Intel shows off Meteor Lake processors, Play 1080p video without activating iGPU and compute modules
In a previous discourse, we delved deep into the intricate architecture of Intel’s forthcoming Core Ultra processor, christened Meteor Lake. Its piece de resistance is the segmented modular structure, comprising computational, SOC, graphical, and IO modules. Within this ensemble, the SOC module—housing an integrated media engine, display module, and a duo of LP E-Cores—stands out as particularly intriguing. Remarkably, even with the computational and graphical modules in a dormant state, this module can still be orchestrated for a multitude of tasks.
Intel recently unveiled a captivating video demonstration of Meteor Lake operating seamlessly on an ultrabook. The visual showcase captured the finesse of an ultrabook smoothly rendering an 8K60 video encoded in HEVC, boasting a media bitrate of 120Mbps. It’s awe-inspiring to realize that a mere few years prior, playback of such a format necessitated workstation-grade hardware; yet, present-day ultrabooks are adeptly rising to the challenge.
Yet, what’s even more enthralling is Intel’s feat of disabling the computational and graphical modules of Meteor Lake, and solely harnessing the SOC module to achieve playback of a 1080p video. The visuals were not only impeccable but also flowed with an enviable fluidity. Given that the video decoding was entrusted to the media engine, the load on the CPU remained astonishingly minimal. Hence, with only the two LP E-Cores engaged, and without the activation of the computational module, one could anticipate a substantial augmentation in the longevity of a laptop’s battery life.
The impending inaugural edition of the Core Ultra processor promises a myriad of features, heretofore unseen in its predecessors. Intel has proclaimed the launch of the Meteor Lake processor to be on December 14th. As this date looms closer on the horizon, the anticipation builds for Intel to unveil further revelations about this avant-garde processor.
