Rumor

HP chooses older processors over Arrow Lake for upcoming OMEN desktops

Friday, December 26, 2025 at 11:35 AM

Reports indicate that HP is planning to refresh its OMEN desktop lineup using existing older generation processors rather than incorporating Intel's new Arrow Lake CPUs.

Context

HP Inc. is bypassing Intel’s latest Arrow Lake (Core Ultra 200S) processors for its upcoming OMEN 35L gaming desktop refresh, opting instead for older 14th Gen Core silicon. This decision is notable because the OMEN line typically adopts flagship technology immediately upon release. By sticking with the Raptor Lake Refresh architecture for 2025, HP suggests that the newer Arrow Lake chips do not yet provide the specific gaming performance or value proposition required for the competitive enthusiast market. For investors, this shift highlights the lukewarm reception of Intel’s newest desktop architecture. While Arrow Lake focuses on power efficiency, its gaming benchmarks have struggled to consistently outperform older chips or AMD’s high-end offerings. By using mature components, HP avoids the higher costs associated with the new LGA 1851 motherboards, likely protecting hardware margins. This cautious strategy from a major OEM could impact Intel's 2025 client computing revenue if other manufacturers adopt a similar stance.

Related Companies

HP Inc.

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Intel

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