In an exciting announcement today, Intel has launched its first Core Ultra desktop processors specifically designed for artificial intelligence (AI) applications: the Core Ultra 200S series. These cutting-edge CPUs are set to hit the market on October 24, marking a significant advancement in desktop computing technology. This launch follows Intel's introduction of the 'Lunar Lake' Core Ultra 200V mobile CPUs for Copilot+ PCs last month.

What sets the Core Ultra 200S series apart is the integration of a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) designed for AI workloads. This NPU is capable of delivering an impressive performance of up to 13 trillion operations per second (TOPS). However, it falls short of the 40+ TOPS level needed to fully support the latest Copilot+ PC features on Windows 11. Nevertheless, Intel assures users they can expect up to 50% faster performance in AI-driven creative applications.

While the introduction of these desktop chips is a boon for AI enthusiasts, Intel is emphasizing the power efficiency gains they offer. Robert Hallock, vice president and general manager of AI and Technical Marketing at Apple’s Client Computing Group, stated, 'The new Intel Core Ultra 200S series processors deliver on our goals to significantly cut power usage while retaining outstanding gaming performance.' This means gamers and creators can enjoy an enhanced experience that is both cooler and quieter, thanks to the innovations brought by the NPU and advances in media performance from Intel's growing graphics lineup.

The Core Ultra 200S series features five different models, headlined by the Core Ultra 9 285K. This powerhouse offers 24 cores (8 Performance cores and 16 Efficiency cores), 24 threads, and a maximum clock speed of 5.7 GHz. According to Intel, these next-generation cores promise to deliver 6% faster single-threaded performance and 14% faster multi-threaded performance compared to the previous generation.

In addition to the flagship model, the lineup includes two Core Ultra 7 models with 20 cores and two Core Ultra models with only 14 cores. The complete SKU details showcase a broad range of options for users with varying needs.

One noteworthy feature of the Core Ultra 200S series is its power efficiency. Intel claims these new CPUs consume up to 58% less power in everyday applications, and they reportedly use up to 165W less power during gaming sessions. Additionally, the chips boast up to a 28% performance increase in gaming compared to AMD’s top Ryzen 9 9950X. Enhanced overclocking controls will also provide users with more granular performance tuning options.

Pricing for the Core Ultra 200S series starts at $294 for the entry-level Core Ultra 5 245KF, rising to $589 for the high-end Core Ultra 9 285K. Furthermore, Intel has teased an upcoming launch of its Core Ultra H and HX series mobile chips, expected in the first quarter of 2025, which could further expand the company's AI capabilities in portable devices.

With this latest launch, Intel is setting a new standard in desktop CPUs, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in AI and gaming performance. Don’t miss out on the chance to upgrade to these groundbreaking processors!