What do the Letters (Suffixes) on Intel Core i7 Processors Mean?
A is for Apple, B is for Blackberry, C is for Canon and D is for don’t get me started on how messed up Intel’s processor suffixes have become. You could be in the market for a new processor or machine with an Intel CPU, but before you could decide what CPU to get, you get bombarded with the alphabets like its an episode of Sesame Street. We understand your frustration. So, in order to help you, we have designed this mini guide to learn and identify the correct features to make your life a little easier.
These suffixes might succumb to change and sometimes used differently by different generations of CPUs but Intel has maintained consistency.
Any Intel CPU with the suffix K, for e.g. the Core i7 9700K, means that this CPU is a high-performance part that has an unlocked clock multiplier and can be overclocked with a Z series motherboard, for e.g. Z370. This is true for mobile Intel processors as well for e.g. Core i7 7820HK. If you’re on the lookout for a brand new machine then look no further. Our top recommendations are the Core i7 8700K and Core i7 9700K.
Any suffix missed out is highly uncommon.
Broadwell (5th generation) exclusive. Same meaning as K. Has an unlocked multiplier.
Processor supports ECC memory. Was used for “efficient” for older Core 2 CPUs on laptops.
Ultra low power mobile CPU. Consumes less than 20W on average.
Unlocked multiplier on Desktop or Mobile platform.
Extremely low powered CPUs. Consume on average only 5W of power.
Extreme edition CPU on the HEDT X299, X99, X79, X58 or other.
AMD RX Vega M GPU integrated. Yes, you heard that right. By some weird luck, RTG and Intel collaborated to make CPUs for their NUCs (and hopefully laptops). These GPUs aren’t directly integrated, but they are connected via a tiny interface that runs on PCIe and they have their own HBM2 modules for VRAM. Performance of these is a cozy snug between a GTX 1050Ti and GTX 1060/RX 570 on a package smaller than a tablet.
Explicitly states that this is a Quad core CPU. Isn’t used very much since 8th generation laptops come equipped with 4 cores.
Desktop processor based on BGA1364 (mobile) package with high-performance graphics (I know, I know. An absolute train wreck).
High-Performance Graphics. Well, as high performance as Intel’s integrated graphics can get. Not to be confused with Hex (meaning 6 cores) For e.g.
Performance optimized lifestyle. Meaning that the processor doesn’t sacrifice a lot of performance in order to save a significant amount of energy. For e.g Core i7 4770S is a 65W CPU at 3.1 GHz while the 4770K is at 84W at 3.5 GHz.
Denotes that this is a mobile(laptop) CPU. Isn’t used very much since 8th generation laptops come equipped with 4 cores.
Weaker iGPU on Desktop CPUs for power and cost savings. Especially good for people who already use dedicated graphics.
Power Optimized lifestyle Desktop CPU. Ideal for OEMs and low powered PSUs. These CPUs can be used by people who are conscious of how much their computer consumes. For e.g. Core i7 6700T @ 35W.
Here’s a table showing all of the Key differences between all Intel Core i7 Processors Suffixes
| # | Suffix | Platform | Unlocked | Power Consumption | Graphics |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | C | Desktop |  | High (65W) | Intel Iris Pro Graphics 6200 |
| 2 | E | Desktop |  | Around 55W | None |
| 3 | U | Mobile | | Very Low | Very weak |
| 4 | K | Desktop | | High (Usually 65W) | Good (Intel HD Graphics) |
| 5 | Y | Mobile | | Ultra-low | Weak (Intel UHD Graphics) |
| 6 | X | Desktop | | High (65W and above) | No integrated graphics |
| 7 | G | Mobile | | High (65W) | Radeon RX Vega M |
| 8 | Q | Desktop and mobile | Depends on processor | Average | Good (Intel HD Graphics) |
| 9 | R | Desktop | | High (65W) | Intel Iris Pro 6200 |
| 10 | H | Mobile | | High (65W) | Intel Iris Pro 6200 |
| 11 | S | Mobile | | Low | Intel HD Graphcis |
| 12 | M | Mobile | Depends on processor | Usually lower than desktop | Depends on processor |
| 13 | P | Mobile | | Low | Weak |
| 14 | T | Desktop | | Very low | Intel HD Graphics |
| # | 1 |
| Suffix | C |
| Platform | Desktop |
| Unlocked | |
| Power Consumption | High (65W) |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Pro Graphics 6200 |
| # | 2 |
| Suffix | E |
| Platform | Desktop |
| Unlocked | |
| Power Consumption | Around 55W |
| Graphics | None |
| # | 3 |
| Suffix | U |
| Platform | Mobile |
| Unlocked | |
| Power Consumption | Very Low |
| Graphics | Very weak |
| # | 4 |
| Suffix | K |
| Platform | Desktop |
| Unlocked | |
| Power Consumption | High (Usually 65W) |
| Graphics | Good (Intel HD Graphics) |
| # | 5 |
| Suffix | Y |
| Platform | Mobile |
| Unlocked | |
| Power Consumption | Ultra-low |
| Graphics | Weak (Intel UHD Graphics) |
| # | 6 |
| Suffix | X |
| Platform | Desktop |
| Unlocked | |
| Power Consumption | High (65W and above) |
| Graphics | No integrated graphics |
| # | 7 |
| Suffix | G |
| Platform | Mobile |
| Unlocked | |
| Power Consumption | High (65W) |
| Graphics | Radeon RX Vega M |
| # | 8 |
| Suffix | Q |
| Platform | Desktop and mobile |
| Unlocked | Depends on processor |
| Power Consumption | Average |
| Graphics | Good (Intel HD Graphics) |
| # | 9 |
| Suffix | R |
| Platform | Desktop |
| Unlocked | |
| Power Consumption | High (65W) |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Pro 6200 |
| # | 10 |
| Suffix | H |
| Platform | Mobile |
| Unlocked | |
| Power Consumption | High (65W) |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Pro 6200 |
| # | 11 |
| Suffix | S |
| Platform | Mobile |
| Unlocked | |
| Power Consumption | Low |
| Graphics | Intel HD Graphcis |
| # | 12 |
| Suffix | M |
| Platform | Mobile |
| Unlocked | Depends on processor |
| Power Consumption | Usually lower than desktop |
| Graphics | Depends on processor |
| # | 13 |
| Suffix | P |
| Platform | Mobile |
| Unlocked | |
| Power Consumption | Low |
| Graphics | Weak |
| # | 14 |
| Suffix | T |
| Platform | Desktop |
| Unlocked | |
| Power Consumption | Very low |
| Graphics | Intel HD Graphics |
Last Update on / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Conclusion
If you have ever scratched your head in confusion, don’t worry. These letters do in fact have meanings. We tried our best to explain them and make your life just a little bit easier. The letters are just a good 2-second guide for you to expect features in case lets say you went to a mall and saw a good laptop at a good price and don’t have access to Intel’s ARK. But it is always wise to see detailed specs of your particular processor before purchase.
Our Recommendations
| # | Preview | Name | Core/Threads | Core Clock | For Enthusiasts | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | Intel Core i7-8700K | 6 Cores / 12 Threads | 3.70 GHz Max Turbo Frequency | | Check Price |
| 2 |  | Intel Core i7-9700K | 8 Cores / 8 Threads | 3.60 GHz up to 4.90 GHz | | Check Price |
| # | 1 |
| Preview | |
| Name | Intel Core i7-8700K |
| Core/Threads | 6 Cores / 12 Threads |
| Core Clock | 3.70 GHz Max Turbo Frequency |
| For Enthusiasts | |
| Details | Check Price |
| # | 2 |
| Preview | |
| Name | Intel Core i7-9700K |
| Core/Threads | 8 Cores / 8 Threads |
| Core Clock | 3.60 GHz up to 4.90 GHz |
| For Enthusiasts | |
| Details | Check Price |
Last Update on 2024-12-22 at 10:27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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