Anticipated Intel mobile processor, Panther Lake, reportedly set for release this year, expected to debut with a sole model, lacking the intriguing graphics feature.
Gear Up for Intel's Panther Lake: What's Really Coming This Year
Remember we hyped up Intel's Panther Lake mobile CPU for gaming handhelds a while back? Well, here's an update on the first Panther Lake model Intel plans to release later this year. But brace yourselves, gamers – it seems it won't come with the exciting graphics option we'd hoped for.
According to the latest scoop on X, Intel will launch only one Panther Lake SKU this year. It'll boast four performance cores, eight efficiency cores, zero low-power efficiency cores, and four Xe3 cores for graphics.
Now, you might be wondering about that iGPU part. Previously, we were buzzing about a variant with a whopping 12 graphics cores. Unfortunately, this initial release doesn't seem to include that option.
On a brighter note, the new Celestial graphics architecture in Panther Lake is expected to offer more performance per graphics core than the Battlemage-based iGPU in Lunar Lake. So, while the base model might be a letdown, future iterations could still deliver a substantial leap in gaming performance.
In fact, Panther Lake could easily stake its claim as the fastest chip for handhelds if it manages to outperform AMD's Strix Point. According to our review of the MSI Claw 8 AI+ A2VM handheld, Lunar Lake is a solid contender for best chip for gaming handhelds, offering a competitive edge against AMD's Strix Point-based Ayaneo 3.
But here's the catch: if these rumors hold true, we'll have to wait until 2026 for the Panther Lake model with 12 graphics cores. It appears Intel is focusing on one model for 2025, and the delay might be due to the new 18A node Intel is using for the CPU tile.
Now, some industry insiders might raise eyebrows, suggesting that Intel's 18A node isn't quite ready for volume production. Nevertheless, the company seems determined to get at least one Panther Lake-based chip out in 2025 to stick to its self-imposed roadmap.
The big question remains: why the specific SKU for the initial release? Maybe Intel prefers to start with the most mainstream SKU before introducing more high-end models later. The production of graphics tiles will reportedly take place on TSMC's N3E node, which shouldn't pose any production issues.
So, here's to hoping that we won't have too long to wait before we get our first taste of Panther Lake and 18A. We'll just have to hold our horses for that 12-core model a tad longer.
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Jeremy LairdAn experienced tech writer, Jeremy Laird has been covering the ins and outs of tech and PCs since the Netburst era (Google it!). His favorite topics include the finer points of monitor input lag, advanced lithography, and anything that goes "ping!" He also has a thing for tennis and cars.
- Despite the disappointment over the graphics option, the new Celestial graphics architecture in Panther Lake is anticipated to outperform the Battlemage-based iGPU in Lunar Lake, offering hope for future iterations with improved gaming performance.
- The launch of the first Panther Lake model this year will only include one SKU with four performance cores, eight efficiency cores, and four Xe3 cores for graphics, falling short of the promised 12 graphics cores previously mentioned.
- If one is looking for the best CPU for gaming, top picks from both Intel and AMD are available, providing a solid foundation for an immersive gaming experience.
- Some industry insiders have raised concerns about Intel's readiness for volume production using its 18A node, as it might delay the release of the Panther Lake model with 12 graphics cores, which isn't expected until 2026.
