “i7”, “i9”) indicates the family of the processor:
- i3: Entry-level processors
- i5: Mid-range processors
- i7: High-end processors
- i9: Premium processors
2. Generation (First digit of the four-digit number)
The first digit of the four-digit model number indicates the generation of the processor. This is the most important digit to determine the generation:
- i7-12700K: The “1” indicates it's from the 12th generation.
- i7-8750H: The “8” indicates it's from the 8th generation.
- i7-6700K: The “6” indicates it's from the 6th generation.
3. Model Number (Next three digits)
The next three digits of the model number represent the specific model within that generation. Generally, a higher number means a more powerful model:
- i7-12700K: The “2700” suggests it's a high-performance model within the 12th generation.
- i7-8750H: The “750” suggests it's a high-performance model within the 8th generation.
4. Suffix (Last letter)
The suffix at the end of the model number indicates additional characteristics of the processor:
- K: Unlocked processor, meaning it can be overclocked.
- F: Processor without integrated graphics (requires a dedicated GPU).
- H: High-performance processor, typically for laptops.
- U: Low power processor, commonly found in ultra-thin laptops.
- T: Processor with a lower TDP (Thermal Design Power) for better power efficiency.
- G: Processor with integrated graphics, often from AMD or Intel.
- M: Originally used for mobile processors, now replaced by “H”.
Examples of Processor Breakdown
| Processor | Breakdown | Meaning |
| ——————- | ——————————————– | ————————————————– |
| i7-12700K | i7 (family) 12 (generation) 700 (model) K (unlocked) | i7, 12th generation, model 700, unlocked (overclock) |
| i5-11600H | i5 (family) 11 (generation) 600 (model) H (high-performance) | i5, 11th generation, model 600, high-performance (laptop) |
| i7-8750H | i7 (family) 8 (generation) 750 (model) H (high-performance) | i7, 8th generation, model 750, high-performance (laptop) |
| i5-11400F | i5 (family) 11 (generation) 400 (model) F (no integrated graphics) | i5, 11th generation, model 400, no integrated graphics |
Recent Intel Generations
- 10th Generation (Comet Lake): Example: i7-10700K - 11th Generation (Rocket Lake): Example: i7-11700K - 12th Generation (Alder Lake): Example: i7-12700K - 13th Generation (Raptor Lake): Example: i7-13700K
Summary
1. The first digit of the model number (after the family, like “i7”) indicates the generation. 2. The next three digits indicate the specific model within that generation. 3. The suffix (like “K”, “F”, “H”, “U”, etc.) indicates special features such as unlocked for overclocking or lack of integrated graphics.
This breakdown helps you quickly identify the generation and features of Intel processors.