Intel is reportedly preparing a new processor specifically for handheld gaming devices, which could lower the entry price for PC handhelds. Leaks suggest the chip uses a simplified core layout that removes efficiency cores to cut costs while maintaining gaming performance. This move targets budget-conscious buyers who want PC gaming on the go without paying premium prices for high-end silicon.
Leaked specs show stripped-down design aimed at lowering handheld prices
The rumored chip, identified as the Core Ultra 7 355 or Core Ultra 5 325, follows a 4+0+4+4 configuration. This layout includes four performance cores, zero efficiency cores, four low-power efficiency cores, and four Xe3 graphics cores. The design mirrors existing Panther Lake U laptop chips but strips out the E-cores to create a more affordable handheld variant.
Panther Lake Handheld Specs
- CPU Core Layout: 4+0+4+4 (4 P-cores, 0 E-cores, 4 LPE cores, 4 Xe3 graphics cores)
- Target Platform: Handhelds
- Reference Laptop Models: Core Ultra 7 355, Core Ultra 5 325
- Competitor Comparison (Single-Core): Approx. 10% faster than AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme
- Competitor Comparison (Multi-Core): Approx. 25% slower than AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme
Performance estimates indicate the chip will significantly outperform the Steam Deck OLED in CPU tasks. Benchmarks suggest it runs roughly twice as fast in single-core work and nearly three times faster in multi-core work compared to the Steam Deck's Zen 2 chip. The integrated graphics also reportedly beat the Steam Deck's integrated graphics by about 34% in Geekbench scores.
However, the chip falls short of current high-end handheld competitors like the ASUS ROG Ally X. It appears to be about 10% slower in single-core tasks and roughly 25% slower in multi-core tasks than the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme. The GPU performance also lags behind the Ally X's Radeon 780M by approximately 19%. These figures suggest the chip prioritizes cost savings over raw power.
Intel has not officially confirmed the chip's existence, pricing, or clock speeds. The information comes from leaker Jaykihn, who has a history of accurate Intel spec leaks. We looked at MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ Handheld in our earlier Intel coverage, which features a different Intel SoC.
If released, this chip would provide a cheaper alternative to current Intel handheld options like the Arc G3 series. It aims to make PC handheld gaming more accessible by reducing hardware costs. Buyers should wait for official confirmation before making purchasing decisions based on these leaked specifications.
Source: TweakTown
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