Intel has officially launched its Core Ultra 200V series processors, codenamed Lunar Lake, in India, marking a significant advancement in AI and gaming performance. The new lineup is being positioned as Intel’s most efficient x86 processors to date and is available for preorder starting September 12, 2024.
Full retail availability is expected from September 24, 2024. The Core Ultra 200V series promises to power advanced AI-enabled PCs, with over 80 consumer designs expected from more than 20 global manufacturers.
These new processors are said to offer groundbreaking performance, particularly in AI computing, graphics capabilities, and power efficiency. Intel claims that these processors will redefine the x86 architecture experience, delivering not just faster processing but also improved graphics and seamless application compatibility.
Game-changing performance
According to Santhosh Viswanathan, Vice President & Managing Director of Intel India, the Core Ultra 200V processors set a new benchmark in AI and graphic performance for consumers globally.
The processors are equipped with Intel’s new Xe2 graphics architecture, which is claimed to boost mobile graphics performance by 30 per cent. The Core Ultra lineup includes nine new laptop processors, each featuring eight CPU cores and up to eight GPU cores.
Intel’s Xe2 architecture includes eight second-generation Xe-cores, eight enhanced ray tracing units, and support for up to three 4K monitors. In terms of AI performance, the Intel Arc GPU includes Intel Xe Matrix Extensions (XMX) AI engines, providing up to 67 TOPS (tera operations per second), which enables the processor to deliver advanced AI functionalities and smooth graphics.
Intel is keen to highlight the performance advantages of its Core Ultra processors over competitors like Qualcomm. According to the company, the Core Ultra 9 288V processor offers the fastest CPU core and built-in GPU for thin and light laptops.
Intel also claims that its processors deliver up to 120 TOPS for AI computing, offering up to twice the performance per watt compared to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite chipset. The Lunar Lake CPUs are said to provide 68 per cent better graphics performance than Qualcomm’s Snapdragon, positioning Intel as a leader in the AI-driven computing space.
Gokul V Subramaniam, President of Intel India, added that the Lunar Lake processors are the most power-efficient chips Intel has ever built. They aim to deliver up to 20 hours of battery life while maintaining active and productive usage, making these processors ideal for on-the-go consumers. In addition to their energy efficiency, laptops running on these processors will be eligible for a free upgrade to Copilot+ PC features, starting in November.
Intel has collaborated with independent software vendors to optimise over 500 AI models, ensuring that the new processors fully utilise their AI capabilities. The Core Ultra series processors come with support for up to 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM and feature a combination of Lion Cove performance cores and Skymont efficiency cores, offering a total of 120 TOPS across the CPU, GPU, and neural processing unit (NPU).
In terms of connectivity, the processors support the latest technologies, including Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 with LE Audio, and Gigabit Ethernet. Devices powered by Lunar Lake processors can also be equipped with up to three Thunderbolt 4 ports, along with multiple USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports.
Intel Core Ultra 200V: Availability
Laptops and other devices featuring Intel’s Core Ultra 200V processors will be available for preorder from leading retail platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, Croma, Reliance Digital, and Vijay Sales from September 12, with full availability starting September 24.
Major global manufacturers such as Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo, MSI, and Samsung are expected to release models powered by Intel’s latest processors.
As the market anticipates the release of these devices, Intel’s claims regarding performance and efficiency will likely be subject to independent reviews and evaluations. However, with its focus on AI capabilities, energy efficiency, and gaming performance, the Core Ultra 200V series is poised to make a significant impact in the computing industry.