Intel Core Ultra Series | Everything You Need to Know

Summary

Intel introduces the Core Ultra processor, succeeding the i3, i5, i7 series. It features a new naming scheme without 'i', improved multi-threading performance, and a hybrid architecture with P-Cores and E-Cores. The Ultra also includes AI acceleration, an improved NPU for AI workloads, and Intel Intelligent Display capabilities. Designed for high performance and power efficiency, it's set to deliver immersive experiences with built-in Intel Arc GPUs.

Takeaways

• 💻 **New Processor Line**: Intel introduces the Intel Core Ultra, a new processor line succeeding the i3, i5, i7, and i9 series.
• 🔍 **Naming Convention Change**: Intel abandons the 'i' prefix, opting for Core Ultra 5, Core Ultra 7, and Core Ultra 9.
• 📅 **Upcoming Releases**: Core Ultra will be featured on 14th-Generation Meteor Lake laptops and 15th-Generation Arrow Lake desktops, expected in late 2024.
• 🚀 **Performance Boost**: The Core Ultra offers enhanced multi-threading performance and maintains single-thread performance at lower power consumption.
• 🔧 **Updated Architecture**: It features a new compute tile architecture with performance (P-Cores) and efficient (E-Cores) cores, including low-power island E-Cores.
• ⚡ **Hybrid Architecture**: Combines Intel's Adaptive Boost and Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 for intelligent performance enhancement.
• 🔋 **Power Efficiency**: Built on a new process node, the Core Ultra improves power efficiency with a disaggregated architecture tile.
• 🤖 **AI Acceleration**: The E-Cores now support AI inferencing with VNNI instructions, enhancing AI performance and power efficiency.
• 🧠 **Improved NPU**: The new series includes an improved neural processing unit (NPU) for AI workloads, reducing CPU and GPU burden.
• 🖥️ **Display Capabilities**: Core Ultra processors have Intel Intelligent Display capabilities and Intel Dynamic Power Share options.
• 🎮 **Immersive Experiences**: Designed for laptops and desktops, offering high performance, power efficiency, AI capabilities, and discrete-level graphics.

Q & A

What is the Intel Core Ultra processor?

The Intel Core Ultra is a new addition to Intel's line of processors, succeeding the Intel Core i3, i5, i7, and i9. It promises high-performance computing, power, and advanced features.

Which generation of Intel CPUs will feature the Core Ultra?

The Intel Core Ultra will be featured on Intel's 14th-Generation Meteor Lake CPUs for laptops and on 15th-Generation Arrow Lake CPUs for desktops, expected to launch in late 2024.

How does Intel Core Ultra's naming convention differ from its predecessors?

Intel Core Ultra drops the 'i' from its branding, so instead of 'i3', 'i5', 'i7', or 'i9', you will see 'Core Ultra 5', 'Core Ultra 7', or 'Core Ultra 9'.

What performance improvements does the Intel Core Ultra offer over its predecessors?

The Intel Core Ultra delivers more multi-threading performance than Raptor Lake and roughly equivalent single-thread performance but at much lower power.

What is the updated compute tile architecture in the Intel Core Ultra?

The updated compute tile architecture includes performance hybrid cores (P-Cores) and efficient cores (E-Cores), with the addition of low-power island E-Cores for lightweight tasks.

How does the hybrid architecture in Core Ultra processors enhance performance?

The hybrid architecture combines Intel's Adaptive Boost technology and Intel Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0, intelligently boosting speed beyond rated frequency based on power, heat, and workload.

Which processors have Intel Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 available?

Intel Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 is available only on select H-series Intel Core Ultra 7 and H-series Intel Core Ultra 9 processors.

What is the role of the U series processors in the Intel Core Ultra lineup?

The U series processors are optimized for premium thin and powerful laptops and desktops, providing an optimal balance between performance and power efficiency.

How does the Intel Core Ultra improve power efficiency?

The processor is built on a new process node, and the disaggregation of the Intel architecture tile has resulted in significant improvement in power efficiency.

What AI capabilities does the Intel Core Ultra include?

The Intel Core Ultra includes AI acceleration in the E-Cores with support for virtual neural network (VNNI) instructions for inferencing, leading to better AI performance and improved power efficiency.

What is the role of the improved neural processing unit (NPU) block in the Core Ultra processors?

The improved NPU block helps reduce the burden on the CPU and GPU for AI-optimized workloads, supporting high energy efficiency experiences.

What are the Intel Intelligent Display capabilities of the Core Ultra processors?

The Core Ultra processors feature Intel Intelligent Display capabilities, requiring compatible TCON and display panels, and offer Intel Dynamic Power Share.