Intel has just launched its new Core Ultra 200V series “Lunar Lake” CPUs, but whispers of its next-generation Core Ultra 300 series “Panther Lake” are already circulating. Leaked information from industry insider “Jaykhin” suggests the final Panther Lake SKUs will include a powerful Panther Lake-H processor. This chip boasts an impressive 18 cores of CPU power, a significant upgrade from the 16 cores found in the recently launched Lunar Lake CPUs.
Beyond the core count, the Panther Lake-H processor also packs a punch with up to 12 Xe2 “Celestial” GPU cores. These GPUs, combined with the increased core count, will likely lead to significant performance enhancements for graphics-intensive tasks. The information shared by Jaykhin comes from “pre-EDS” specifications, which are internal documents detailing the processor’s capabilities, performance, and other crucial aspects that Intel shares with its partners. This allows manufacturers to begin designing products around the Panther Lake chip ahead of its official launch.
Intel plans to build the Core Ultra 300 series “Panther Lake” CPUs on its new Intel 18A process node. This fabrication process will be crucial in enabling the processor’s performance and efficiency. Panther Lake will also feature new core architectures, including Cougar Cove P-Cores and Skymont E-Cores. These cores are designed for different workloads, with the P-Cores optimized for performance and the E-Cores for power efficiency.
While the current Lunar Lake CPUs utilize the new Xe2 “Battlemage” integrated graphics, which offer over 50% performance improvements over the previous generation, Panther Lake will take a leap forward with its next-gen Xe3 “Celestial” GPU cores. The flagship Panther Lake-H processor will offer up to 12 of these powerful Xe3 cores, hinting at even more substantial graphics performance gains.
One leaked Panther Lake-H processor configuration includes 6 x P-Cores, 8 x E-Cores, and 4 x LP-E cores, along with a 4 Xe3 core integrated GPU. This version is rated at 45W TDP. Another configuration shares the same core count but features a beefed-up 12 Xe3 core GPU, with a reduced TDP of 28W.
Intel is expected to release a range of Panther Lake SKUs, including both Panther Lake-H and Panther Lake-HX variants, as well as lower-power Panther Lake-U options. These variations will likely target different segments of the market, catering to various power requirements and performance needs.
While Intel enthusiasts may have to wait until the second half of 2025 for the Panther Lake series to arrive, the recent launch of the Core Ultra 200V series “Lunar Lake” CPUs offers a taste of the advancements to come. The leaks surrounding Panther Lake suggest a significant leap in CPU and GPU performance, promising a powerful future for Intel’s processor lineup.
