Intel is gearing up for a major CPU refresh with two next-gen families: Panther Lake and Nova Lake, set to redefine both mobile and desktop performance in late 2025 and 2026. These chips will expand the Core Ultra branding and introduce a new tier called Core Ultra X, with leaked models like the Core Ultra X7 358H already surfacing2.
Panther Lake (Core Ultra 300 Series – Mobile CPUs)
Launching October 9, Panther Lake will be Intel’s flagship mobile architecture built on the Intel 18A process. It features:
- Hybrid Core Layout:
- 4 Performance cores (Cougar Cove)
- 8 Efficiency cores (Darkmont)
- 4 Low-power E-cores (Skymont)
- Integrated GPU: Up to 12 Xe3 “Celestial” cores
- AI Performance: 5th-gen NPU with up to 180 TOPS
- Memory Support: DDR5 up to 7200 MT/s, LPDDR5X up to 8533 MT/s
- TDP Range: 15W to 45W SKUs
Panther Lake is designed for Copilot+ laptops, with a focus on AI workloads, battery efficiency, and integrated graphics power4.
Core Ultra X Branding: What’s the “X”?
Intel is introducing a new naming tier: Core Ultra X5 / X7 / X9, likely to differentiate chips with enhanced GPU, NPU, or power configurations. For example:
- Core Ultra X7 358H:
- 4P + 8E + 4LP-E
- 12 Xe3 GPU cores
- Targeted at high-end laptops and AI PCs5
The “X” may signal extreme performance, expanded AI capabilities, or simply a new marketing tier to rival AMD’s X3D branding.
Nova Lake (Core Ultra 400 Series – Desktop CPUs)
Expected in late 2026, Nova Lake will be Intel’s next desktop architecture:
- Socket: New LGA 1954
- Core Layouts:
- Up to 16P + 32E + 4 LP-E cores
- Cache tile rumored to rival AMD’s 3D V-Cache
- Process Node: Intel 18A for compute tiles, possibly TSMC 2nm for graphics
- Integrated Graphics: Xe3 Celestial architecture
- Target: High-end gaming, workstation, and AI desktop PCs6
What to Expect Next
Intel will officially unveil Panther Lake and Core Ultra X on October 9 during its Tech Tour event. Nova Lake details will follow in 2026, likely with a full desktop launch and new motherboard platform.