Tiger Lake

Tiger Lake. Tiger Lake is a codename for the 11th generation of Intel Core mobile processors, introduced by Intel in September 2020. It is built on the company's enhanced 10nm SuperFin process technology and represents a significant architectural overhaul for the mobile platform. The microarchitecture combines new Willow Cove CPU cores with the company's Xe-LP graphics architecture, delivering substantial improvements in both compute and integrated graphics performance.

Overview

The development of Tiger Lake was a critical response to competitive pressure from rivals like Advanced Micro Devices and its Ryzen mobile processors. It succeeded the 10th generation Ice Lake and Comet Lake families, aiming to consolidate Intel's leadership in the high-performance mobile computing segment, including premium ultrabooks and 2-in-1 PCs. Key to its design was the integration of the Thunderbolt 4 interface and support for PCI Express 4.0 directly on the processor die. The launch was accompanied by the "Intel Evo" platform verification program, a co-engineering initiative with OEM partners like Dell, HP Inc., and Lenovo to certify laptops for premium experiences.

Architecture and features

At its core, Tiger Lake utilizes the Willow Cove CPU microarchitecture, which introduced larger non-inclusive caches and new security features like Control-Flow Enforcement Technology. The integrated graphics saw the most dramatic change, moving from the Gen11 architecture to the new Xe-LP (Low Power) design, marketed as Intel Iris Xe graphics. This GPU features up to 96 execution units and supports modern APIs like DirectX 12 and Vulkan. The platform integrated a new memory controller with support for LPDDR4X and LPDDR5, and incorporated the GNA 2.0 neural accelerator for low-power AI audio processing. The System-on-a-chip design also embedded a USB4 and Thunderbolt 4 controller.

Processor models and specifications

The Tiger Lake family was segmented into the U-series (15W and 28W) for thin-and-light laptops and the H35-series (35W) for higher-performance designs. Flagship models included the Core i7-1185G7 and Core i7-1195G7, featuring 4 cores, 8 threads, and maximum turbo frequencies exceeding 5.0 GHz. The lineup also featured lower-power Pentium Gold and Celeron models. Each processor tier offered configurable TDPs, allowing OEMs to tune performance and thermals for specific device designs from companies like Asus and Acer. The H35-series, such as the Core i7-11375H, was specifically targeted at compact gaming notebooks.

Performance and reception

Upon release, reviews from outlets like AnandTech and Tom's Hardware praised Tiger Lake for its substantial leap in integrated graphics performance, often doubling the performance of the previous Iris Plus graphics. The CPU performance showed strong single-threaded gains, competitive with contemporary AMD offerings, though multi-threaded performance was limited by the core count. The platform's support for fast storage via PCIe 4.0 and the universal connectivity of Thunderbolt 4 were highlighted as major advantages. It received positive reception in devices like the Dell XPS 13 and Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio.

Integration and platform support

Tiger Lake was the foundation for the Intel Evo platform, a set of specifications co-developed with partners including Samsung Electronics and MSI to ensure responsiveness, instant wake, and long battery life. The processors were designed in tandem with Intel's 500 Series chipset, though many functions were integrated onto the die itself. This generation saw widespread adoption in premium notebooks across the industry and played a key role in devices during the COVID-19 pandemic shift to remote work. Its integrated Thunderbolt 4 and Wi-Fi 6 support helped drive adoption of these new connectivity standards across the PC industry.

Category:Intel microprocessors Category:2020 introductions