Intel Bolt Lake-S Unlocked CPUs To Feature Up To 250W “PL1” Performance Profiles on Core Ultra 9 285K & Core Ultra 7 265K, 159W For Ultra 5 245K

Intel’s upcoming Bolt Lake-S desktop processors are set to introduce powerful “Performance” profiles where PL1 equals PL2, delivering high power for demanding users. These profiles will be available on the Core Ultra 9 285K, Core Ultra 7 265K, and Core Ultra 5 245K models.

PL1 Equals PL2 For Intel Bolt Lake-S CPUs In “Performance” Mode, With Core Ultra 9 285K & 265K Reaching Up To 250W

The first wave of Intel’s Bolt Lake-S “Core Ultra 200” desktop CPUs will include three K-series unlocked SKUs: Core Ultra 9 285K, Core Ultra 7 265K, and Core Ultra 5 245K. Previously, leaked reports revealed power limits and TDPs for these CPUs, but recent updates suggest Intel has made several adjustments for the “Performance” profiles of these chips.

Intel’s desktop CPUs typically come with three power profiles: Baseline (default settings), Performance (where PL1 is tuned to match PL2 for increased performance and power consumption), and Extreme (even higher wattage, reserved for select SKUs like the “KS” series). Intel has implemented stringent guidelines for the Baseline profile in its 13th and 14th Gen Raptor Lake CPUs to ensure system stability, a trend that is expected to continue with Bolt Lake-S.

According to leaks, Intel will feature “Performance” profiles across four SKUs, including two 8+16, one 8+12, and one 6+8 SKU. These are likely to be the Core Ultra 9 285K (8+16), Core Ultra 7 265K (8+12), and Core Ultra 5 245K (6+8), with a KS variant expected for the top-tier chip.

In the “Performance” profile, the PL1 TDP is set to the same level as PL2, allowing the Core Ultra 9 285K and Core Ultra 7 265K to run at up to 250W TDP, while the Core Ultra 5 245K will operate at 159W for both PL1 and PL2. These profiles are intended for users who require additional performance, similar to AMD’s PBO mode, which increases power limits to boost performance.

Each Bolt Lake-S CPU will still have a “Baseline” profile enabled by default, with the option to switch to the “Performance” profile via the motherboard BIOS. The KS chip is expected to operate at a 150W TDP at PL1 by default in the Baseline profile.

These performance profiles are designed for enthusiasts seeking extra power, with Intel’s Bolt Lake-S CPUs anticipated to use up to 100W less power compared to the previous Raptor Lake series, based on earlier reports.

Intel Arrow Lake CPU Power Configurations

Intel’s upcoming Arrow Lake-S processors will feature various power configurations tailored for different performance needs. Below are the detailed power settings for different configurations, showcasing how PL1, PL2, PL3, and PL4 are managed across various segments:

• Core Ultra 9 285K (Desktop): PL1/PL2 set at 250W in Performance Profile
• Core Ultra 7 265K (Desktop): PL1/PL2 also set at 250W in Performance Profile
• Core Ultra 5 245K (Desktop): PL1/PL2 set at 159W in Performance Profile

These configurations reflect Intel’s strategy to provide flexible performance options depending on the specific use case, whether it’s for desktop or mobile platforms. The “Extreme” profiles are typically reserved for the most power-hungry tasks, while the “Baseline” profiles maintain stability with lower power consumption.

Conclusion:

Intel’s Bolt Lake-S CPUs promise significant improvements, particularly with the new “Performance” profiles that allow for higher TDPs. The inclusion of detailed Arrow Lake-S power configurations further emphasizes Intel’s commitment to offering tailored performance across its CPU lineup. This launch is crucial for Intel as they continue to compete with AMD’s Ryzen lineup.