Intel has officially confirmed that testing for its Panther Lake processors is underway, with plans to bring them to laptops next year. Recent findings in the PCI ID database suggest that software optimizations are already being made for the new cores, even though these CPUs aren’t expected to reach consumers until 2025.
According to the PCI ID information, Intel’s upcoming mobile processors will feature two types of cores: Darkmont (for efficiency) and Cougar Cove (for high performance). Previously, it was believed that the efficient cores would use the Skymont architecture — the same one found in the Core Ultra 200 series.
However, since early 2024, Intel has indicated that the Darkmont architecture would debut first in the Xeon Clearwater Forest processors. These chips, like Panther Lake, are being developed using Intel’s new “18A” manufacturing process, which, despite some delays, is expected to be ready by 2025.
Possible Panther Lake configuration
Leaked details suggest that Intel’s upcoming Panther Lake lineup will feature configurations combining four high-performance Cougar Cove cores and up to eight efficient Darkmont cores. There’s also talk that the Core Ultra 300 series could adopt LP-E cores, similar to what we saw in Meteor Lake chips — something noticeably absent in Lunar Lake processors.
Beyond the CPU architecture, Panther Lake laptops might debut with Intel’s next generation of Xe graphics, currently known as “Heavenly.” If true, this points to the possibility that new Xe3-based GPUs could also be in the pipeline, though for now, it remains in the realm of speculation.
A major highlight is the expected debut of Intel’s “18A” lithography process with Panther Lake in the mainstream mobile segment. This move is seen as a bold step for Intel, especially as the company seeks to regain momentum in a highly competitive market. Given the current state of the “blue team,” Panther Lake could represent a decisive, all-in gamble to win back leadership in the tech industry.
