Intel unveils its next-gen processor ‘Lunar Lake' promising improved power efficiency and lower costs
Technology giant Intel has announced its upcoming generation of AI processors code-named ‘Lunar Lake' which is touted to deliver significantly better power efficiency and reduced costs compared to previous generations. Speaking to an Indian publication recently, Dan Rogers, Vice President at Intel, stated that early analysis indicates Lunar Lake will use around 40% less power than Meteor Lake, Intel's first AI-optimized chip.
Rogers explained that this power savings is achieved through innovations like integrating memory directly onto the processor package which helps reduce the board size substantially. The compact designs allow laptops to utilize the freed-up internal space for larger batteries or other components, offering prolonged usage per charge. The lower-cost board designs are also expected to modestly reduce the manufacturing expenses for OEM partners.
Key specs of Lunar Lake that indicate its focus on AI workload include dedicated 48 TOPS Neural Processing Unit and up to 120 total TOPS of processing across CPU, GPU and NPU. This places it among the most powerful AI chips available currently. Rogers highlighted how the specialized NPU architecture is optimized for constant background tasks to preserve battery life, complementing the raw performance of GPUs best suited for peak loads.
Early prototypes show Lunar Lake delivering twice the base RAM amount offered in competitors. Laptops and mini-PCs utilizing the new chip are projected to debut later this year and are likely precursors to the wide rollout of on-device generative AI capabilities pioneered by this generation of Intel processors.
