We have known for a while now that Intel has several projects code-named Core, which focus on, obviously, a core architectural revision.

The current generation of core architecture is Lion Cove, which comprises the current Performance core (P-core) used in desktop and server products. After that comes the Royal Core architecture and a secret successor called Cobra Core.

Royal Core rumours suggest that it will ditch hyperthreading to focus on improving single-core performance and efficiency. Hyperthreading will be replaced with rentable units, which split multithreaded instructions into two partitions and decide whether the partitions are to be handed off to P-cores or E-cores.

According to Network World, an intel employee leaked on Linkedin that he worked on Royal/Cobra Core while at Intel. The project was “to create and execute a new architecture for Intel x86 processors with more power efficiency and high performance compared to the other competitors in the market.”

This could be a significant revamp of its core x86 architecture, not unlike what AMD did several years ago with Zen. Adopting a Zen-like reboot of their x86 architecture will help Intel make their desktop processors more competitive with AMD where they AMD still hold advantages in power efficiency and gaming performance.

We are talking a long way off. Royal Core is supposed to be with us in 2025 release and Cobra Core for a 2027 release.