Intel intros new 16-core Panther Lake CPU with capable Arc B390 iGPU

Intel has formally introduced the Core Ultra X9 378H, and at the core, it's a new consumer-focused SKU in the Panther Lake lineup. It features a comparable configuration to the X9 388H, but with a lowered Max Turbo Frequency.

To be specific, while the Core Ultra X9 388H can go up to 5.1 GHz, the new 378H is capped at 5 GHz. It retains the 16-core configuration with 4 performance cores, 8 efficient cores, and 4 low-power cores. There's the capable Intel Arc B390 iGPU as well.

All these make it an identical processor to the Core Ultra X7 368H, but with a key difference. As mentioned earlier, the Core Ultra X9 378H is a consumer-focused SKU, meaning that it doesn't have vPro eligibility. Other business extras, such as AMT, SIPP stability program, and Remote Platform Erase, are also not available on the new processor.

So, with such a configuration, the Core Ultra X9 378H is essentially a repositioned processor that strips enterprise features. The real-world performance, however, should be identical to the X7 368H.

As of now, no laptops featuring the Core Ultra X9 378H have been announced. However, the X9 branding could allow OEMs to position 378H-powered systems at a higher price point despite offering no tangible performance advantage over X7 368H-equipped laptops.