Intel Delivers First Intel 18A Panther Lake CPU to Lenovo

Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger recently delivered a sample of the next-generation Panther Lake CPU, produced using the cutting-edge Intel 18A (1.8nm) process node, to Lenovo. This milestone was announced during Gelsinger's speech at the 2024 Lenovo Tech World event, highlighting Intel's collaboration with Lenovo. The Panther Lake CPU made its debut at the event, signaling that the chip is now ready and affirming Gelsinger's earlier statements about Intel 18A's progress, with strong results in lab tests.

Intel 18A is a leading-edge process node, set to enter production in 2025, featuring the advanced RibbonFET and PowerVia technologies. These innovations will enable the development of larger, more efficient processors, driving the next wave of AI computing. According to Gelsinger, the Intel 18A process is expected to outperform TSMC's N2 (2nm) node. Although the transistor density between Intel 18A and TSMC N2 appears comparable, Intel's superior backside power delivery offers better area efficiency, reducing costs while enhancing performance.

In terms of configuration, leaked details indicate that the Panther Lake series will feature four different SKUs, utilizing the new Cougar Cove P-Cores for performance, Darkmont E-Cores for efficiency, and possible upgrades to the LP E-Cores. The CPU core count will reach up to 16, while the GPU will use the new Xe3 architecture, codenamed "Celestial," with up to 12 cores.

Here are the core configurations for the Panther Lake-H and Panther Lake-U series:

· PTL-H SKU #1: 4 P-Cores + 8 E-Cores + 0 LP-E Cores + 4 Xe3 Cores (TDP 45W)

· PTL-H SKU #2: 4 P-Cores + 8 E-Cores + 4 LP-E Cores + 12 Xe3 Cores (TDP 25W)

· PTL-H SKU #3: 4 P-Cores + 8 E-Cores + 4 LP-E Cores + 4 Xe3 Cores (TDP 25W)

· PTL-U SKU #1: 4 P-Cores + 0 E-Cores + 4 LP-E Cores + 4 Xe3 Cores (TDP 15W)