Intel's anticipated Panther Lake mobile processor, considered crucial, may release this year, but with a single model, foregoing the intriguing graphics feature.
Ready for Some Gaming Power? The First Panther Lake Chip Comes Later This Year
Ever since word got out earlier this week about Intel's upcoming Panther Lake mobile CPU being a potential game-changer for handheld gaming devices, excitement has been running high. Now, we've got the scoop on the first Panther Lake model Intel will release, coming your way later in 2025. The catch? It won't have the thrilling graphics option we were hoping for.
According to the lowdown on tech site X, Intel will debut just a solitary Panther Lake SKU this year. This powerhouse will boast four P-cores, eight E-cores, zero LP-cores, and a four-core iGPU.
It's a bit of a bummer that this initial variant won't feature the 12 graphics cores we excitingly anticipated from Panther Lake. From earlier reports, it seemed like the most alluring aspect of Panther Lake would be the variant packing 50% more graphics cores than Lunar Lake's eight iGPU cores.
But fret not, gaming enthusiasts! The new Celestial graphics architecture in Panther Lake should still bring a noticeable improvement in performance per graphics core over the Battlemage-based iGPU in Lunar Lake. This means we can expect a substantial leap in gaming performance compared to Lunar Lake if all goes to plan.
You might recall that we were seriously impressed with the Lunar Lake chip in our MSI Claw 8 AI+ A2VM handheld review. It performed exceptionally well, even holding its own against AMD's equivalent handheld chip, as showcased in the Ayaneo 3. So, it's safe to say that if Panther Lake launches in time to beat AMD to the punch, it'll likely be the fastest chip on the handheld gaming market.
There's just a small catch: the rumor mill suggests that the model with 12 graphics cores won't be arriving until 2026. If this intel (pun intended) is correct, we'll have to wait a little longer to get our hands on this beast of a gaming chip.
It's all speculation as to why Intel has opted for a single-model release this year. Some suspect it may have something to do with the fact that Panther Lake utilizes Intel's new 18A node for its CPU tile — it might take a bit longer to ramp up production on a new node. However, cynical tech observers may conclude that Intel's 18A node isn't quite ready for prime time yet and is delaying the full lineup of chips.
Whether or not the rumors are true, the overarching question now is what's keeping Intel from launching the SKU with both the 12-core graphics and LP-cores? It could be that Intel is simply prioritizing the most relevant mainstream SKU for launch and plans to introduce higher-end models later on.
So, while it's disappointing that we won't be getting the full-monty Panther Lake this year, the wait should be worth it. Here's to hoping we'll be able to enjoy Intel's newest gaming powerhouse soon!
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By Jeremy LairdGearhead extraordinaire Jeremy Laird has been writing about technology and PCs since the dawn of the Netburst era (go ahead, Google it!).Intrigued by the nuances of monitor input lag, he finds joy in discussing the topic ad nauseam. And who knew advanced lithography could be so fascinating? Well, Jeremy, apparently.A certified gearhead, Jeremy also has a passion for tennis and cars.
Enrichment Data:- Release Date of Initial Intel Panther Lake SKU: Intel plans to launch the first Panther Lake mobile CPU SKU by the end of 2025, specifically in Q4. This initial high-level SKU is aimed at the gaming segment, providing a balance between performance and energy efficiency.[3][4][5]- Specifications of Initial Intel Panther Lake SKU: The initial SKU will feature: - 4 Cougar Cove Performance Cores (P-cores) - 8 Darkmont Efficiency Cores (E-cores) - No Low-Power Efficiency Cores (LP-cores) - 4 Xe3 GPU Cores - 45W TDP- Delayed Release of SKU with 12 Graphics Cores: The SKU featuring 12 Xe3 GPU cores is not being released this year due to several factors: - Production Challenges: Intel faces supply chain and production challenges related to the new 18A manufacturing process, which is believed to be delaying the rollout of additional SKUs.[3][4] - Staggered Rollout Strategy: Intel is adopting a segmented approach, releasing SKUs based on power and graphics capabilities. This strategy allows Intel to manage supply chain complexities while targeting specific market segments effectively.[4] - Market Segmentation: By staggering the release, Intel can cater to different market needs; for example, high-power gaming laptops are prioritized this year, while ultralight models with potentially lower power envelopes will follow in 2026.[4]
- The highly anticipated Panther Lake chip, set to release by the end of 2025, is aiming to revolutionize handheld gaming devices.
- The initial Panther Lake SKU will include four P-cores, eight E-cores, and four Xe3 GPU Cores, but unfortunately, it won't have the anticipated 12 graphics cores.
- Although the initial model falls short of expectations, the Celestial graphics architecture in Panther Lake is expected to bring a significant improvement in performance per graphics core over Lunar Lake.
- More advanced gadgets and technology enthusiasts may find the delayed release of the SKU with 12 graphics cores disappointing, as it won't arrive until 2026.
- The long-awaited, powerful gaming chip could become the fastest on the handheld market if Panther Lake beats AMD to the punch.
- Despite the initial SKU's limitations, fans of gaming, technology, and Intel's upcoming products should keep an eye on the dissertation around the Panther Lake chip to expect its eventual debut.
