The CPU is the core hardware of a computer, equivalent to the human brain. It determines the computing speed of a computer. The quality of the CPU directly affects the speed of the computer. CPU models have different suffixes, whether it’s a desktop or a laptop. So, what are the meanings and differences of CPU model suffixes like K, KF, F, KS, X, G, H, U, and P? Here, let’s popularize the meanings and differences of desktop and laptop CPU model suffixes.
01
The meanings and differences of desktop CPU model suffixes.
F: Intel CPU suffix indicating models without integrated graphics. For example, i5 13400F, i5 14400F. Also used in AMD CPU models denoting those without integrated graphics, such as R5 7500F.
K: Intel CPU suffix denoting models supporting overclocking and featuring integrated graphics. Typically used with Z-series motherboards for CPU overclocking. For instance, i7-14700K, i5-14600K.
KF: Intel CPU suffix denoting models supporting overclocking but lacking integrated graphics. When paired with Z-series motherboards, these CPUs support overclocking. Examples include i7-14700KF and i5-14600KF.
KS: Intel CPU suffix, usually a higher frequency version of K-series with integrated graphics. For example, i9-13900KS. The i9-13900KS is essentially an i9-13900K with factory-enhanced CPU frequencies, introduced as a separate product.
X/XE: Intel CPU suffix indicating flagship and extreme-level processors. Examples include i9 10900X, i9-10980XE. The X/XE series ended after the 10th generation CPUs.
T: Intel CPU suffix representing low-power consumption versions. These CPUs have lower power consumption within the same model and offer reduced performance. They are typically used in all-in-one computers. For instance, i5 13400T.
X: Common AMD suffix indicating processors that support XFR (eXtended Frequency Range) technology. XFR allows further overclocking beyond the Boost clock speed, adapting to various cooling solutions (air-cooled, liquid-cooled, liquid nitrogen).
G: AMD CPU suffix belonging to Accelerated Processing Units (APUs). G-suffixed CPUs generally include powerful integrated graphics. Examples are R5 5600G, and R7 5700G, offering integrated graphics performance comparable to a GTX 750 Ti dedicated GPU.
GE: AMD CPU suffix typically represents low-power CPUs with integrated graphics, like R5 3400GE.
XT: AMD CPU suffix indicating a higher-performing variant than the non-T version, often considered a specially selected version. XT models offer slightly improved performance within the same series. Examples include R9 3900XT, R7 3800XT, R5 3600XT.
X3D: CPUs equipped with 3D V-Cache technology. X3D versions expand the L3 cache capacity on the base version, tailored by AMD specifically for gamers, emphasizing gaming performance. For instance, R7 7800X3D.
02
The meanings and differences of laptop CPU model suffixes.
H: Standard-voltage CPUs with strong performance, commonly found in gaming laptops and designer computers. Examples include i5-13500HX and i7-13700H.
U: Low-voltage CPUs offering lower performance but reduced power consumption, often seen in thin and light laptops. Example model: i5-1334U.
Y: Ultra-low-voltage CPUs with very weak performance and extremely low power consumption. Typically found in thin and light laptops, currently less common. For example, i3-10110Y.
P: Considered a downclocked version of H CPUs, offering performance between H and U models. Compared to H models, ‘P’ CPUs have reduced frequency and L3 cache. Typically found in high-performance, thin, and light laptops with good battery life.
HK: Generally used in high-end enthusiast-level CPUs, denoting standard-voltage overclockable CPUs. Example model: i9-13900HK.
HX: Generally used in high-end enthusiast-level CPUs, representing the ultimate version. It can be understood as a specially selected version of HK and belongs to the top-tier CPU category. HX models deliver robust performance and are primarily used in high-end gaming laptops. For example, i9-13900HX.
G: G1, G4, and G7, etc. The number following ‘G’ indicates the strength of integrated graphics, where a higher number signifies stronger integrated graphics performance. Typically, numbers smaller than 4 denote integrated Intel UHD graphics, while 4 or higher indicates high-performance Iris Xe graphics. This suffix is used in Intel mobile CPUs. Examples include i5-1155G7, i3-1115G4, i3-1005G1.
HS: Equivalent to H with slightly lower power consumption. Often present in versatile, thin, and light laptops with relatively strong performance. Examples include R7 5800HS, R5 5600HS.
HQ: Standard-voltage CPUs featuring onboard quad cores. This was an older suffix. Example model: i7-7700HQ. It’s now phased out.
MQ: Standard-voltage CPUs with removable quad cores. Another older suffix. Example model: i7-4810MQ. It’s now obsolete.
M: An older suffix denoting mobile CPUs, primarily to distinguish them from desktop versions. Example model: i7-2620M. It’s now phased out.
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