Since 1986, Intel has been one of the biggest names in computer technology. The company, started by two Silicon Valley leaders in tech innovation, provides components for billions of devices worldwide and is known for its i-series processors, which provide affordable yet powerful processing power.
The latest range of Intel processors, the Intel Core Ultra range, takes processing power and matches it with unrivalled power consumption, innovation, and cutting-edge technology. Here, we’ll examine these small but mighty processing units and see how Intel has revolutionised the tech industry yet again.
Hybrid Core Technology
The first and most prominent change from traditional processing units is the Intel Core Ultra’s architecture. Operating using hybrid core technology, Core Ultra processes use P-cores (performance cores) and E-cores (efficient cores), each of which handles various tasks.
As the name implies, P-cores handle demanding tasks and help single-threaded applications run more smoothly. E-cores, however, focus more on processing background tasks and ensuring that multitasking is power-efficient.
With two types of cores available, Core Ultra CPUs allocate resources via intelligent algorithms based on the workload required to maximise performance and minimise power consumption. This helps streamline all tasks and improve overall PC performance.
Chipset Design and CUDIMM
Aside from the hybrid core system, Core Ultra series processors also vary in their chipset design. Each core is manufactured uniquely and utilises differing components, with P-cores using the latest manufacturing processes and E-cores using more power-efficient designs and materials.
The support of DDR5 CUDIMM memory also makes Core Ultra CPUs stand out. Clocked Unbuffered Dual In-line Memory Module (CUDIMM) is a relatively new memory technology significantly reducing noise and boosting components’ signal integrity. This leads to better performance, especially when used with extensive workloads.
Integrated AI and NPU
The final marked difference between Intel Core Ultra and traditional CPUs is their integrated AI engine and NPUs. As AI (artificial intelligence) continues to weave its way into the very fabric of computing systems, processors’ ability to handle the extensive processing power these models require is growing increasingly important.
Whether putting together a customized European holiday itinerary or just finding all the latest slots welcome offers, the dedicated AI engine integrated into Core Ultra boosts the performance of AI processing.
The integrated NPU (Neural Processing Unit) within each Core Ultra also aids in the local processing of AI tasks rather than relying on cloud resources, which your connection or other users could limit. Measured in TOPS (tera operations per second), each Ultra model is released with unique TOPS values that indicate the processor’s ability to process AI tasks.
Performance and Benchmarks
The performance of the Intel Core Ultra CPUs proves the efficiency of the new hybrid design. The Core Ultra 9 285 performs significantly better than the Core i9-14900K, particularly in creative application processing.
For those conscious of energy usage, the Core Ultra processors also excel. Comparing the Core Ultra 9 285 to the Core i9 14900K, the Ultra utilises almost 65 watts less than the i9 for extensive visual rendering. This saving on power consumption is attributed to the intelligent adjustment of power delivered to the different cores in the hybrid system based on workload.
The Ultra series of CPUs also offers impressive results in terms of clock speeds. With P-core base clocks of around 700 MHz and E-core clocks of up to 1 GHz (model dependent), these clocks demonstrate the incredible performance of this cutting-edge technology.
While the boosted performance is notable, the new hybrid core approach also has some drawbacks. Despite performing exceedingly well in everyday single-threaded tasks using benchmarks like SPECint2017, performance drops slightly when performing more intensive multi-threaded tasks.
This drop in power is due to the hybrid design’s energy efficiency, which sometimes favours lower power consumption over raw power.
Intel Core Ultra vs. Other CPUs
Despite performing admirably compared to CPUs already in Intel’s arsenal (such as the i-series), the Core Ultra range’s real test will be how it stands up to competitors—namely AMD Ryzen and Apple’s M-series.
Core Ultra performs on par with AMD’s Ryzen for daily productivity and office use. However, the X3D chips developed by AMD, which leverage 33D V-Cache technology, still perform better for gaming.
Compared to Apple, Core Ultra performs as well, if not sometimes better, when performing multi-core processors. However, Apple’s M-series chips remain among the best available when comparing single-core performance and battery utilisation. This, however, could also be due to the difference in operating systems, with Intel using Windows and Apple using MacOS.
Intel Core Ultra Devices
Although Core Ultra CPUs are relatively new to the market, having just appeared in 2024, many devices are already utilising the hybrid cores they offer. The most prominent type of device is laptops, for which the new CPUs were explicitly developed.
Brands that have adopted these CPUs include MSI, Acer, ASUS, Samsung, LG, and Dell. Many other gaming laptops have also integrated them. These include portable gaming devices, such as the handheld MSI Claw, released with variants that utilise the Core Ultra 5, 7, and 9.
After the initial success of the Core CPU range in laptops, Intel has expanded the range to include desktop options. Brands such as MSI, HP, and YEYIAN have pushed these to market, with various uses ranging from gaming to productivity.
Finally, many tablets have also launched utilising Intel’s latest CPUs. Among the most notable is the Microsoft Surface Pro 10, a 2-in-1 tablet with the Core Ultra 7 that performs exceptionally well. As such, it’s ideal for those looking to be productive while travelling.
Conclusion
Known as one of the most extraordinary innovators in the industry, Intel has again proven its ability to think outside the box and push the limits of technology to achieve great results. While there are still a few areas, such as gaming performance, that the Core Ultra series could improve in, the processors have made a remarkable splash in the industry and will likely only get better over time.