Intel has taken a significant leap in mobile computing with the launch of its next-generation Lunar Lake mobile CPUs, the Core Ultra Series 2. These new chips, first showcased at Computex 2024, promise improved performance coupled with a remarkable reduction in power consumption compared to their Meteor Lake predecessors. Intel claims that the new Core Ultra 200V series is the most efficient family of x86 processors to date.
The secret behind this efficiency lies in the revamped architecture. The Core Ultra Series 2 boasts four Skymont efficient (E) cores and four Lion Cove performance (P) cores. Unlike its predecessors, Lunar Lake prioritizes the E-cores for most tasks, utilizing the P-cores only when a performance boost is required. Intel has further optimized the P-cores by disabling Hyperthreading, resulting in improved Power, Performance, and Area (PPA) efficiency.
The new series also features a low-latency fabric within the chipset, reducing latency between all cores and DRAM. This significantly improves overall system responsiveness and performance. With a combined CPU, GPU, and NPU capability of up to 120 TOPS (tera operations per second), the Core Ultra 200V series surpasses the performance of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite and AMD’s Ryzen AI 300 series processors.
The fourth-generation NPU delivers a substantial 4x performance boost over its predecessor, excelling in handling sustained AI workloads while maintaining energy efficiency. Intel highlights its NPU’s superiority over Qualcomm and AMD counterparts, offering better performance in AI-focused workloads and support for a wider range of applications.
Beyond performance, the Core Ultra Series 2 boasts impressive graphical capabilities. Intel’s new Xe2 graphics microarchitecture delivers a substantial 30% improvement in mobile graphics performance. The integrated Intel Arc GPU features eight 2nd Gen Xe-cores, eight enhanced ray tracing units, and support for up to three 4K monitors.
The series also includes Intel Xe Matrix Extensions (XMX) AI engines, delivering up to 67 TOPS to enhance creative applications and gaming performance through advanced XeSS kernels. Intel has introduced nine models in the Core Ultra Series 2, led by the Core Ultra 9 288V. All models share a similar core and thread count with a maximum TDP range of 33 watts. The integrated memory module in the chipset package offers two options: 16GB and 32GB of LPDDR5x RAM clocked at 8533MT/s.
To ensure a seamless and optimized AI-driven PC experience, Intel has announced that most laptops featuring the Intel Core Ultra 200V series will be part of the Intel Evo Edition. These laptops, co-engineered with partners, promise reduced lag, minimized distractions, and extended battery life. They also meet new standards for cooler and quieter operation. Key features of the Intel Ultra 200V Evo Edition include long battery life, built-in Intel Arc graphics, Wi-Fi 7 support, Thunderbolt connectivity, instant wake, fast charging, and EPEAT Gold certification for sustainability.
The new Core Ultra Series 2 lineup will be available in a range of mobile products from popular manufacturers, including Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo, MSI, and Samsung. Expect the new CPUs to hit the market starting September 24. All products featuring Intel Core Ultra 200V series processors will receive Copilot+ PC features via a Windows update in November.
