When Intel tipped a half-dozen new desktop processors during its CES keynote, the company kept quiet about specifics. Now we know: The new chips end with an “F” suffix—and they lack an integrated GPU. So you probably should skip them.
Why? Because right now, they’re priced identically to chips that do include the integrated GPU. No, it doesn’t mean that Intel’s new F-series processors are worthless, especially if you already own a PC with a discrete GPU. It does mean, however, that the discrete GPU will be powered on for every task, consuming more power than your PC normally would. Tom’s Hardware, which noted the new pricing, called the processors a manufacturing “relief valve” to help alleviate the shortage of its other 14nm chips, and that’s probably an accurate assessment.
