In the world of laptops, Intel has been a prominent player for many years. Their processors have powered countless devices, providing users with the performance they need for various tasks. One of their notable releases is the 10th generation Intel Core processors, specifically the U and Y series. These processors were launched in 2019 and promised to elevate thin and light laptops to new levels of productivity and entertainment.
Intel Core 10th Gen Processors: U Series and Y Series
The 10th generation Intel Core processors are now running on a wide range of portable PCs from major manufacturers, including dozens of Lenovo laptops powered by the 10th generation processors. Intel has highlighted the updates in the 10th generation processors, particularly the Intel Iris Plus graphics, which offer improved gaming, streaming, and creative capabilities.
The 10th generation U series and Y series chips also introduce built-in intelligence features that can help PCs learn and adapt to the user's usage patterns. Battery life has been optimized, and improved wired and wireless capabilities enable faster connectivity compared to previous generations of Intel CPUs.
Let's take a closer look at the differences between the CPU series:
Intel Core Y Series The Y series processors, such as the i5-10310Y, are extremely low-power CPUs that consume minimal battery energy and generate relatively little heat. These processors are used in some of the thinnest and lightest laptops available. They offer a balance between power efficiency and portability.
Intel Core U Series The U series processors, such as the i3-10110U, are also low-power CPUs but consume relatively more battery energy and generate slightly more heat compared to the Y series. The U series processors support a wide range of mainstream laptops that cater to consumer needs.
Intel Core H Series The H series processors, such as the i7-10850H, are high-performance CPUs that support high-end graphics (ideal for gaming rigs and workstations). However, they operate at higher temperatures and drain the battery faster compared to the U and Y series processors.
Overclocking and Unlocked Chips There is also the "K" designation, such as the i9-10980HK, for Intel chips with unlocked multipliers, allowing for processor overclocking when conditions permit.
It is worth noting that the 10th generation Intel mobile processors are expected to remain in the market for several years. Intel regularly releases new processor generations, and they often overlap with previous generations. This provides consumers with a wide range of options when choosing laptops with Intel Core 10th gen processors.
Lenovo Laptops with 10th Gen Intel Core U Series and Y Series
Lenovo, a well-known brand in the laptop industry, offers a variety of models with 10th generation Intel Core processors. These laptops cater to different needs and preferences. Here are some of the Lenovo laptop families that include models with 10th gen Intel Core U series and Y series processors (availability may vary):
ThinkPad ThinkPad laptops are known for their reliability and performance, making them ideal for demanding tasks in the office or workplace.
IdeaPad IdeaPad laptops are designed to be thin, lightweight, and powerful, offering style and maximum mobility.
Yoga Yoga laptops are flexible 2-in-1 devices that can be used in various modes, providing versatility for different usage scenarios.
Lenovo Legion Lenovo Legion laptops are high-end gaming laptops with top-of-the-line specifications and features.
Mobile Workstations Lenovo also offers mobile workstations with the best components for intensive computing applications.
With such a variety of options, there is a 10th gen Intel Core-based laptop from Lenovo to suit almost every need, whether it's for office and business use, high-end gaming rigs, or portable 2-in-1 devices.
Features of 10th Gen Intel Core U Series and Y Series Processors
Even if you're not familiar with the different types of Intel mobile processors, there's a good chance that your current Intel-based laptop is powered by either the U series or Y series CPU. These processors are used to power a wide range of mobile systems, from ultraportable models to higher-performance systems for office or gaming use.
Here are some of the promises Intel makes with the 10th gen Intel Core U and Y series processors:
Performance The 10th gen Intel Core mobile processors are designed for future AI computing, with built-in intelligent performance features to help your laptop learn and adapt to your usage patterns. Automatic photo enhancement, fast video filtering applications, and other capabilities help deliver the desired user experience, whether it's for PC users or demanding tasks.
Entertainment The 10th gen Intel Core mobile processors deliver exceptional audio and video experiences, with new enhancements to Intel Iris Plus graphics. Play the most popular AAA games and intensive FPS games at 1080p resolution, stream realistic HDR 4K videos without interruptions, process/edit high-resolution photos and videos, and more – all on some of the thinnest and lightest laptops in the industry.
Connectivity The 10th gen Intel Core mobile processors offer best-in-class wired and wireless connectivity. Intel Wi-Fi 6 (Gig+) enables fast and responsive wireless connections, even in environments with multiple connected devices. Thunderbolt 3 is the fastest available USB-C technology, allowing you to connect multiple peripherals – even power – with just one cable.
Table 1 lists the important operating specifications* of the 10th gen Intel Core U and Y series laptop processors:
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i3, Intel Core i5, Intel Core i7 |
| Thermal Design Power | 9W, 15W, 28W |
| Cores/Threads | Up to 4 cores / 8 threads |
| Last Level Cache Size | Up to 8 MB |
| Max Turbo Frequency | Up to 4.1 GHz |
| Graphics Configuration | Intel Iris Plus up to 64, Intel UHD Graphics |
| Graphics Frequency | Up to 1.1 GHz |
| Integrated Wi-Fi | Intel Wi-Fi 6 (Gig+) |
| Integrated USB Type-C | Up to 4 Thunderbolt 3 ports |
*Please note that this table lists the announced specifications of the first 10th gen Intel Core U and Y series mobile processors to be released. Not all 10th gen Intel mobile CPUs are available in Lenovo laptop systems. Consumers should always confirm the specifications and estimated performance stated for each system they consider.
Table 2 lists the important performance features** of the 10th gen Intel Core U and Y series processors:
| Feature | U Series | Y Series |
|---|---|---|
| CPU/Memory/Graphics Overclocking | No | No |
| Intel Extreme Tuning Utility (XTU) | No | No |
| Intel Hyper-Threading | Yes | Yes |
| Intel Smart Cache (with shared Last Level Cache (LLC) for processor and GFx cores) | Yes | Yes |
| Intel Smart Sound Technology | Yes | Yes |
| Intel Gaussian Neural Accelerator 1.0 | Yes | Yes |
| Intel Turbo Boost 2.0 | Yes | Yes |
| Intel Turbo Boost Max | No | No |
| Intel Speed Shift | Yes | Yes |
| Per-core P-state | Yes | Yes |
| Last Level Cache (LLC) | Up to 8M | Up to 8M |
**Please note that this table lists the announced performance features of the first 10th gen Intel Core U and Y series mobile processors (Ice Lake). Not all 10th gen Intel mobile CPUs are available in Lenovo laptop systems. Consumers should always confirm the specifications and features stated for the system they consider.
Consumers looking for a new PC should consider laptops with 10th gen Intel Core mobile processors, including the U series, Y series, and high-performance H series. Intel CPUs are available across the entire range of Lenovo laptops, including ThinkPad systems, IdeaPad models, Lenovo Legion gaming laptops, mobile workstations, and convertible Yoga 2-in-1 devices.
In conclusion, the 10th generation Intel Core U and Y series processors offer a range of options for laptop users, from power-efficient ultraportables to high-performance systems. With their built-in intelligence, improved graphics capabilities, and enhanced connectivity, these processors provide a solid foundation for a variety of computing needs. Lenovo, with its diverse lineup of laptops powered by 10th gen Intel Core processors, ensures that there is a laptop to suit every user's requirements.