Intel is gearing up for the release of its Core i3-14100 processor, and a recent leak by a US retailer has given us a glimpse into its pricing. The highly-anticipated CPU is expected to make its debut at CES 2024 next month. In this article, we delve into the leaked price, specifications, and potential implications for consumers.
Price leak and source
The eagle-eyed Twitter user @momomo_us spotted the US retailer BLT mistakenly posting the price of the Core i3-14100 processor. According to the leak, the processor will be priced at $150 (approximately £120, AU$220). This leak has sparked excitement among tech enthusiasts eager to get their hands on Intel’s latest offering.
Specifications of Core i3-14100
The Core i3-14100 is a quad-core chip with 8 threads and does not feature efficiency cores. As the least powerful Raptor Lake Refresh processor on the desktop, it is a budget-friendly option for users looking for reliable performance at an affordable price point.
Improvements compared to Core i3-13100
Compared to its predecessor, the Core i3-14100 is expected to see a boost in its clock speed. While other specifications are likely to remain similar, the increased boost speed will offer enhanced performance for users.
Expected release date
If rumors are to be believed, we can expect the Core i3-14100 and other non-K processors for the 14th-gen to hit the market on January 8. CES 2024 may serve as the platform for Intel’s official announcement and showcasing of these processors.
Relevance to the average consumer
At first glance, the leaked price might seem irrelevant to the average consumer. However, the price mentioned is for volume purchases by retailers or PC makers buying trays of chips. Nonetheless, it provides insight into the potential consumer price range.
Price Comparison Tray
The leaked screenshot shared by the source also reveals the tray price for the Core i3-13100, which is nearly identical to the Core i3-14100 at $148. Interestingly, the current retail price for the Core i3-13100 in the US stands at $148 on platforms like Newegg. This suggests that Intel aims to launch the Core i3-14100 at a similar price point or slightly higher for consumers.
Pricing strategy for Raptor Lake Refresh models
Intel’s strategy seems to be maintaining consistent pricing between the Raptor Lake Refresh models and their Raptor Lake counterparts. The current models released in the Raptor Lake Refresh lineup align with their predecessors in terms of price range.
Speculations on future price trends
While it is possible that Intel may slightly increase or maintain prices for lower-end CPUs, it is unlikely that we will see any significant changes or cause for concern based on this leaked information. Intel is likely to offer competitive pricing, ensuring value for consumers in the lower-end CPU market.
The leaked price of Intel’s Core i3-14100 indicates that the company intends to offer a budget-friendly processor with compelling features. As anticipation builds for the CES 2024 reveal, it is clear that Intel aims to cater to the needs of consumers seeking affordable yet capable CPUs. While the leaked price may be subject to change, it sets the stage for a competitive market and exciting prospects for tech enthusiasts.