Next-Gen Laptops Might Feature Odd Component Combinations

The anticipation for CES 2025 is palpable among gaming enthusiasts. In addition to the expected launch of Nvidia’s RTX 50-series graphics cards, many are eager to see the introduction of cutting-edge gaming laptops. However, recent leaks suggest that while some new gaming laptops will be showcased, they may not represent a significant upgrade in all aspects. It appears that many of these devices could prioritize the latest GPUs while relying on older CPU models.

With Intel planning to roll out its Arrow Lake laptop chips and AMD working on the Ryzen AI 300 Max early next year, expectations for powerful new laptops at CES 2025 are high. Yet, a Weibo user named Golden Pig Upgrade Pack presents a contrasting perspective. This insight was first reported by VideoCardz, and while this source has historically provided reliable hardware leaks, it’s prudent to approach this information with caution.

The leaker indicates that while we might mostly see laptops featuring Nvidia’s RTX 50-series, even high-end models might opt for older laptop CPUs. Specifically, this could include options such as Intel’s Raptor Lake refresh or AMD’s Zen 4 under the Ryzen 8000 branding, highlighting chips like the Core i7-14650HX and AMD’s Zen 4 architecture.

This would certainly be an unexpected development. With both AMD and Intel poised to unveil their next-generation laptop processors at CES 2025, it would seem logical for laptop manufacturers to pair these new processors with Nvidia’s latest graphics cards. There may be various reasons behind this decision-making.

One factor to consider is that the current generation of desktop CPUs has generally been viewed as underwhelming. If laptop counterparts don’t deliver significant generational improvements, manufacturers might not feel compelled to incorporate the latest models into their offerings. Additionally, the cost of these new chips could be a driving factor behind this strategy.

Moreover, the plethora of recent laptop CPU releases creates a complex landscape for manufacturers. With many options from AMD and Intel, including the recent Lunar Lake, Meteor Lake, and Raptor Lake refresh, manufacturers might choose to focus on enhancing performance through the latest GPUs while opting to use established CPU technology to save on costs.

Timing might also play a crucial role in these decisions. If hardware releases don’t coincide perfectly, we may witness lower-tier CPUs paired with next-gen GPUs now, while the more powerful combinations might emerge later in the year. CES 2025, taking place in January, should provide clarity on these developments.