Intel releases 'Lunar Lake' Core Ultra 200V series of processors

Intel has launched what the chip giant says is its most efficient x86 processor family to date, the Core Ultra 200V range, code named "Lunar Lake".

Much hinges on the new processors for Intel, which has so far failed to capitalise on the artificial intelligence boom, according to chief executive Pat Gelsinger who recently announced large staff cuts due to faltering sales.

WIth the Core Ultra 200V, Intel said the processors will deliver exceptional performance and "breakthrough x86 power efficiency" so as to compete with cool-running and long-lasting Arm architecture silicon used by Apple and recently, Microsoft for its Surface laptops.

Some of the design improvements the Core Ultra 200V family bring include:

• Up to 50 per cent lower package power compared to previous generations
• Up to 120 total platform TOPS (tera operations per second) across the central, graphics and neural processing units (CPU, GPU, and NPU respectively).
• A fourth-generation NPU that is up to 4x more powerful than its predecessor
• Debut of Intel's new Xe2 graphics microarchitecture, delivering a 30 per cent average performance uplift
• Up to 3x the performance per thread and up to 80 per cent peak performance uplift
• Up to 20 hours of battery life in productivity use cases.

The processors are set to be used in over 80 consumer Intel Evo-baed designs from more than 20 leading manufacturers, including Acer, ASUS, Dell Technologies, HP, Lenovo, LG, MSI, and Samsung.

These are aimed at several use cases, including content creation, security, productivity, and gaming.

With the new processors onboard, the PCs offer features such as automatic video scene detection, AI-generated art, deep-fake detection, and AI-enhanced gaming experiences.

Intel also touted the "no-compromise application compatibility" of the x86-based chips, and enhanced security.

The powerful 120 TOPS NPU is leveraging AI hardware capabilities enabled by Intel's collaboration with over 100 integrated software vendors and developers.

Pre-orders for devices featuring the new processors begin today, with systems available globally on-shelf and online at over 30 global retailers starting September 24 US time.

All designs featuring Intel Core Ultra 200V series processors and running the latest version of Windows will be eligible to receive Copilot+ PC features as a free update starting in November.