Key Takeaways
- The Intel Core Ultra X9 388H processor features 16 cores, including high-performance and efficiency cores, and is equipped with the Arc B390 iGPU.
- Performance results show only slight improvements over the previous generation, with a 10% increase in multithread performance and similar single-thread results.
- The 388H scored just below 38,000 points in multithread testing and approximately 4,450 points in single-thread performance on Passmark.
- The Panther Lake processor has a slight edge over AMD's Ryzen AI 9 HX 470, which scored around 36,500 points in multithread tests.
- The Arc B390 iGPU is highlighted for its strong performance, reportedly outperforming the Radeon 890M by nearly 100% in gaming scenarios, making it suitable for compact laptops and mini PCs.
The Intel Core Ultra X9 388H "Panther Lake" processor has been revealed and is now available on Passmark. The performance results show only slight improvements compared to the previous generation chips, even though Intel has been touting a significant boost of 60% in multithreaded tasks.
Specifications Overview
The Intel Core Ultra X9 388H features a configuration of 16 cores, which includes four high-performance Cougar Cove cores, eight Darkmont efficiency cores, and an additional 4 low-power Darkmont cores. For graphics, it utilizes the Arc B390 iGPU equipped with 12 Xe3 cores. According to the Passmark data noted by @x86deadandback on X, the 388H achieves a score of just below 38,000 points in multithreaded testing and approximately 4,450 points in single-thread performance.
Performance Comparison
When compared to the Core Ultra 9 285H, the Panther Lake processor shows about a 10% enhancement in multithread performance, while the single-thread results are nearly the same. Currently, only a couple of samples of the 388H have been tested on Passmark, which means that the scores are likely to fluctuate as more data comes in. Notably, the 285H has a 300 MHz higher boost clock than the 388H and a better P-core ratio, which makes the results look quite encouraging.
AMD's Position
Fans of AMD might feel let down since the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 only managed to attain around 36,500 and 4,200 points in single-thread and multithread tests, respectively. This gives the Panther Lake chip a slight edge. While benchmarks alone aren't definitive, it suggests that AMD could face challenges against Intel in 2026.
Interestingly, as highlighted by TechPowerUp, the standout feature of the Panther Lake processor is likely the Arc B390 iGPU. Leaked benchmark information indicates that the B390 outperforms the Radeon 890M by nearly 100% in practical gaming scenarios. For compact laptops that can't fit discrete GPUs and mini PCs, the Panther Lake chips appear to be a very attractive option.
Exciting Offers
Eager for Panther Lake mini PCs? The GMKtec Evo-T1, which comes with 64 GB of memory and 2 TB of storage, is currently priced at $300 less on Amazon.
Passmark, x86deadandback, noted by TechPowerUp.
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