Intel launches Core Ultra processors for ‘AI PCs’ with a dedicated NPU

Laptops based on the Intel Core Ultra processors will be available starting today.

Laptop powered by an Intel Core Ultra processor (Image credit: Intel)

Intel has officially launched its next-generation mobile processors — Intel Core Ultra, the company’s first set of consumer-segment processors to include a dedicated neural processing unit (NPU), capable of delivering on-device generative AI experience at its “AI Everywhere” launch event.

There will be over 230 “world’s first AI PCs,” powered by the Intel Core Ultra from major OEMs like Acer, ASUS, Dell, Dynabook, Gigabyte, Google Chromebook, HP, Lenovo, LG, Microsoft Surface, MSI and Samsung. Select laptops, powered by the Intel Core Ultra processors will be available starting today.

Also read | Intel unveils its most power-efficient Meteor Lake architecture with dedicated neural processing unit

According to Michelle Johnston Holthaus, Intel executive vice president and general manager of Client Computing Group, “By 2028, AI PCs will comprise 80% of the PC market and together with our vast ecosystem of hardware and software partners, Intel is best positioned to deliver this next generation of computing.”

In terms of performance, the new Intel Core Ultra has a tri cluster CPU — P or performance cores, E or efficiency cores, and LP E or low-power efficiency cores along with integrated Arc GPU with up to eight Xe cores.

The Intel Core Ultra 7 165H is said to offer up to 11 per cent faster multi-threaded performance than the competition such as AMD Ryzen 7 7840U, Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3, and Apple Silicon M3 and 2.5x times more power efficient than the previous generation Intel Core i7-1370P.

The age of the AI PC is here with the new #IntelCoreUltra processor. The most efficient x86 processor for ultrathin systems that seamlessly brings the power of #AI to work and play. Visit https://t.co/QrVGu6ojkb 💻🎮 pic.twitter.com/sJmJwmrtuT

— Intel (@intel) December 14, 2023

The new Intel Core Ultra offers up to 16 core CPU (six P-cores, eight E-cores, two LP E-cores), 22 threads (only P cores offer multi-threading) with a top CPU clock speed of 5.1 GHz with support for up to 96 GB of DDR5 or 64 GB of LPDDR5x memory. There is also Thunderbolt 4 support with up to 40 gigabits per second (Gbps) data transfer speed.

Intel has also worked with over 100 independent software vendors and has optimised over 300 AI-accelerated features for the Intel Core Ultra processors. Besides the AI capabilities, the Intel Core Ultra is also the first processor from the company to be fabbed using the cutting edge 4nm process (CPU tile) and it also makes use of Foveros 3D advanced packaging.

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Also read | Intel announces major rebranding just ahead of next-generation product launch

Based on the Intel Core Ultra, the company also announces the Intel Evo Edition for laptops which offers up to 10 hours of real-world battery life per charge, cooler, quieter performance, fast charging, and instant wake support. In the coming days, Intel will unveil the Intel Core Ultra-based vPro platform for commercial devices.

Other major announcements of the Intel AI Everywhere include the launch of 5th Gen Intel Xeon Processors, a high-performance CPU with up to 64 CPU cores and enhanced AI performance. Lastly, Pat Gelsinger, the CEO of Intel also teased the Intel Gaudi3 AI Accelerator, coming early next year, built for deep learning and large-scale generative AI models.

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