LAS VEGAS, NV – At the renowned Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025, Intel took center stage with the launch of its new Core Ultra series of CPUs, setting the company’s ambitions for mobile computing to new heights. The American tech giant unveiled its Core Ultra 200HX, 200H, and 200U series of processors, marking significant strides in performance and energy efficiency for laptops.
On January 6, 2025, Intel’s announcement reverberated throughout the event held annually, emphasizing its commitment to cater to both gamers and creators who demand high-performance computing on the go.
The Core Ultra 200HX series is especially targeted at enthusiasts, as it integrates seamlessly with powerful dedicated graphics processing units (dGPUs) to deliver exceptional gaming experiences and facilitate efficient video editing capabilities. The series includes several models, namely 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 set to become available following the first quarter of 2025.
According to Intel, the standout CPU of the series, the Core Ultra 9 285HX, boasts impressive specifications, including operational clock speeds reaching up to 5.5GHz. This performance claim draws parallels to Intel's desktop variant, the Core Ultra 9 285K. Although the technologies share design elements, the mobile version offers enhanced applicability for portable systems.
Performance comparisons reveal even more intrigue: the latest processors indicate over 41% improvement over Intel's previous generation, the Raptor Lake-H Refresh, especially during multi-threaded tasks. "The Core Ultra 9 285HX shows over 41% improvement compared to its predecessor," stated Intel representatives at CES, cementing confidence among tech enthusiasts and industry experts alike.
Additional performance metrics presented at the event highlighted gains of more than 20% for multi-threaded tasks and over 5% for single-threaded tasks when pitted against earlier models. This level of advancement positions Intel strongly within the competitive CPU market, particularly as users increasingly seek power-efficient mobile computing solutions.
The mobility factor is significantly addressed with the arrival of Intel’s Core Ultra Mobile Processors (Series 2). Intel's latest chipsets integrate directly with the 800 series chipsets and support PCIe 4.0 connections, thereby ensuring higher bandwidth and reduced latency for various applications.
Intel has also delivered notable enhancements to integrated network processing units (NPU) with performance claims peaking at 13.1 TOPS, which, though not meeting the Copilot+ PC requirement of 40 TOPS, still presents it as capable for most gaming and creative applications reliant on dGPU systems.
Operating under Windows 11, the new processors are already attracting attention from major laptop manufacturers. HP used CES as a launchpad for its new HP EliteBook Ultra series, equipped with the latest Intel Core Ultra offerings. Specified models include the HP EliteBook Ultra G1i priced starting at $2,019, with distribution expected to commence later this January.
“We expect the Ultra Mobile Processors to redefine user experiences on portable devices,” noted Intel's lead product manager, signaling both high expectations and excitement for the market's response.
The HP EliteBook X G1i and HP EliteBook X Flip G1i also promise to integrate Intel's Core Ultra 5 and Core Ultra 7 processors. These cutting-edge models will aim to fulfill the requirements for next-generation AI functionalities, positioning them as front-runners for versatile mobile computing solutions.
Significant focus on premium features includes high-resolution displays, durable constructions, and enhanced audio settings. These elements reflect the growing recognition of multimedia consumption's importance among consumers, especially as hybrid working models gain traction.
Intel's Core Ultra launch at CES 2025 not only showcases the company's technical prowess but also reflects broader trends toward more sophisticated portable computing. The focus on improved usability for gamers and creators intertwines with AI integration, marking the onset of what many expect to be transformative changes across industries.
By prioritizing energy efficiency alongside raw processing power, Intel seeks to maintain its competitive edge against rivals like AMD, especially as the demand for laptops with enhanced capabilities continues to rise.
The ripple effects of Intel's launch at CES 2025 could shape the computing market's future, influencing product developments and consumer expectations moving forward. The responses from consumers and manufacturers over the next few months will be instrumental as the industry gauges the effectiveness of Intel's strategic direction.