Intel Unveils Ambitious New Chips at CES 2025: A Fresh Start?
After facing a challenging year, Intel is making waves at CES 2025 with the launch of its latest chip lineup. This marks the company’s most significant product announcement since a leadership shakeup and after dealing with previous overheating issues. The stakes are undeniably high for Intel as they roll out their new processors, ranging from the nimble Core 3 to the powerhouse Core Ultra 200H, part of the new Core Ultra Series 2.
The new Core Ultra processors are designed to cater to a wide range of power needs, available in low (35 watts), standard (65 watts), and high power (125 watts) configurations, with core counts between 14 and 24. These chips also come with advanced features like Intel’s latest Wi-Fi 7 technology and integrated memory.
- P-cores for performance
- E-cores for efficiency
- Low-power E-cores for enhanced power efficiency
Intel has revamped its P-cores with AI-based power management, while its E-cores are touted as their most efficient yet. These innovations aim to deliver robust performance in sleek, lightweight systems.
“Next-gen low-power E-cores optimized for tasks requiring less power, along with new power, thermal, and acoustic features, help create powerhouse thin and light systems,” stated Intel in a release.
{Intel Press Release}
The Core Ultra 200H models feature built-in graphics with Intel Arc technology, while other chips like the Core Ultra 200S and Core Ultra 200U include Intel Graphics GPUs and AI Boost accelerator tech for enhanced AI capabilities.
Some processors in the lineup, such as those within the Core Ultra 200HX series, incorporate Intel’s neural processing unit (NPU), which is designed to run AI applications efficiently. Notably, the Core Ultra 200V boasts double the bandwidth of its predecessor’s NPU.
Intel positions its Core Ultra chips across varied applications: commercial uses for the Core Ultra 200V, HX, H, U, and S chips; desktop performance from the Core Ultra 200S series; and enthusiast notebooks for the Ultra 200HX.
A unique feature of the Core Ultra 200V is its integration with Intel’s vPro enterprise ecosystem, offering advanced security features like Pluton, Microsoft’s hardware-based security co-processor.
Intel has highlighted significant performance improvements in some models. For instance, the Core Ultra 285—soon available as the Core Ultra 9 processor—offers nearly three times better graphics performance than its predecessor. Meanwhile, the Core Ultra 285H can execute Meta’s Llama 3 AI model over three times faster than previous iterations.
Expect to see PCs equipped with Core Ultra 200V, HX, H, U, and S chips later this month. Systems featuring the new Core Ultra 200H will be available early in Q1 this year, followed by those powered by Ultra 200HX chips later in Q1.
