Intel is set to host an event themed “AI Everywhere” on December 14th
At Intel’s Technology Innovation conference in September, they provided an outline of the Meteor Lake architecture. However, specifics about the product and CPU performance would remain undisclosed until the official launch. Previously, Intel had hinted at a December 14th release date. Now, with a formal announcement, Intel is set to host an event themed “AI Everywhere” on December 14th, during which they will officially unveil the Core Ultra processor codenamed Meteor Lake, and the fifth-generation Xeon Scalable processor dubbed Emerald Rapids.
The emphasis of this event is distinctly on AI. The server-grade Emerald Rapids will incorporate dedicated AI acceleration engines. Similarly, previous architectural details about Meteor Lake confirmed the inclusion of a Neural Processing Unit (NPU), forming a triad of AI computational cores along with the CPU and GPU. This synergy ensures a balance of performance and power consumption across diverse AI tasks. For an in-depth analysis of the Meteor Lake architecture, one can refer to our previously penned piece titled, “Deciphering the Meteor Lake Architecture: Introduction of the New LP E-Core and NPU, Propelling PCs into the High-Efficiency AI Era”. In essence, it’s a processor architecture with a pronounced focus on AI support.
Regarding Meteor Lake’s specifications, it’s confirmed to feature up to 6 P-Cores, 8 E-Cores, and an additional 2 LP E-Cores within the SoC module. The P-Core architecture is upgraded to Redwood Cove, while the E-Core transitions to Crestmont. The GPU module, now based on the revamped Xe-LPG architecture, incorporates some technologies from the Arc A-series discrete graphics. Compared to its predecessor, the Xe cores have increased from 6 to 8 – a 33% increment. Furthermore, the geometry rendering pipeline count has doubled, and 8 ray-tracing units have been added, marking a significant improvement in integrated graphics.
As for the fifth-generation Xeon Scalable processor, Emerald Rapids, it continues to use the existing Eagle Stream platform. The core is based on Raptor Cove, the foundation for the current 13th/14th generation Core series. Manufactured using Intel’s 7nm process, it boosts core counts up to 64, paired with a 320MB L3 cache and 128MB L2 cache.
It’s imperative to note that the event’s consumer segment will prominently spotlight the Core Ultra processors, centering around Meteor Lake. However, the next-generation mobile processors will still encompass the Raptor Lake Refresh, including the high-performance 14th-generation Core HX series and the low-power Core 100 U series. Whether they will be announced simultaneously remains to be seen.
