Intel Core Ultra chipsets: What the AI-powered processors mean for real-world users

2023 was the year of AI, and as it turns out, 2024 is not a lot different. We say not a lot, since this year, all eyes have been on on-device AI capabilities rather than cloud-based generative AI.

And a pioneer in the field has been Intel, which was responsible for bringing such powers to laptops (and desktops) via its Core Ultra series of processors. Since their introduction, the market has seen a slew of new laptops, from the Lenovo ThinkPad and IdeaPad series to the HP Spectre and Omen lineup, being launched with Core Ultra series processors.

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Now, the average user may wonder just why they should invest in an Intel Core Ultra device, and whether they are worth the premium. To help answer the same, we’ve put together this list of five features of Core Ultra lineup of processors.

1. Smooth multitasking with higher processing speeds

Intel’s Core Ultra processors feature a hybrid architecture with high-performance cores (P-cores) for demanding tasks, as well as efficiency cores (E-cores) for background processes.

What this means is smoother multitasking for users, while also a more optimised power usage. Also, it brings with it much faster processing of instructions during tasks like video editing or running simulations for heavy number crunching.

2. Intelligent AI-powered tools at your fingertips

Intel’s Core Ultra chipsets bring with them onboard AI capabilities, thanks to a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU). This NPU allows for much more streamlined workflows, armed with several AI-powered tools onboard.

This means things like background blurring, object tracking, and noise reduction on video calls work much faster and with more accuracy. Use cases also extend to eye tracking capabilities on supported devices (and supported apps), as well as live captions, transcriptions for calls, and text-based image and audio generation capabilities.

ALSO READ: Buy an Intel Core Ultra-powered laptop and get free games premium software

That’s not all, though. The on-board AI can also help ensure your battery lasts longer, despite the bump in performance. The NPU analyses your workloads and usage patterns and adjusts power allocation between the performance and efficiency cores in real-time.

3. Graphics performance like never before

Many Core Ultra processors come equipped with integrated Intel Arc GPUs. These ensure you can enjoy high-definition gaming at up to a 1080p resolution and high frame rates. The Xe cores within the Intel Arc GPUs provide graphics which Intel claims, can compete with dedicated GPUs from NVIDIA’s RTX and GTX series, without taking up the actual space that a dedicated GPU usually needs.

Intel’s Core Ultra processors also harness the power of AI and an intelligent design, such that they are suited to a variety of users and use cases. Whether it is multitasking at work with Spreadsheets and PowerPoint presentations graphic designing or video editing, or even gaming.

There’s clearly a lot on offer, which is what makes Intel Core Ultra-powered devices worth investing in.