Intel announces first batch of second-gen "Lunar Lake" Core Ultra laptop CPUs

Intel has announced its next-generation Core Ultra processors, codenamed "Lunar Lake," set to launch on September 24. These processors, known as Intel Core Ultra (Series 2), aim to enhance power efficiency and battery life while providing modest performance improvements and faster graphics. A notable feature is the new neural processing engine (NPU) designed for generative AI and machine-learning tasks, which will support Microsoft's Copilot+ PCs. Intel claims that its Lunar Lake systems will outperform Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite in battery life during office productivity tasks, although Qualcomm's chips may excel in video conferencing scenarios. The company emphasizes that x86 PCs do not face the compatibility issues that Arm-based systems do, which could sway consumers towards Intel's offerings. The Lunar Lake architecture utilizes fewer silicon chiplets than its predecessor, Meteor Lake, and is manufactured by TSMC. Additionally, Intel plans to integrate system RAM into the CPU package, similar to Apple's M-series chips, which is expected to enhance power efficiency. The initial lineup includes nine CPU models, differentiated by memory configurations.

- Intel's Core Ultra processors will launch on September 24, 2024.

- The new processors promise improved battery life and power efficiency.

- A neural processing engine is included for AI and machine-learning tasks.

- Intel aims to address compatibility issues faced by Arm-based systems.

- The architecture features fewer chiplets and integrates RAM into the CPU package.