Tag: Core Ultra X9 388H

  • GMKtec Set to Launch New Mini PC with Intel Arc B390 iGPU

    GMKtec Set to Launch New Mini PC with Intel Arc B390 iGPU

    Key Takeaways

    1. GMKtec has launched the EVO T-2 mini PC, featuring the high-end Core Ultra X9 388H processor for enhanced performance.
    2. The EVO T-2 can handle generative AI, gaming, and productivity tasks, outperforming Arrow Lake processors in efficiency.
    3. It supports up to 128GB of LPDDR5X RAM and offers two PCIe M.2 slots for storage expansion up to 16TB.
    4. The system includes advanced connectivity options like USB4, 10G Ethernet, and quad 4K display outputs.
    5. The EVO T-2 is expected to release in Q1 2026, with pricing details yet to be announced, following the EVO T-1’s starting price of $999.99.

    GMKtec was one of the first companies to launch a Panther Lake mini PC right after Intel announced the series. Named the EVO T-2, this device is claimed to be the company’s “2nd Gen Desktop AI Supercomputer.” The system is confirmed to come with the Core Ultra X9 388H, which is a high-end processor from Series 3.

    Performance Overview

    Our analysis showed that the Core Ultra X9 388H outperforms leading Arrow Lake processors in terms of efficiency. We also discovered that its Arc B390 iGPU can run most AAA games at 1080p resolution without issues. GMKtec emphasizes that this processor enables the EVO T-2 to function as a powerful system capable of managing generative AI, gaming, and various productive tasks effortlessly.

    Specifications and Features

    At CES 2026, GMKtec announced that the Intel CPU will be paired with a maximum of 128GB of LPDDR5X RAM. The system will include two PCIe M.2 slots that allow for up to 16TB of storage. Additionally, it will come with a good range of ports such as a fully functional USB4, 10G Ethernet, and OCuLink.

    Furthermore, GMKtec highlighted that the system will offer various power configurations, supporting up to 80W of dynamic TDP. It will also support quad 4K display outputs, and the GMK EVO T-2 is said to have an effective cooling system.

    Release Information

    During the launch event, GMKtec mentioned that the EVO-T2 is expected to be released in Q1 2026, but they didn’t provide any precise information on availability or pricing. However, with a recent teaser, the company hinted that the mini PC will be officially launched soon. While the exact price remains unknown, it’s important to mention that the EVO-T1 was released with a starting price of $999.99 (96GB/2TB currently priced at $1,396.45 on Amazon).

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  • Intel Panther Lake Core Ultra X9 Beats AMD Strix Halo in 2026

    Intel Panther Lake Core Ultra X9 Beats AMD Strix Halo in 2026

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Intel Core Ultra X9 388H shows significant improvements in multi-core performance and power efficiency.
    2. The 12-core Arc B390 integrated GPU (iGPU) demonstrates exceptional performance, achieving over 30 FPS in Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p on ultra settings with low power consumption.
    3. Intel’s Panther Lake APUs are set to dominate the handheld gaming market by 2026, outperforming competitors like AMD’s Radeon 8060S at lower power levels.
    4. At 15 and 20 watts, the Core Ultra X9 388H consistently outperforms the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395, achieving higher frame rates in games like Black Myth Wukong.
    5. The Intel Panther Lake APUs fully support XeSS 3 with Multi-Frame Generation, enhancing gaming performance compared to the AMD Strix Halo.

    First impressions of the Intel Panther Lake Core Ultra X9 388H APU have been released, and it looks like Intel has really outdone themselves. After thoroughly examining the Core Ultra X9 388H, we discovered that Intel has significantly improved both the multi-core performance and power efficiency of this new model.

    Impressive iGPU Performance

    One of the most remarkable features of the Core Ultra X9 388H is its 12-core Arc B390 integrated GPU (iGPU). This new iGPU shows exceptional performance improvements compared to the previous Arc 140V and AMD Radeon 890M. It performs especially well at low thermal design power (TDP) levels, up to 30 watts. For example, during our tests, the Arc B390 achieved over 30 FPS in Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p on ultra settings without utilizing Frame Generation, and it was limited to just 20 watts. Reports indicate that the Arc B390 can compete effectively with the Radeon 8060S found in the Strix Halo at these lower TDP levels.

    Dominating Handheld Gaming

    Looking at The Phawx’s benchmarks for the Core Ultra X9 388H under lower power constraints, it’s evident that Intel’s Panther Lake APUs are poised to take over the handheld gaming market by 2026. In the game Black Myth Wukong, the Arc B390 in the Core Ultra X9 388H ran the game at 30 FPS at 720p on low settings while consuming only 10 watts.

    When we raised the TDP to 15 watts, the average frame rate increased to 46.6 FPS, with 1% lows sitting at 37 FPS. The Radeon 8060S could only reach an average of 39 FPS and 1% lows of 31.8 FPS at the same power level. Moreover, the Core Ultra X9 388H slightly outperformed the AMD Strix Halo at 20 watts.

    Performance Comparison in 1080p

    The results at 1080p for Black Myth Wukong followed a similar trend. The Core Ultra X9 388H clearly outperformed the Ryzen AI Max+ 395 at both 15 watts and 20 watts. At 15 watts, the Core Ultra X9 388H averaged 29.3 FPS, while the AMD Strix Halo was at 22.6 FPS. As we increased the power to 20 watts, both APUs saw significant performance boosts, but the Intel Panther Lake APU had a notable lead of 23%, achieving an average of 37.8 FPS compared to 30.7 FPS for the Ryzen.

    A comparable performance was observed in Cyberpunk 2077 using the Steam Deck preset, as well as in Deus Ex: Mankind Divided and Doom: The Dark Ages.

    In conclusion, at lower power limits, the Core Ultra X9 388H paired with the Arc B390 easily surpasses the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 Strix Halo APU, which only starts to lead when power exceeds 30 watts. As things look right now, the Intel Panther Lake APUs with the Arc B390 seem to be excellent options for handheld gaming devices.

    This becomes even more apparent when considering that, unlike the Strix Halo, the Intel Panther Lake APUs fully support the latest XeSS 3 with Multi-Frame Generation, which greatly enhances average FPS, as we highlighted in our analysis of the Arc B390.

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  • Asus Zenbook Duo: New Dual-Screen Laptop with 1000-nit OLED

    Asus Zenbook Duo: New Dual-Screen Laptop with 1000-nit OLED

    Key Takeaways

    1. The new Asus Zenbook Duo features Intel’s Panther Lake architecture with options for Core Ultra X9 388H or Core Ultra 9 386H processors.
    2. The laptop includes significant battery upgrades with a 99 Wh battery compared to the previous model’s 75 Wh.
    3. The Zenbook Duo boasts new displays that reach 1,000 nits brightness and a refined ceraluminium chassis.
    4. Pricing for the Zenbook Duo UX8407 starts at £2,299.99 (~$3,095) and varies based on configuration and retailer.
    5. Enhanced detachable keyboard accessory has been introduced with the new Zenbook Duo model.

    Asus has recently launched the new Zenbook Duo after revealing it last week. This laptop was introduced at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, and it brings several improvements over the 2025 version. To summarize, the Zenbook Duo is among the many laptops that Asus has updated to utilize Intel’s Panther Lake architecture.

    Specs and Features

    Notably, the Zenbook Duo is powered by the Core Ultra X9 388H with an Arc B390 integrated GPU that has 12 Xe cores. Alternatively, a less powerful Core Ultra 9 386H is available on Asus’ UK website, which features an integrated GPU with 4 Xe3 cores. Additionally, Asus has incorporated a 99 Wh battery this time, an upgrade from the 75 Wh battery found in the 2025 model (currently priced at $1,889.99 on Amazon).

    Design and Upgrades

    The Zenbook Duo now comes with new displays that reach 1,000 nits and has a refined ceraluminium chassis for 2026. Furthermore, Asus has enhanced the detachable keyboard accessory for this model. For further technical insights about Asus’ newest dual-screen laptop, please refer to our launch article.

    Pricing Details

    In terms of pricing, Asus has set the price for the Zenbook Duo UX8407 at £2,299.99 (~$3,095), which includes a Core Ultra 9 386H processor, 32 GB of RAM, and 1 TB of storage. Meanwhile, Currys UK was offering a variant with a Core Ultra X9 388H and 2 TB of storage for £2,499 (~$3,365) until just earlier today. In addition, Computer Universe has the same Core Ultra X9 388H model priced at €2,600 (~$3,035) in the Eurozone. It’s important to note that these prices account for value-added tax (VAT).

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  • Intel Panther Lake mini-PCs aim to outshine Apple Mac Studio

    Intel Panther Lake mini-PCs aim to outshine Apple Mac Studio

    Key Takeaways

    1. Acemagic has released new mini-PCs, including the M1A Pro+, powered by AMD’s Strix Halo APUs.
    2. Two new models, ‘Ultra-slim’ and ‘Performance Unleashed’, were showcased at CES 2026, but their names may change before retail release.
    3. Both models are expected to utilize up to Core Ultra X9 388H processors with 16 cores and varying power limits (120W for Performance Unleashed, 65W for Ultra-slim).
    4. The Performance Unleashed model has a more robust cooling system and is taller than the Ultra-slim model, which may enhance performance capabilities.
    5. The Performance Unleashed may support OCuLink eGPU expansion, but details on release dates and pricing are still unavailable.

    In the past few months, Acemagic has introduced a number of mini-PCs powered by AMD, such as the M1A Pro+, which utilizes the same Strix Halo APUs found in competitors like the GMKtec EVO-X2 (currently priced at $1,659 on Amazon). As GMKtec gears up to launch the Intel Panther Lake-based EVO-T2 later this year, Acemagic has countered with two new mini-PCs, dubbed the ‘Ultra-slim’ and ‘Performance Unleashed’.

    Name Uncertainties

    At this point, it seems probable that these names are not the final ones for retail. However, their showings at CES 2026 have given us a glimpse into what the specs might be. For example, both models are expected to utilize up to the Core Ultra X9 388H processors, featuring 16 cores, an 80 W TDP, and the Arc B390 iGPU. Additionally, there will also be other Panther Lake processors available, including the more affordable and less powerful Core Ultra 9 386H.

    Design Differences

    As illustrated in the images below, the Performance Unleashed version is significantly taller than the Ultra-slim, measuring 81 mm and 39 mm in height, respectively. While both models offer similar ports, the Performance Unleashed seems to have a more robust cooling system, evident from the large vent on its back side. This allows the Performance Unleashed to push its processor to 120W, compared to the 65W limit of the Ultra-slim model.

    Expansion Capabilities

    Furthermore, the Performance Unleashed is rumored to support OCuLink eGPU expansion, although this specific port is not shown in the images. Interestingly, the Performance Unleashed bears a resemblance to the Apple Mac Studio. Acemagic has yet to provide any information regarding release dates or pricing.

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  • Intel Core Ultra X9 388H Outperforms Core Ultra 9 and Ryzen AI Max+

    Intel Core Ultra X9 388H Outperforms Core Ultra 9 and Ryzen AI Max+

    Key Takeaways

    1. Intel’s Panther Lake devices, including the Lenovo Legion Pro Rollable and OneXPlayer X1, will launch next month at CES 2026 in Las Vegas.
    2. The Core Ultra X9 388H is the latest mobile Panther Lake processor featuring 16 cores (4 Performance, 8 Efficient, and 4 Low Power) with speeds up to 5.1 GHz.
    3. The new integrated GPU, Arc B390, has 12 cores based on Intel’s Xe3 architecture and the Core Ultra X9 388H has a thermal design power (TDP) between 65 W and 80 W.
    4. On Geekbench 6.5.0, the Core Ultra X9 388H scored 3,057 in single-core tests and 17,687 in multi-core tests, comparable to Ryzen AI Max+ 395.
    5. The single-core performance of the Core Ultra X9 388H is better than Ryzen AI Max+ 395, Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, and Core Ultra 9 285H.

    The first devices featuring Intel’s Panther Lake are expected to officially launch next month. Recent leaks suggest that the Lenovo Legion Pro Rollable and a new OneXPlayer X1 (currently priced at $1,399 on Amazon) might make their debut at CES 2026 in Las Vegas.

    Core Ultra X9 388H Performance

    In the meantime, the Core Ultra X9 388H has emerged as the newest mobile Panther Lake processor to show up on the Geekbench benchmarking platform. From previous leaks, it’s known that the Core Ultra 9 X9 388H will be the top choice in the series, featuring 4 Performance, 8 Efficient, and 4 Low Power cores. While Geekbench doesn’t provide extensive details, it does suggest that the Core Ultra 9 X9 388H is a 16-core processor that can reach speeds of up to 5.1 GHz.

    New Integrated Graphics

    Furthermore, the listing also mentions the Arc B390, which is a new integrated GPU boasting 12 cores based on Intel’s Xe3 architecture. It is said that the Core Ultra X9 388H has a thermal design power (TDP) ranging from 65 W to 80 W. Although the listing doesn’t specify exact TDP numbers, it allows for comparisons of theoretical performance against other recent Intel and AMD processors.

    Geekbench Scores

    As shown in the screenshot below, the Core Ultra X9 388H achieved scores of 3,057 in single-core and 17,687 in multi-core tests on Geekbench 6.5.0 with 64 GB of RAM. Although the multi-core score is slightly lower than what the Core Ultra 9 285HX scored in our testing, it places the Core Ultra X9 388H on a similar level as the Ryzen AI Max+ 395, while outperforming the Core Ultra 9 285H and the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370. The single-core performance is also noteworthy, achieving a score higher than the Ryzen AI Max+ 395, Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, and Core Ultra 9 285H in our benchmarks, matching the results of the Core Ultra 9 285HX.

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