The Surprising Phase-Out of Intel’s 13th Gen ‘Raptor Lake’ Processors
Guess what? Intel just threw us a curveball. They’ve announced they’re saying goodbye to the boxed versions of their enthusiast-level 13th Generation Core ‘Raptor Lake’ processors. If you’re scratching your head wondering, “Why now?” you’re not the only one. According to a recent product change notification, Intel will halt shipments of these desktop CPUs by the end of June next year. But don’t worry; the 14th Generation Core processors, siblings of the outgoing models boasting better performance at similar prices, are sticking around.
Last Call for Current ‘Raptor Lake’ Chips
For anyone eyeing the current 13th Gen Core i5-13600K/KF, i7-13700K/KF, or i9-13900K/KF/KS chips, mark your calendar for May 24, 2024. That’s your deadline to place an order, with Intel promising to ship them out by June 28, 2024. And before you ask—no, tray versions for OEMs and wholesalers aren’t going anywhere. So, it seems like Intel’s simply trimming down the retail side of things.
Why Say Goodbye to the 13th Gen?
Under the hood, both the 13th and 14th Generation ‘Raptor Lake’ chips share the same B0 silicon, which kind of makes you wonder about the point of keeping the older, slower versions around. It looks like Intel agrees, considering the 14th Gen lineup basically leaves the 13th Gen in the dust, offering juicier performance for the same price. When you think about it, with motherboards welcoming both generations with open arms, clinging to the older gen feels a bit… redundant.
Interestingly enough, this farewell to the 13th Gen comes while the 12th Gen ‘Alder Lake’ processors are still going strong, boxed and tray versions alike. Those chips, still living their best life in various products, serve as a reminder of the relentless pace of technological evolution—and maybe a little inconsistency in Intel’s retirement plan.
What Does This Mean for You?
Let’s face it, Intel’s decision to streamline its boxed processor offerings could spell out some sweet deals. Retailers are likely to want to clear out their 13th Gen stock, potentially leading to some attractive prices for those looking to snag a bit of recent tech history. So, keep your eyes peeled!
In the grand scheme of things, Intel’s move reflects a broader trend of tech companies looking to simplify their lineup. For us tech enthusiasts, it’s a reminder of the industry’s rapid pace—what’s cutting-edge today might be on the clearance shelf tomorrow. But hey, that just means more opportunities to score a deal, right?
