Tag: Core Ultra 9

  • Lenovo 14-inch ThinkPad: 96GB LPCAMM2 RAM, Nvidia & 5G

    Lenovo 14-inch ThinkPad: 96GB LPCAMM2 RAM, Nvidia & 5G

    Key Takeaway

    – LPCAMM2 RAM in ThinkPad P14s i Gen 7 enables higher memory bandwidth at 8,533 MT/s speeds.
    – Offers up to Arc B390 integrated or Nvidia RTX Pro 1000 Blackwell discrete graphics options.
    – Available with a 3K (3,072 x 1,920) 120 Hz VRR IPS display at 500 nits.
    – Configurable with up to a Core Ultra 9 388H vPro, 96 GB RAM, 2 TB PCIe Gen 5 SSD, and 75 Wh battery.
    – Pricing starts at ~AUD 2,899/£2,419 and can exceed £7,410 with top-tier options.

    ThinkPad P14s i Gen 7: An Evolution Since Launch

    A few months have passed since Lenovo announced the ThinkPad P14s i Gen 7. Replacing the Gen 6 model which we reviewd in November 2025, the Gen 7 model has higher memory bandwidth at its disposal thanks to LPCAMM2 (LPDDR5X) RAM running at 8,533 MT/s. Up to Arc B390 integrated and Nvidia RTX Pro 1000 Blackwell discrete graphics are available too, which power a choice of 14.5-inch and 16:10 IPS panels.

    Baseline Specifications and Starting Prices

    The ThinkPad P14s i Gen 7 starts with a Core Ultra 5 336H vPro processor, 16 GB of LPCAMM2 RAM, a 60 Wh battery, a 512 GB SSD and a 1200p IPS display with a 60 Hz refresh rate and 45% NTSC colour space coverage. At the time of writing, Lenovo prices this configuration at AUD 2,899 and HKD 16,583 in Australia and Hong Kong, respectively.

    Meanwhile, the new 14-inch laptop starts at £2,419 in the UK and €2,299-€2,860 in the Eurozone. However, this is only after playing around with Lenovo’s configurator to equip a Core Ultra 7 366H vPro, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB storage and integrated graphics, as well as the same display and battery as in Australia and Hong Kong. Otherwise, the ThinkPad P14s i Gen 7 defaults to £2,730 and €2,509-€3,219 with the Core Ultra 7 356H and an Nvidia RTX Pro 500 Blackwell (6 GB) laptop GPU.

    High-End Configurations and Pricing Balloons

    In all cases, Lenovo offers the laptop with up to a Core Ultra X9 388H vPro, 96 GB of LPCAMM2 RAM, a 2 TB PCIe Gen 5 SSD, a 75 Wh battery and a Snapdragon X61 5G modem. Also, the ThinkPad P14s i Gen 7 is available with a 120 Hz VRR IPS display that outputs at 3,072 x 1,920 pixels and 500 nits. Adding all these options balloons pricing to £6,780 in the UK though, or £7,410 with a Core Ultra 9 386H vPro and an RTX Pro 1000 Blackwell (8 GB). Please see Lenovo’s website for more details.


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  • Intel Nova Lake Ryzen X3D Equivalent Launching with 28 Cores

    Intel Nova Lake Ryzen X3D Equivalent Launching with 28 Cores

    Key Takeaways

    1. Intel’s upcoming Nova Lake desktop CPUs include the high-end Core Ultra 9 model with 52 CPU cores (16P + 32E + 4 LPE).
    2. Some CPUs may feature a new bLLC (additional layer of Last-Level Cache), similar to AMD’s 3D V-cache, but not all models will have this upgrade.
    3. The Core Ultra 5 445K (8 P-cores and 16 E-cores) is expected to be the only model with bLLC, while the Core Ultra 5 435K (8 P-cores and 12 E-cores) will also support it.
    4. The release of the Core Ultra 5 245K is anticipated first, with Core Ultra 7 and 9 models launching a quarter later.
    5. Nova Lake CPUs will introduce new Coyote Cove P-cores and Arctic Wolf E-cores for improved gaming performance, with a new NPU and production using TSMC’s N2 node.

    A recent leak has revealed six upcoming Intel Nova Lake desktop CPUs, with the high-end Core Ultra 9 model featuring a remarkable total of 52 CPU cores (16P + 32E + 4 LPE). Some of these CPUs are speculated to include a 3D V-cache similar to AMD’s, although this will be presented as an additional layer of Last-Level Cache. However, not every model will benefit from this upgrade, as noted by the leaker OneRaichu on X.

    Specifications Breakdown

    The sole Intel Nova Lake CPU expected to feature the bLLC will be the version with 8 P-cores and 16 E-cores, which is likely the Core Ultra 5 445K based on the leak mentioned earlier. Another reliable source, @Haze2K1 (thanks to Videocardz), indicates that the Core Ultra 5 435K, which includes 8 P-cores and 12 E-cores, will also support bLLC. It’s important to remember that the names of these CPUs are not final and could change as the launch date approaches.

    Comparisons to AMD

    This strategy mirrors AMD’s method used with the Ryzen 7 5800X3D, making it an excellent test for the bLLC design while keeping the higher-end Core i7 and Core i9 models untouched. Raichu also mentioned that the Core Ultra 5 245K might be the first to launch, with the Core Ultra 7 and 9 models anticipated to follow a quarter later.

    New Features on the Horizon

    In addition to the new Coyote Cove P-cores and Arctic Wolf E-cores, which aim to boost gaming performance alongside the bLLC feature, the Intel Nova Lake desktop processors are expected to come with a fresh NPU. Notably, the CPU tile will be produced using TSMC’s N2 node, deviating from Intel’s own 18A node. Other components, including the GPU tile, IOD, and IMC, will be created using older Intel and TSMC nodes.

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    Intel Nova Lake Ryzen X3D Equivalent Launching with 28 Cores
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  • Acer Swift 16 AI Review: Stunning OLED and Great Value

    Acer Swift 16 AI Review: Stunning OLED and Great Value

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Acer Swift 16 AI features a standout 16-inch OLED screen with deep blacks, bright colors, and crisp resolution, ideal for creative tasks and video watching.
    2. The laptop is powered by the Core Ultra 9 288V processor, but various configurations are available, ranging from Core Ultra 5 226V to Core Ultra 9 288V, priced between €1,200 and €1,700.
    3. Higher-priced models are not always the best choice; the Core Ultra 7 258V delivers comparable performance to the Core Ultra 9 at a lower cost.
    4. Budget-conscious shoppers can find value by opting for models without features like a touchscreen and considering configurations around €1,350.
    5. Expanding internal storage with a second NVMe SSD is a cost-effective option, as SSDs can be purchased for around $60 on Amazon.

    The Acer Swift 16 AI stands out mainly due to its impressive 16-inch OLED screen. This display truly grabs attention with its deep blacks, bright colors, and crisp resolution, making it excellent for both creative tasks and watching videos. A key question arises: is it necessary to always go for the most expensive version, or is there a smarter, more affordable option available?

    Performance Insights

    The model we examined is powered by the robust Core Ultra 9 288V, which excels in tasks that require heavy artificial intelligence processing. However, when we take a detailed look at the European market, we see there are many different configurations. As of May 2025, the Swift 16 AI OLED laptop is priced between €1,200 and €1,700 and includes processors from the Core Ultra 5 226V to the Core Ultra 9 288V. The good news is that there are options for those who are mindful of their budgets.

    Smart Choices for Shoppers

    Interestingly, the highest-end model isn’t always the best option. The lower-priced variants are part of the least expensive laptops equipped with Lunar Lake technology. Our recent tests have shown that the Core Ultra 9 doesn’t significantly outperform the Core Ultra 7 258V. We’ve already pointed this out in our first take on Intel’s Lunar Lake processors.

    For shoppers focused on saving money, it’s easier to find a model that fits their needs. For instance, if someone doesn’t require a touchscreen and chooses the Core Ultra 7 258V, they can buy the 16-inch Acer laptop for approximately €1,350. This is much cheaper than the premium versions and offers great value, in our view. Additionally, getting a second NVMe SSD to boost the internal storage could also be a wise financial move. The flagship model we looked at features 2 SSDs, totaling 2TB of space. Depending on the speed needed, SSDs can be purchased for around $60 on Amazon.

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  • Intel Arrow Lake HX Processors Unveiled at CES 2025 for Laptops

    Intel Arrow Lake HX Processors Unveiled at CES 2025 for Laptops

    Intel has unveiled its premium Arrow Lake-HX processors at CES 2025. These chips, just like the ones before them, are designed for high-performance laptops and will consume a significant amount of power. An earlier leak hinted at the arrival of six models this time. Intel has announced that laptops equipped with Arrow Lake-HX CPUs are expected to be available in “Late Q1, 2024”.

    Streamlined Lineup

    The Arrow Lake HX series presents a more organized structure compared to past generations, featuring two models each of Core Ultra 9, Core Ultra 7, and Core Ultra 5. Intel has also adjusted the turbo wattage from 55 Watts to 57 Watts, which may lead to improved PL1 and PL2 values under heavy loads.

    Specs and Features

    The lineup includes the Core Ultra 9 285HX, Core Ultra 9 275HX, Core Ultra 7 265HX, Core Ultra 7 255HX, Core Ultra 5 245HX, and Core Ultra 5 235HX. All these models are equipped with a 4 EU Intel Arc integrated GPU that supports eDP 1.4, DP 2.1, and HDMI 2.1 standards.

    In terms of memory, the processors can handle up to 96 GB of DDR5-6400 or 64 GB of LPDDR5X-8400 RAM. They also support the new LPCAMM2 standard. Each model is outfitted with 4 PCIe Gen5 lanes, 4 PCIe Gen4 lanes for SSDs, and can accommodate up to two Thunderbolt 4.0 ports, along with a separate Thunderbolt 5.0 port, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.4.

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