Intel’s Core Ultra 9 285K Leaks: Is This the Future of High-Performance CPUs?

 Exciting news from Intel's camp! The upcoming Core Ultra 9 285 processor, codenamed Arrow Lake-S, is set to introduce a multi-chiplet design and a fresh microarchitecture for enthusiast-grade desktops. However, it appears that the packaging for this groundbreaking CPU will take a more understated approach compared to previous releases.

A Closer Look at the Packaging

The Core Ultra 9 285 will come in a simplistic square prism box, reminiscent of the packaging for the Core i9 14900K. The new design will feature a darker aesthetic with blue accents, possibly signifying its enhanced performance capabilities. Unlike earlier models, such as the Core i9-12900K/KS, which boasted elaborate packaging, the new box reflects a shift towards a more streamlined presentation. Subtle dots on the packaging will help distinguish it from the previous generation, marking it as part of the new Core Ultra series rather than Intel's "15th Generation Core" lineup.

Projected Specifications

While the leaked box render shared by VideoCardz doesn't disclose specific specifications, the Core Ultra 9 285 is anticipated to feature impressive performance. The CPU is expected to include:

• Eight high-performance Lion Cove cores clocked at up to 5.70 GHz
• Sixteen energy-efficient Skymont cores

This combination promises to deliver robust processing power while maintaining energy efficiency.

Manufacturing Insights

Intel's Arrow Lake-S processors will employ TSMC for the fabrication of the compute chiplets, utilizing various advanced technologies. Notably, the compute chiplet will be produced using one of TSMC's N3 (3nm-class node) manufacturing processes, while Intel will manufacture the base die using its own 22FFL node.

Launch Timeline and Compatibility

Intel is rumored to formally launch the unlocked Core Ultra Arrow Lake-S CPUs in early October, with sales expected to commence later in the month. The Core Ultra lineup is projected to feature three models:

• 24-core Core Ultra 9 285K
• 20-core Core Ultra 7 265K
• 14-core Core Ultra 5 245K

These new processors will be compatible with next-generation motherboards based on Intel's Z890 chipset and will utilize the LGA-1851 socket.

The Intel Core Ultra 9 285K marks a significant step forward in CPU design for enthusiast-grade desktops, bringing innovative multi-chiplet architecture and advanced manufacturing techniques. While the packaging may be simpler than in the past, the performance promises to be anything but. As we approach the launch, excitement builds for what these new processors will bring to the table.

Stay tuned for more updates as Intel prepares for this pivotal release!

Particle's Tachyon: First 5G-Enabled SBC with AI/ML Acceleration for Edge and IoT Applications

 Particle introduced Tachyon, the first 5G-enabled single-board computer (SBC) built to tackle the future of edge computing and IoT. Launched on Kickstarter, this innovative board is powered by an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon QCM6490 and integrates GPU and NPU acceleration, offering AI/ML capabilities in a compact, credit card-sized form. Early adopters can secure it for as little as $149, with shipments starting in January 2025.

Image Credit - Particle

Key Takeaways:

• Powerful Edge Device: Tachyon boasts a mid-range smartphone’s performance packed into an SBC form factor, designed for AI and IoT applications.
• Qualcomm Snapdragon QCM6490: The board is equipped with an eight-core CPU, 12 TOPS NPU, Wi-Fi 6E, and cellular 5G (mmWave/Sub-6GHz) connectivity.
• Raspberry Pi-Compatible GPIO: Tachyon supports HATs designed for the Raspberry Pi, making it highly adaptable for existing projects.
• Kickstarter Campaign: Early bird rewards start at $149, with general availability beginning in January 2025.

Tachyon: Packed with Power

At its core, Tachyon houses the Qualcomm Snapdragon QCM6490, a chipset that powers mid-range smartphones, but tailored for industrial IoT applications. The octa-core Kryo 670 CPU includes four performance Cortex-A78 cores and four power-efficient Cortex-A55 cores, ideal for juggling high-demand tasks alongside everyday operations. The Adreno 643L GPU provides Tachyon with 4K display capabilities, further extending its use cases into multimedia applications.

The most exciting feature is the Neural Processing Unit (NPU), clocking in at 12 TOPS (Tera Operations per Second), making it a great fit for machine learning models in areas like computer vision and audio recognition. This hardware feature allows developers to experiment with AI and ML on the edge, right out of the box.

A Board Designed for IoT and Edge

With its focus on wireless connectivity, Tachyon is perfect for a wide variety of IoT and edge applications. It includes Wi-Fi 6E and 5G connectivity, ensuring seamless high-speed communication, while still offering LTE fallback for broader coverage.

Moreover, the board features a variety of peripheral interfaces, such as USB-C 3.1 with DisplayPort support, dual PCIe Gen 3, and connectors for CSI cameras and DSI displays. It’s designed to work with high-speed sensors and peripherals, making it a perfect candidate for edge computing tasks that require robust, fast data processing.

Why Linux over Android?

You might wonder why Tachyon runs on Linux (Ubuntu) instead of Android. While Android is great for consumer devices, Linux is the better choice for headless operations like those found in IoT devices. It offers more direct control over hardware, crucial in IoT applications, and ensures low-latency, reliable performance. Plus, Particle's powerful cloud-based IoT platform seamlessly handles connectivity and device management, eliminating the complexities associated with cellular communication.

Particle’s IoT Ecosystem

Particle is known for simplifying IoT development with its integrated hardware, software, and cloud services. Products like the Boron dev board (with Arm Cortex-M33 and LTE-M) have drastically reduced the time and complexity of getting IoT devices online. Tachyon builds upon this legacy by offering developers more processing power to handle edge AI workloads with the same ease.

With Particle’s full-stack IoT platform, developers can start streaming data to the cloud within minutes of setting up Tachyon. This comprehensive solution makes it possible to deploy scalable, secure IoT applications with minimal effort.

Community-Driven Innovation

Tachyon’s development doesn’t stop with the hardware. Particle is known for its active community involvement, and Tachyon’s Kickstarter campaign is no exception. By leveraging backer feedback, Particle aims to refine the platform’s software and hardware stack before the board starts shipping. Based on initial feedback, Particle has already announced a second version of Tachyon that will feature 8GB of RAM and 128GB of UFS storage for developers seeking even more robust performance.

Tachyon is set to make waves in the world of edge computing and IoT with its cutting-edge hardware, AI/ML acceleration, and 5G connectivity. By combining powerful processing, advanced connectivity, and Particle’s cloud services, Tachyon is not just a development board—it’s a game-changing solution for the future of IoT and edge applications.

For developers, engineers, and tech enthusiasts eager to explore the possibilities of AI at the edge, Tachyon represents the next step forward in SBC innovation. Back Tachyon on Kickstarter today and be part of the future of IoT and AI-driven edge computing!