Intel (INTC) Stock: Finally Delivers Much-Needed Good News for Investors

TLDR

Table of Contents

Intel stock jumped over 4% in Monday trading, marking one of its best single-day performances recently
New Raptor Lake Refresh benchmarks show 13.98% performance improvement over previous generation chips
The Core 9 270H processor delivers higher clock speeds and better single-threaded performance than comparable i5 chips
Intel is preparing new Xeon processors for data centers, with Diamond Rapids and Clearwater Forest launching in 2026
Despite recent gains, Intel stock remains down 30.79% over one year and 66.77% over five years

Intel stock climbed over 4% on Monday as new benchmark results for its Raptor Lake Refresh processors provided a rare bright spot for the struggling chipmaker. The surge to $20.88 represents one of Intel’s strongest single-day performances in recent months.

The rally was fueled by PassMark benchmark tests showing the new Core 9 270H processor delivering 13.98% better performance than the Core i5 14500HX. The improvement comes primarily in single-threaded operations, where Intel has been working to regain ground against competitors.

The Core 9 270H features a 14-core design with 20 threads, matching the specifications of 14th generation mobile Core i5 processors. However, it operates at a base clock speed of 2.7 GHz compared to the i5’s 2.6 GHz.

Intel's newest Raptor Lake Refresh chips are looking solid compared to the 14th-gen processors as we witness one of the first-ever benchmarks of one of its SKUs. pic.twitter.com/K3QA4TTRY1
— Wccftech (@wccftech) June 8, 2025

When pushed to maximum performance, the differences become more pronounced. The new chip can reach speeds of 5.8 GHz, well above the 4.9 GHz maximum of the i5 processor.

Data Center Push Gains Momentum

Intel is also positioning itself for a comeback in the data center market with its upcoming Xeon processor lineup. The company plans to release Diamond Rapids and Clearwater Forest versions in 2026, according to Intel Products CEO Michelle Johnston Holthaus.

Current Granite Rapids chips are already being deployed by Intel customers. The sequential release of new processor generations represents a strategic approach to maintaining momentum in the competitive data center space.

The upcoming Clearwater Forest line will benefit from Intel’s 18A manufacturing process. This advanced production method should improve chip availability and performance as the process matures.

Recent Performance Context

The Monday surge continues a positive streak for Intel shares, which have gained 6% over the past five trading days. This recent momentum provides some relief for investors who have endured substantial losses over longer timeframes.

Intel stock has declined 30.79% over the past year. The five-year performance tells an even starker story, with shares down 66.77% from their peak levels.

The company has faced manufacturing delays and intense competition from AMD and NVIDIA. These challenges have eroded Intel’s traditional dominance in processor performance and market share.

Wall Street analysts maintain a Hold consensus rating on Intel stock. The rating is based on one Buy, 26 Hold, and four Sell recommendations issued over the past three months.

The average price target of $21.29 suggests modest upside potential of 3.17% from current levels. This relatively conservative outlook reflects ongoing uncertainty about Intel’s turnaround prospects.

Despite recent struggles, Intel’s long-term track record remains impressive. The stock has delivered gains of over 51,810% since its public debut, reflecting its central role in the personal computer revolution.

Intel customers are currently implementing Granite Rapids processors in their systems, providing a foundation for the upcoming processor launches scheduled for 2026.

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