Intel won’t make Meteor Lake desktop chips after all, at least not in the way you’d expect
Intel’s Meteor Lake CPUs will not be made for desktops, but they will appear in some desktop PCs.
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What you need to know
Intel will not release desktop versions of its Meteor Lake processors. The chipmaker will, however, have Meteor Lake CPUs in desktop PCs. If that seems confusing, you’re not alone. An Intel executive recently stated thatMeteor Lake would come to desktop in 2024, but Intel has since clarified that Meteor Lake will only include mobile processors. But like many laptop processors, those chips will appear in All-in-Ones.
Communication from Intel on the subject hasn’t been great. But after a statement toComputerBase, we now have a better idea of what Meteor Lake will look like on both laptops and desktops.
“Meteor Lake is a power efficient architecture that will power innovative mobile and desktop designs, including desktop form factors such as All-in-One (AIO),” said Intel. “We will have more product details to share in the future.”
Intel’s Meteor Lake processors will likely be compared to Apple’s M-series chips because both sets of CPUs hang their hat on efficiency.
The key distinction is that Intel will not make Meteor Lake chipsfordesktop PCs with sockets. All-in-Ones and thebest mini PCs and NUCsoften use laptop CPUs. Those processors allow manufacturers to make compact computers that can sit on a desk, but the chips are not as powerful as desktop CPUs.
While Meteor Lake CPUs will appear in All-in-Ones and other compact PCs, they will not power gaming desktops, workstations, or other powerful desktop PCs.
Those looking for new desktop CPUs from Intel will have to wait untilRaptor Lakeis refreshed.Recent leakssuggest that Intel’s upcoming Raptor Lake chips will deliver solid performance and a considerable jump over Intel’s 13th Gen.
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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
