Intel, one of the leading chip manufacturers, has faced a challenging start to 2023. However, there may be some positive news on the horizon with the upcoming release of their Meteor Lake CPUs. According to well-known hardware leaker Moore’s Law Is Dead (MLID) on YouTube, inside sources have indicated that these new chips could be among the best processors ever made and pose challenges for Intel’s key competitors, albeit in different ways.
One area of focus is the integrated GPU (iGPU) that will be included in the new Meteor Lake chips, expected to launch later this year, initially for laptops. Intel’s Iris Xe integrated graphics have already made a compelling case for replacing dedicated graphics cards. If MLID’s information is accurate, the new chips could provide a significant boost to integrated graphical performance.
Interestingly, MLID’s source comes from a leaked internal slide from AMD, comparing its new ‘Phoenix’ APUs to Nvidia GPUs and predicting the performance of a 45W Meteor Lake chip. While AMD positioned the Intel chip slightly below its competing Phoenix Ryzen chip, it is possible that AMD is underestimating the Intel chip’s capabilities.
In terms of graphical performance, the new Meteor Lake chip is estimated to fall between the Nvidia GTX 1650 and RTX 3050. Although the GTX 1650 is three years old, it currently ranks as the most popular GPU according to Steam’s Hardware Survey. This development could pose a challenge for Nvidia, as integrated graphics gradually replace dedicated GPUs, a trend that has been speculated upon in the past. AMD, which has been advancing its iGPUs for ultra-thin gaming laptops, may also face competition in this area.
Intel’s new chips offer more than just improved graphical performance. MLID suggests that laptop manufacturers can expect a significant increase in battery life with the Meteor Lake CPUs. This is an area where Apple’s MacBooks have excelled, but by removing the need for a discrete GPU, Intel’s chips will save power and potentially create room for larger batteries within laptop chassis. As a result, the best ultrabooks could finally rival the exceptional battery life of the latest MacBook Pro 14-inch (2023) without compromising on performance.
Intel has encountered challenges that are not unique to the company. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine, manufacturing backlogs caused by COVID-19 lockdowns, and various global economic issues have impacted the entire tech industry. Moreover, there has been an overall decline in laptop sales across the market.
Intel has been particularly affected, reporting record losses in its most recent financial results. The company lost $2.8 billion in just three months and experienced a significant 36% drop in overall revenue compared to the same period in 2022. In response, Intel has announced its focus on identifying cost reductions and efficiency gains through various initiatives, which suggests budget cuts and potential layoffs. The hope is that the release of the new Meteor Lake chips will help stabilize the company’s financial situation and propel it forward.
As the tech industry continues to navigate challenges, the success of Intel’s Meteor Lake CPUs could provide a much-needed boost to the company and help it regain its competitive edge.
