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Process-architecture-optimization model

CPU development model by Intel

Process-architecture-optimization is a development model for central processing units (CPUs) that Intel adopted in 2016. Under this three-phase (three-year) model, every microprocessor die shrink is followed by a microarchitecture change and then by one or more optimizations. It replaced the two-phase (two-year) tick-tock model that Intel adopted in 2006. The tick-tock model was no longer economically sustainable, according to Intel, because production of ever smaller dies becomes ever more costly.

01Roadmap

Wave Process
(die shrink)
ArchitectureOptimizations Optional
backport
1:
14 nm
2014:
Broadwell
(5th gen)
2015:
Skylake
(6th gen)
2016:
Kaby Lake
(7th gen)
2017:
Coffee Lake
(8th gen)
2018:
Coffee Lake Refresh
(9th gen)
2019:
Comet Lake
(10th gen)
, N/a 2021:
Rocket Lake
(11th gen, Cypress Cove)
References:
2:
10 nm
(Intel 7)
2018:
Cannon Lake
(8th gen, Palm Cove)
2019:
Ice Lake
(10th gen, Sunny Cove)
2020:
Tiger Lake
(11th gen, Willow Cove)
2021:
Alder Lake
(12th gen, Golden Cove)
2022:
Raptor Lake
(13th gen)
2023:
Raptor Lake Refresh
(14th gen)
2025:
Raptor Lake Refresh
(Core 200)
, N/a
References:
3:
Intel 4
&
Intel 3
2023:
Meteor Lake
(14th gen)
2025:
Arrow Lake-U
(Ultra 200U)
References:
3:
Intel 20A?
&
Intel 18A
2025:
Panther Lake
(Ultra 300)
2026?:
Nova Lake
(Ultra 400?)
References:
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Sources and credits

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