On October 25, Intel held a Core Ultra 200V mobile processor tasting event and AI PC ecosystem conference in Beijing, simultaneously introducing the Core Ultra 200S desktop processor. As one of Intel's most significant events this year, Lei Tech was invited to participate and provide full coverage, witnessing firsthand the new chapter in AI PCs.

Intel Pushes the Accelerator on AI PCs

As the new protagonist of mobile PCs, Intel's Core Ultra 200V series processors boast groundbreaking x86 energy efficiency, delivering outstanding performance in graphics, application compatibility, security, and AI computing power. The overall platform AI computing power of the CPU, NPU, and GPU reaches 120 TOPS, with nearly 20 hours of battery life, far exceeding traditional laptops.

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The Core Ultra 200V mobile processor was previously unveiled at the IFA in Germany, where Lenovo, ASUS, and other brands showcased multiple laptops based on the Core Ultra 200V. At this year's Beijing event, we saw all-new thin-and-light laptops from brands like MECHREVO, Tongfang, ThundeRobot, and MSI, all powered by the Core Ultra 200V mobile processor and showcasing a range of local AI applications.

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AI has been the most significant and revolutionary update in the PC industry in recent years, and Intel views AI as the future core of PCs. Therefore, all models in the Core Ultra 200 series come equipped with a new-generation NPU, providing AI computing power far surpassing traditional processors.

Leveraging the AI computing power of its new-generation processors, Intel has collaborated with dozens of software ecosystem partners to create a comprehensive AI ecosystem spanning Q&A, office work, creation, entertainment, and vertical industries. For example, they have partnered with Zhipu Qingyan to develop a personal assistant based on a local AI large model, capable of summarizing articles and answering daily questions without an internet connection.

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In addition, they have also partnered with Meitu, QQ Music, iQIYI, and other companies to create a new generation of AI assistants, providing enhanced AI services through deep optimization. In our previous discussions on AI, we often mentioned that the biggest challenge for AI was the lack of a mature application ecosystem, making it difficult for users to experience the real difference. However, with the popularity of the new-generation processors, this situation is expected to change.

At the event, Intel demonstrated the AI capabilities of the Core Ultra 200V processor and how it will change application experiences. Take iQIYI as an example; users can now control video playback with voice commands, switch episodes, navigate plots, and analyze content, all without touching the screen. They have also partnered with QQ Music to create an AI music service that leverages the NPU's neural network computing power to provide superior sound quality and effects.

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Beyond multimedia applications, gamers will be thrilled by the AI gaming assistant. Leveraging real-time AI vision recognition, the assistant can analyze the player's game situation and offer strategic advice. In the live demo of "Black Myth: Wukong," the AI provided real-time map and route guidance, offered strategy tips based on the player's progress, and even advised on upcoming attacks and dodges based on the boss's movements.

However, the AI gaming assistant also boasts a more whimsical feature: when defeated by a boss, it sends out amusing comments and memes, adding a lighthearted touch to an otherwise intense gaming experience (of course, this feature can be disabled if desired).

These capabilities are not limited to mobile devices; the desktop Core Ultra 200S also supports them. Intel is clearly accelerating the construction of a new AI ecosystem spanning both mobile and desktop platforms. To build this ecosystem, Intel has partnered with over 150 ISVs worldwide to enhance the deep integration of AI with popular applications.

Core Ultra 200S: The Next-Gen Flagship with Maximized Energy Efficiency

Of course, today's highlight is not just the AI PC ecosystem; the Core Ultra 200S processor was also officially launched. Adopting a modular design and architecture, it introduces the NPU to desktop processors for the first time, enhancing AI computing and extending AI capabilities to desktop platforms.

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Moreover, this is Intel's first desktop processor based on TSMC's process technology. The combination of the new process and architecture reduces gaming power consumption by up to 165W and overall power consumption during daily use by up to 58%, while also boosting multithreaded performance by 14%, achieving remarkable energy efficiency.

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In gaming benchmarks, the Core Ultra 200S delivers comparable frame rates at half the power consumption of competing processors. While desktop users may not prioritize power consumption as much as laptop users, reduced power consumption not only saves on electricity bills but also lowers cooling costs and reduces thermal stress on the PC system during gaming.

In recent years, few desktop PC products have focused on reducing power consumption. NVIDIA's graphics cards have seen year by year increasing power consumption in pursuit of higher performance, with the upcoming RTX 5090 rumored to exceed 500 watts. The heat generated by high-power hardware has become an issue that cannot be ignored.

Therefore, the Core Ultra 200S's ability to significantly reduce power consumption while maintaining high performance is invaluable. Both gamers and creators can benefit greatly from its high energy efficiency. A detailed review of the Core Ultra 200S was also published on Lei Tech's WeChat official account on October 25. Interested readers can access it there.

In addition to lower power consumption, AI is another key upgrade. However, as I have already discussed this aspect in the previous section, I will not repeat it here. By bringing AI capabilities to desktop PCs, the Core Ultra 200S enables a range of AI services without the need for a dedicated graphics card, significantly broadening the reach and support for AI applications.

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In promoting the AI ecosystem on desktop platforms, Intel shares the same interests as software vendors. At the event, PC games like "Valorant" and "Delta Force" announced partnerships with Intel to introduce a series of AI applications based on the Core Ultra 200S processor. These will cover a wide range of mainstream PC applications and services, addressing the daily PC software usage scenarios of 90% of users.

Of course, Intel's journey in building the AI PC ecosystem has just begun. The Core Ultra 200V and 200S are merely the prologue. The true transformation of AI PCs requires collaboration and effort across the entire industry chain. However, one thing is certain: AI is profoundly changing our perception of PCs, and a smart, efficient, and energy-saving PC experience is gradually becoming a reality. Let's wait and see what surprises and breakthroughs Intel and the entire PC industry will bring us next.

Source: Lei Tech