Intel’s New Core Ultra X9: Dominance Unshaken, But What’s New?

Intel’s Next-Gen Performance Unveiled

The flagship mobile processor from Intel’s Panther Lake generation, the Core Ultra X9 388H, has made its debut in the PassMark database, displaying a considerable advantage in multi-threaded workloads over the Core Ultra 9 285H.

Previously, the Core Ultra X9 388H appeared in Geekbench, where it confidently outperformed the Core Ultra 9 285H and stood on equal footing with the Ryzen AI Max+ 395. Now, the processor has been tested in PassMark for the first time. Out of two tests conducted, the best result for Core Ultra X9 388H showed a 17% increase in multi-threaded testing. On average, the advantage over its predecessor is about 10%.

It must be noted that the results depend on specific configurations and testing conditions, and the Core Ultra 9 285H can deliver comparable figures at its peak performance. Nonetheless, the cumulative test results indicate the superiority of the Core Ultra X9 388H over the Core Ultra 9 285H with the same total number of cores.

Features Worth Noting

Besides, Core Ultra X9 388H features a lower TDP and a lower frequency of 5.1 GHz (maximum for Core Ultra 9 285H is 5.4 GHz). The significantly improved integrated graphics, Arc B390, also should not be underestimated – it noticeably surpasses all iGPU Core Ultra Series 2. Recent industry discussions have noted that Intel continues to refine user experiences, especially with enhanced AI processing capabilities in its latest processors, which can be crucial for developers and power users alike. Additionally, Intel has hinted at further innovations in cooling solutions that might be integrated into future releases, providing even more efficiency and power management control.

Competitive Edge in the Market

When compared to AMD’s Ryzen AI Max+ 395, the Core Ultra X9 388H holds its ground firmly, offering not just a numerical superiority in multi-thread performance, but also benefiting from Intel’s ecosystem that optimizes processing for real-world applications. Industry experts are watching closely as Intel’s Panther Lake generation is expected to set new benchmarks, which could influence upcoming architectural decisions from competitors. Intel’s focus on expanding their AI processing capabilities and energy efficiency means the Core Ultra X9 series could lead to fresh opportunities in both consumer tech and professional fields.