If you are looking for a new laptop or desktop that can handle any task you throw at it, you might want to check out Intel’s latest processor, the Core Ultra series.
The Intel Core Ultra series is based on the Meteor Lake architecture, which combines different types of cores to accomplish the best performance-to-power-consumption balance.
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What to Expect from the Intel Core Ultra Series
The Core Ultra series of chips currently comes in two models, the Core Ultra 7 and Core Ultra 5. If you want the more powerful flagship processor, go with the Core Ultra 7 with 16 cores and 22 threads and a boost frequency of up to 5.0 GHz.
Meanwhile, the Core Ultra 5 is the more affordable option as it only comes with 14 cores and 18 threads, with a boost frequency of up to 4.6 GHz. With these numbers, it’s surprising that they only consume up to 28 watts, making them as power-efficient as Apple’s M-series chips.
Improved Graphics
Another highlight of the Core Ultra series is the new graphics solution based on the Intel Arc architecture, which you can push for 4K gaming and your video editing and rendering needs.
It also supports Intel’s Deep Link technology, allowing the processor and graphics units to work seamlessly and efficiently.
The Core Ultra series is designed to compete with the latest Apple Silicon chips that are currently dominating the laptop market with their impressive performance and battery life.
Comparing Intel Ultra with Apple Silicon
The following tables compare the specifications and performance of the Core Ultra 7 and Ultra 5 with the Apple M2 and M3 processors:
Specs
Processor | Cores/Threads | Max Turbo Frequency | TDP | AI Engine | Graphics |
Core Ultra 7 | Up to 16/22 | Up to 5.0 GHz | 28 W | Intel AI Boost | Intel Arc Graphics with up to 8 Xe cores |
Core Ultra 5 | Up to 14/18 | Up to 4.6 GHz | 28 W | Intel AI Boost | Intel Arc Graphics with up to 7 Xe cores |
Apple M2 | 8-core CPU | Up to 3.5 GHz | 20 W | Yes | 8-core GPU |
Apple M3 | 8-core CPU | Up to 4.05 GHz | 20 W | Yes | 10-core GPU |
Benchmarks
Benchmark/Application | Core Ultra 7 | Core Ultra 5 | Apple M2 | Apple M3 |
Geekbench 6 (Single Core) | Up to 2,200 | Up to 2,000 | Up to 2,000 | Up to 2,300 |
Geekbench 6 (Multi-core) | Up to 22,000 | Up to 16,000 | Up to 20,000 | Up to 22,500 |
Cinebench R23 | Up to 17,000 | Up to 12,000 | Up to 15,000 | Up to 17,500 |
Battery Life (General Usage) | Up to 8 hours | Up to 10 hours | Up to 15 hours | Up to 16 hours |
Battery Life (Light Productivity) | Up to 9 hours | Up to 12 hours | Up to 15 hours | Up 18 hours |
Note: Performance varies between different chip models.
Where to Get Intel Ultra Machines
If you’re looking for a power-efficient Windows machine with the Core Ultra, expect them to be on different machines in early 2024. Laptops from Intel partners, such as Dell, Lenovo, Asus, and more, will have models that come with these chips.
The Core Ultra series is designed to compete with Apple’s M-series processors, which have impressed users with their performance and battery life.
Technology Content Crafter. Helping you unbox the latest in tech trends, especially with laptops and mobile devices. A PC gaming enthusiast who loves to cook and is currently obsessed with sim games and pizza dough.