Intel’s next-generation Panther Lake mobile processors are set to adopt a new naming convention, as confirmed by recent updates to system monitoring software HWMonitor. This new scheme introduces the ‘Core Ultra X’ tier, signaling a premium segment for the upcoming lineup. The confirmation comes from HWMonitor’s release notes, which now list specific SKUs under the Panther Lake family, including the anticipated Core Ultra X9, X7, and X5 designations.
Key Takeaways
- Intel’s Panther Lake mobile processors will feature a new ‘Core Ultra X’ naming scheme for top-tier SKUs.
- The lineup includes Core Ultra X9, X7, and X5 processors, alongside standard Core Ultra 9/7/5 and Core Ultra 3 series.
- Panther Lake CPUs will utilize Cougar Cove P-cores, Darkmont E-cores, and a new Xe3 integrated GPU with up to 12 Xe cores.
- The processors are built on Intel’s 18A process node and are expected to launch in late 2025 or early 2026.
New Naming Convention Revealed
The HWMonitor update, version 1.60, explicitly lists SKUs such as the Core Ultra X9 388H, Core Ultra X7 368H, Core Ultra X7 358H, and Core Ultra X5 338H. These ‘X’ variants are expected to feature more powerful integrated graphics, with up to 12 Xe3 cores, and represent the flagship offerings in the Panther Lake family. This move suggests Intel is segmenting its high-end mobile processors more distinctly.
Panther Lake Architecture and SKUs
Panther Lake processors are built on Intel’s 18A process node and combine elements from previous architectures like Lunar Lake and Arrow Lake. The CPU core configuration includes Cougar Cove performance cores (P-cores), Darkmont efficiency cores (E-cores), and Low Power Efficiency cores (LP-E cores). The integrated graphics will be based on the new Xe3 architecture, offering up to 12 Xe cores in the higher-end models. The lineup is divided into Panther Lake-H (performance) and Panther Lake-U (ultra-efficient) series.
Here’s a breakdown of the confirmed SKUs:
Panther Lake-H (Core Ultra X Series):
- Core Ultra X9 388H: 4 P-Cores, 8 E-Cores, 4 LP-E-Cores, 12 Xe3 Cores
- Core Ultra X7 368H: 4 P-Cores, 8 E-Cores, 4 LP-E-Cores, 12 Xe3 Cores
- Core Ultra X7 358H: 4 P-Cores, 8 E-Cores, 4 LP-E-Cores, 12 Xe3 Cores
- Core Ultra X5 338H: 4 P-Cores, 4 E-Cores, 4 LP-E-Cores, 10 Xe3 Cores
Panther Lake-H (Standard Series):
- Core Ultra 9 375H: 4 P-Cores, 8 E-Cores, 4 LP-E-Cores, 4 Xe3 Cores
- Core Ultra 7 355H: 4 P-Cores, 8 E-Cores, 4 LP-E-Cores, 4 Xe3 Cores
- Core Ultra 7 345H: 4 P-Cores, 8 E-Cores, 4 LP-E-Cores, 4 Xe3 Cores
- Core Ultra 5 325H: 4 P-Cores, 4 E-Cores, 4 LP-E-Cores, 4 Xe3 Cores
Panther Lake-U (Ultra-Efficient Series):
- Core Ultra 7 360U: 4 P-Cores, 0 E-Cores, 4 LP-E-Cores, 4 Xe3 Cores
- Core Ultra 5 350U: 4 P-Cores, 0 E-Cores, 4 LP-E-Cores, 4 Xe3 Cores
- Core Ultra 5 340U: 4 P-Cores, 0 E-Cores, 4 LP-E-Cores, 4 Xe3 Cores
- Core Ultra 3 320U: 2 P-Cores, 0 E-Cores, 4 LP-E-Cores, 4 Xe3 Cores
Expected Launch and Performance
Intel is expected to officially unveil the Panther Lake lineup later this year, with products anticipated to ship before the end of 2025 and broader availability in 2026. The new processors aim to deliver improved performance and efficiency for a range of mobile computing needs, from ultraportable devices to high-performance gaming and content creation laptops.
Via HWMonitor
