Discover some new features introduced by the new Intel Core Ultra line, with improvements that could make an entire segment of notebooks obsolete
A Intel officially launched the Meteor Lake processors, inaugurating the line Intel Core Ultra, with SoC that combines CPU, GPU and NPU. With this, the company also introduces the new generation of Intel EVO sealbringing improvements in performance, battery life and embedded technologies that could make the entry-level gaming notebook segment immediately obsolete.
- How Intel’s NPU and AI can help you in your everyday life
- Intel Core Ultra | 4 practical applications of the new AI CPUs
Last Thursday (14th), the Canaltech saw the launch of Intel Core notebooks firsthand Ultra, during the Intel AI Everywhere event, in New York. After testing some of the models already available on the international marketit is important to clarify some details that can justify the investment for those interested in entering the generation of PCs with AI as early as 2024.
1. NPU focuses on energy optimization
In a conversation with Dan Rogers, Senior Director of Mobile Solutions, and Robert Hallock, Technical Marketing, Intel executives emphasized that the NPU does not increase raw performance. The new Neural Processing Unit of Intel chips focuses on optimizing the power consumption of components as much as possible.
In terms of instruction execution engines, it works similarly to GPUs, but much more energy efficient. Therefore, the NPU can absorb heavier workloads from the GPU and CPU, dramatically reducing power consumption and increasing battery life.
2. New P, E and LP-E core architecture
Starting with the 12th generation Alder Lake processors, Intel introduced a hybrid core architecture, similar to the standard one big small of ARM processors. With E cores, designed for efficiency, and P cores, focused on performance, it was already possible to achieve significant gains in instruction optimization with low power.
In Intel Core Ultra, the core architecture introduces a new component: LP-E cores, which are efficient with low power consumption. As the name suggests, they can process simpler, more recurring instructions with as little energy expenditure as possible.
3. New order of assignment of instructions
In addition to introducing a third set of cores, Intel engineering teams have restructured how instruction sets (ISAs) are prioritized for allocation. Until then, the processor requested the most intensive instructions for the P cores first, directing the rest to the E cores.
This process has been optimized in the new Intel Core Ultra, first assigning low-level instructions, such as controllers, to the LP-E cores, the most complex ones, but which still require coherence for the other E cores, while those that depend on performance maximum are the last to be assigned. Reversing the order of this process was essential to optimize power consumption and allow the CPU to increase instructions per cycle (IPC).
4. Quieter and lighter
Naturally, this series of changes allows the thermal design to be exponentially reduced, while still significantly increasing performance. One of ultra-thin models on display at AI Everywhere it was capable of running games in Full HD with medium to high graphics, reaching up to 80 stable FPS, while maintaining processor consumption between 28W and 35W.
To achieve these configurations in the current generation of gaming notebooks, both a mid-range CPU and a dedicated graphics card are generally needed, with TDPs of at least 45W and 50W respectively. This implies much more robust thermal solutions, increased noise levels, size, comfort during use due to passive heat dissipation in the keyboard region, and weight.
So, an Intel Core Ultra 7 165H processor, intermediate model, with iGPU Arc, like the one in Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon, presented at the launch event, easily surpasses the performance of many current notebooks with dedicated cards, but in a smaller format, extremely light and very silent.
5. No drop in battery performance
Another very common problem in gaming notebooks is that the system activates the power saving mode when the PC is disconnected from the power supply. This basically forces all graphics processing from the dedicated GPU to the much simpler iGPU, making most titles “unplayable”.
Since Intel Core Ultras rely on the more energy-efficient NPU, graphics quality and frame rates running exclusively on battery power remain unchanged. This is because graphics continue to be processed in the same way by the integrated Arc GPU, only more instructions are absorbed by the NPU, with instruction execution engines having a similar structure to GPUs for intensive workloads.
6. Good quality even without AI
One of the features that allows the new ultrathins to outperform many gaming notebooks are the extrapolation and acceleration solutions via XeSS AI. However, during the New York hands-on, we had the opportunity to disable the feature to observe the impact on gameplay.
Contrary to expectations, average performance continued above a stable 60 FPS and with acceptable fluidity, without changing any other texture or effects settings. This suggests that even titles published without daily support XeSS technology can still be played satisfactorily until the new drivers arrive.
7. Good battery life
Finally, the main negative point of gaming notebooks, regardless of the segment, is that the battery life during gaming rarely reaches 2 hours, even in power saving mode and with reduced graphics quality. By keeping XeSS enabled and simply unplugging the notebook from power, battery life on new models equipped with Intel Core Ultra exceeds 3 hours.
Obviously this value is well below the 10 hours estimated for the new Intel Evo Powered by Intel Core Ultra seal, as it constitutes an exception to the expected usage profile. However, even when gaming without losing graphics performance, this battery life exceeds – or at least equals – that of current gaming notebooks in light tasks, such as browsing or editing documents.
Raise the bar
It is important to highlight that all the notebooks presented in this first moment were ultra-thin models focused on productivity and business use. This means that none of them were specifically designed to operate in the gamer segment.
However, they outperform virtually all models with simpler dedicated GPUs, such as the RTX 3050/4050, without compromising their small, lightweight form factor and extreme portability. Therefore it is natural to assume that the new generations of notebooks will be increasingly focused on versatile uses, theoretically eliminating the entry-level gaming notebook segment.
🛒 Buy Intel Evo notebooks at the best price!
🛒 Buy Intel processors at the best price!
When asked about this possibility, both Rogers and Hallock were adamant that they do not believe it will happen. Indeed, the projection is that “all PCs will have NPUs within a few years”, and the natural impact is that entry-level products will only be vastly superior to current ones, raising the bar of what is possible in mobile systems in all sectors. segments, from entry level to enthusiasts.
Trends on Canaltech:
- The 50 funniest Google Assistant jokes
- Cell phone insurance | The app that blocks stolen cell phones is now available
- Volcano erupts in Iceland; see aerial images
- Everlasting chemicals accelerate the progression of colorectal cancer
- The government will launch an app to block stolen cellphones
- 🚨 WITH CASHBACK | Galaxy S23 at one of the lowest prices ever recorded
Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
