Recently, detailed specifications of an upcoming Core 5 120F processor have been leaked by foreign media. This new processor belongs to the Bartlett Lake series, designed specifically for desktop PCs. It adopts an all-Performance Core (P-Core) architecture, ditching the Efficiency Cores (E-Core), similar to the configuration of some of Intel’s previous Alder Lake processors. The Bartlett Lake series is compatible with the LGA 1700 socket, sharing the motherboard platform with 13th and 14th Gen Core processors, offering users flexible upgrade options.
Core 5 120F: Entry-Level Focus #
The Core 5 120F is positioned for the entry-level market, featuring 6 Raptor Cove Performance Cores and supporting Hyper-Threading technology, providing 12 threads. This configuration is highly similar to the existing Core i5-12400F, with both sharing a 2.5 GHz base frequency, a 65W Thermal Design Power (TDP), and 18 MB of L3 cache. In terms of memory support, the Core 5 120F is compatible with both DDR4 and DDR5 memory. It also boasts a slight increase in maximum boost frequency, reaching 4.5 GHz, which is 100 MHz higher than the i5-12400F’s 4.4 GHz.
The unique aspect of the Bartlett Lake series lies in its all-P-core design. Unlike the current mainstream Raptor Lake Refresh processors (also categorized as Core Gen 2), Bartlett Lake no longer employs the big.LITTLE hybrid architecture. This design choice may stem from Intel’s optimization for specific application scenarios, such as industrial applications and gaming scenarios that require high single-threaded performance. Intel states that the Core 5 120F is optimized for budget-conscious gamers, aiming to provide a smooth gaming experience at a lower cost.
Bartlett Lake Series Expansion and Technical Details #
Beyond the Core 5 120F, the Bartlett Lake series will also introduce higher-end Core 7 and Core 9 models, with core counts reaching up to 12, also supporting Hyper-Threading technology. These high-end models are expected to further enhance multi-threaded performance, catering to professional content creation and demanding computing needs. Current leaked information indicates that the Bartlett Lake series has already started receiving Linux kernel support, suggesting that it is not only aimed at the consumer market but may also be widely used in industrial and embedded systems.
From a technical standpoint, the Bartlett Lake series continues to use Intel’s 10nm process technology (i.e., Intel 7), which is consistent with the Raptor Lake series. Despite no process technology upgrade, Intel aims to strike a balance between performance and power consumption by optimizing the core architecture and clocking strategies. The Core 5 120F’s 65W TDP makes it suitable for small or low-power systems, while its DDR4 memory support reduces upgrade costs for users, particularly appealing to budget-minded PC builders.
Market Positioning and Future Outlook #
From a market positioning perspective, the introduction of the Bartlett Lake series may be intended to fill price gaps in Intel’s product line. The pricing for the Core 5 120F has not yet been announced, but referencing the current retail price of the i5-12400F (around 800 RMB), the Core 5 120F is expected to launch at a similar price point, attracting price-sensitive consumers. Furthermore, Intel’s marketing strategy for Bartlett Lake indicates that its target audience includes not only mainstream gamers but also industrial customers. For example, this processor series may be used in factory automation, medical equipment, or retail terminals, areas that demand high hardware durability and compatibility.
Looking ahead, the launch of Bartlett Lake will further enrich Intel’s product portfolio. Combined with the mature ecosystem of the LGA 1700 platform, the Bartlett Lake series provides users with an affordable upgrade path. The series is expected to officially launch within 2025, at which time Intel may announce more models and performance data.