Up until the 11th gen (Rocket Lake) CPUs, Intel stuck to the more “traditional” multi-core architecture with up to 8 of the same cores on the CPU die. But starting with the 12th gen (Alder Lake) CPUs, Intel moved away from this design approach in favor of a hybrid architecture. ARM has been doing this for a while now and with their “M” series of in-house silicon, even Apple started using this type of design (for laptops and desktops). Coming to Intel, the main feature of their newer CPUs is the amalgamation of P Cores and E Cores. So, what exactly are these P and E Cores? What are the benefits of and differences between P and E Cores? Let us find out in this P Cores vs E Cores comparison guide.
Introduction
As we all know, the CPU is arguably the most important part of any system, whether it is a desktop, laptop, or even a smartphone. The CPU performs all the calculations and processes the data to generate the results you see on the display. And for that reason, it is often regarded as the brain of the computer. The CPU’s significance lies in its ability to handle complex tasks quickly and efficiently, affecting the speed and responsiveness of a computer system.
The CPU interprets and processes data from various hardware components, such as memory and storage devices, enabling the execution of software instructions and facilitating the smooth functioning of applications. With its control and processing capabilities, the CPU determines a computer’s overall computing power and performance, making it a vital component in modern computing systems.
So, by having multiple cores, a CPU (or the operating system) can divide and distribute workload among them, allowing for parallel processing and faster execution of tasks. Each CPU core functions as an independent processing unit, capable of executing instructions and carrying out calculations independently of other cores.
Reasons Behind Intel’s Hybrid Architecture
Case with ARM and Apple
CPUs based on ARM Architecture, especially for high-end mobile devices, have been using a Hybrid Architecture for quite some time now. ARM calls this the big.LITTLE architecture where a CPU die has a combination of powerful (big) cores and slightly slower and energy efficient (LITTLE) cores.
Apple’s A series of CPUs for their iPads and iPhones have been using ARM Architecture since the beginning. But from 2020, Apple stopped using CPUs from Intel for their desktops and notebooks and started developing their own version of “desktop” CPUs, the M Series based on ARM Architecture.
The M Series CPUs are very similar to the ARM’s big.LITTLE architecture with a combination of high-performance cores and energy-efficient cores.
One of the main reasons for this design approach is to improve the performance per watt as well as the overall energy efficiency numbers (for longer and better battery life, especially on mobile devices).
AMD’s “Ryze”
For years, Intel has been using the same quad-core design in their mainstream desktop CPUs. The initial challenge came from AMD with their Ryzen CPUs. Before Ryzen, AMD was struggling to compete with Intel even when Intel is pushing the quad-core CPUs to their limits.
But with the launch of Ryzen Series of CPUs based on their updated Zen architecture, AMD broke the quad-core trend and started providing 6-core, 8-core, and 16-core CPUs for regular desktop users. This took the world of PC by storm. To make things even worse for Intel, AMDs high-end desktop CPUs in their Threadripper (sick naming though) offered up to a whopping 96 cores and 192 threads (Ryzen Threadripper Pro 7995WX).
Intel’s Response
Despite the setbacks in the form of Apple ditching Intel CPUs and AMD outperforming them in several multi-threaded applications, Intel still had a good stronghold in single-core performance and gaming. But Intel had to do something to gain the trust of its customer base (and the shareholders, obviously).
The response was the introduction to a Hybrid Architecture, starting with their 12th gen Alder Lake desktop CPUs (after briefly experimenting with their Lakefield Mobile CPUs that were launched later).
Intel’s Hybrid Architecture
So, what is Intel’s Hybrid Architecture? It is similar to the ARM’s big.LITTLE but uses two types of x86 Cores (which is obvious): Performance or P Cores and Efficiency or E Cores. With the combination of performance and efficiency cores, Intel aims to develop CPUs that are both powerful as well as efficient.
We will see the details of these cores in the next section and we will also make P Cores vs E Cores comparison.
What is a P Core?
The ‘P’ in P Core stands for Performance. So as the name suggests, these are high-performance cores developed by Intel. However, these are also the stronger of the two, which require the most energy but are capable of handling the toughest tasks. These cores also operate at a relatively higher clock speed and have larger cache, making it easier for P cores to get through a heavy load of tasks quickly.
You can also consider the P cores as the “main workhorse” cores on an Intel CPU as these cores perform most of the tasks and handle most instructions. P Cores have superior single threaded performance. Hence, they are the go-to cores for most single threaded tasks (especially gaming). P Cores are multi-threaded (one P Core can handle two threads).
Intel designed its 12th gen (Alder Lake) CPUs with Golden Cove microarchitecture for their P Cores. For the 13th and 14th gen (Raptor Lake) CPUs, Intel designed the P Cores using a slightly updated Raptor Cove microarchitecture.
This technology is the successor to the previous Cypress Cove cores implemented with the Rocket Lake 11th Gen Intel CPUs.
What is an E Core?
It would be easier to refer to Intel E cores as the new addition to the Intel family since the Intel P cores are pretty much what we have been using with Intel so far. The letter ‘E’ in E Cores refers to efficiency, indicating that these cores are created for power-saving and energy-efficient performance.
Unlike P cores, the Intel developed the E cores to handle routine and repetitive background tasks that don’t necessarily need much processing power. This takes the load off the P cores and helping with the performance and efficiency of P cores.
Even in terms of clock, E cores comparatively have smaller clock speeds than P cores and have a lower power rating. Unlike P Cores, E Cores do not support multithreading.
For 12th (Alder Lake), 13th (Raptor Lake), and 14th (Raptor Lake Refresh) Gen CPUs, Intel designed the E cores using Gracemont microarchitecture. This is the successor of the Tremont technology developed by Intel which was first introduced with Intel Pentium Gold and Celeron laptop CPUs.
P Cores vs E Cores: Differences
Primary Purpose
The primary purpose of P Cores is for processing demanding computational and resource-intensive tasks such as games, applications (CAD, Video Editing, 3D Modelling, etc.), and similar programs. All heavy workloads and tasks that need complex calculations make use of P Cores.
P Cores also have higher clocks speeds (both base and boost). So, you can expect a great performance per thread from P Cores.
Coming to E Cores, they mainly handle background and repetitive tasks that do not require significant processing power. This will lessen the burden on the P Cores so that they can handle complex tasks efficiently. Most background tasks, notification services, always-on services, and other energy-saving tasks make use of E Cores.
Multithreading
P Cores support multithreading (or Hyper-Threading as per Intel’s terminology). So, for every P Core in a CPU, you get double the number of threads. E Cores do not support multithreading.
Clock Speed
Both the base and boost clock of P Cores in a CPU are generally higher than that of the corresponding E Cores. This way, P Cores can work on intensive tasks quickly while E Cores are more energy efficient.
If we take the 14th gen CPU 14700K for example, the base clock of the P Cores and E Cores is 3.4 GHz and 2.5 GHz respectively. With turbo boost, the boost clock of the P Cores is 5.5 or 5.6 GHz and 4.3 GHz for E Cores.
Power Consumption
This one is pretty obvious. As P Cores handle most of the grunt works and heavy tasks, they typically consume more power than E Cores. The higher clock speeds of P Cores also contribute to their higher power consumption. E Cores contribute to the overall energy saving of the device. Especially in mobile devices, E Cores help in extending the battery life.
How is the Performance when P and E Cores Work Together?
The combination of P Cores and E Cores in a single die has worked brilliantly for both ARM and Apple. What about the performance in Intel CPUs? The story is the same i.e., the hybrid layout from Intel with high-performing P Cores and energy-saving E Cores brought it back to the top in terms of gaming and productivity performance.
If we compare the 12th gen CPUs with the earlier 11th gen CPUs, then there is a good 19% improvement in terms of instructions per clock (IPC). From 12th to 13th gen, the performance gain was 11% for single threaded tasks while it is close to 50% for multi-threaded tasks.
Regarding benchmarks, the Intel chips with the new core layout have performed amazingly, especially in the single-core score along with massive improvements in the multi-core score. This shows the versatility of this new CPU lineup and the benefit of P cores, E cores, and combined hybrid architecture. It has also managed to cover the gap between the performance rating of older Intel CPUs and AMD CPUs, making it a much better choice for almost all types of PC builds.
What is Intel’s Thread Director Technology?
Thread Director Technology is a feature from Intel to optimize performance in heterogeneous computing environments (CPUs with hybrid architecture). This is applicable to processors that have a mix of different core types, such as high-performance cores (P-cores) and energy-efficient cores (E-cores).
Intel and Microsoft worked closely with each other to develop the Thread Director Technology, especially for Windows 11. Windows, instead of relying solely on the scheduler to analyze programs or tasks, now takes help from hardware in the form of Thread Director.
Thread Director helps manage the hybrid architecture CPUs effectively by deciding which type of core should handle specific tasks, optimizing performance and power consumption. By intelligently assigning tasks to the most appropriate cores (P-cores for high-performance tasks, E-cores for lighter tasks), Thread Director improves overall system performance. This way, demanding applications can run at their full potential on performance cores, while background tasks or less intensive applications can run efficiently on energy-efficient cores.
Efficient utilization of cores based on workload characteristics leads to better energy efficiency. Thread Director helps reduce power consumption by directing tasks to E-cores when performance requirements are lower, thus extending battery life in mobile devices and reducing overall power usage in desktops and servers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which generation of CPUs support P and E cores?
Answer: Intel introduced P (Performance) and E (Efficiency) cores with their 12th gen Alder Lake processors. Subsequent generations, including the 13th gen Raptor Lake and 14th gen Raptor Lake Refresh, also feature this hybrid architecture.
Why do modern CPUs have both P cores and E cores?
Answer: Modern CPUs incorporate both P cores and E cores to optimize performance and power consumption. P cores are designed for high-performance tasks like gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking. In contrast, E cores handle less demanding tasks such as background processes and system maintenance, enhancing overall efficiency and extending battery life in portable devices.
Do P cores and E cores require special software to function properly?
Answer: Intel’s P and E cores do not require special software to function, as the combination of Intel Thread Director and Windows 11 are designed to manage these hybrid architectures efficiently.
Can E cores handle heavy applications if needed?
Answer: E cores can handle heavy applications, but they are optimized for efficiency rather than performance. While they can manage such tasks, the performance will not be as robust as when handled by P cores. Heavy applications running on E cores might experience slower execution times and reduced responsiveness compared to running on P cores.
Are P cores and E cores found in both desktop and laptop CPUs?
Answer: Yes, Intel’s hybrid architecture featuring P and E cores is present in both desktop and laptop CPUs, starting with the 12th Gen Alder Lake series. This design allows both types of devices to benefit from enhanced performance and power efficiency, making it suitable for a wide range of computing environments, from gaming desktops to ultraportable laptops.
Conclusion
Recently, Intel started to offer different types of CPU cores in their CPUs. These include P cores and E cores. P cores, which are performance cores that can handle heavy tasks, operate at higher clock speeds, and are considered the main cores of an Intel CPU. Intel’s P cores include the Golden Cove and Raptor Cove microarchitecture cores found in the 12th and 13th Gen CPUs.
On the other hand, E cores, which stand for efficiency cores, are designed for power-saving performance. They handle routine and repetitive tasks, helping improve the efficiency and performance of P cores. E cores are smaller, have a lower clock speed and power rating, and offer better performance per wattage. Intel’s E cores in the 12th and 13th Gen CPUs are based on the Gracemont microarchitecture.
Both P cores and E cores work together in a hybrid architecture found in Intel CPUs. This hybrid design combines the benefits of both core types, providing increased performance speed and enhanced battery life. The P cores deliver higher performance for demanding tasks, while the E cores handle background processes efficiently.
