Intel Reduces TSMC Dependence with New Core Series 3 CPUs
▼ Summary
– Intel has launched new budget Core Series 3 processors, manufactured in its US fabs using its 18A process node.
– These chips are simplified versions of the Core Ultra Series 3, typically with six total CPU cores split between performance and efficiency types.
– Their AI performance, with an NPU rated at 15-17 TOPS, does not meet Microsoft’s Copilot+ program requirements.
– The processors support substantial memory but operate on a single memory channel, reducing bandwidth compared to higher-end models.
– They are designed for over 70 device designs, including notebooks and low-power edge computing systems for AI workloads.
Intel has taken a significant step toward reducing its reliance on external foundries with the launch of its new Core Series 3 processors. These budget-oriented CPUs are being manufactured domestically on the company’s advanced Intel 18A process node, a 2nm-class technology. This move marks a strategic shift, bringing production back to its fabs in Oregon and Arizona after a period of heavy outsourcing to TSMC for client chips in 2024.
The new lineup serves as a more accessible variant of the higher-end Core Ultra Series 3 chips. Most models are configured with a total of six CPU cores. This hybrid design pairs two high-performance Cougar Cove cores with four power-efficient Darkmont cores. For graphics, the majority integrate two Xe3 graphics cores, a reduction from the base Ultra models, alongside a neural processing unit. This NPU delivers modest local AI performance, rated between 15 and 17 INT8 TOPS.
While this AI capability falls short of the threshold required for Microsoft’s Copilot+ certification, Intel highlights that the combined processing power of the NPU, GPU, and CPU can reach up to 40 platform TOPS for various tasks. Memory support includes configurations for up to 48 GB of LPDDR5 or 64 GB of user-upgradeable DDR5. A notable architectural difference is the use of a single memory channel, which cuts available bandwidth in half compared to the company’s more premium offerings.
Examining the specifications reveals that clock speeds are the primary differentiator across the product stack. CPU boost frequencies span from 4.3 GHz to 4.8 GHz, while GPU clocks range from 2.3 GHz to 2.6 GHz. One exception is the entry-level Core 3 304 SKU, which has one performance core and one graphics core disabled. Intel positions these chips as a compelling upgrade, particularly for systems still using older 11th-generation Tiger Lake processors. The company claims performance leads of over 40 percent in both single and multi-threaded benchmarks for its 15-watt Core 7 360 model.
In the competitive landscape, these processors may face direct comparison with other efficient six-core designs featuring big. LITTLE architectures, such as those in Apple’s hardware. For connectivity, the chips natively support modern standards including WiFi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thunderbolt 4, alongside a generous complement of USB ports. Intel has announced that the Core Series 3 will debut in more than 70 device designs from partners, with the first systems becoming available immediately.
Beyond traditional laptops, Intel is also targeting the low-power edge computing market with these processors. The company believes the chips offer a competitive alternative to platforms like Nvidia’s Jetson Orin Nano for workloads involving object detection and video analytics. Systems built for these edge applications are anticipated to launch before the end of the current quarter.
(Source: Theregister.com)
