Intel's upcoming Meteor Lake P-series processor has garnered attention following the emergence of a thermal test chip image, suggesting a novel dual CPU tile configuration. This revelation has sparked discussion and analysis within the technology sector. The image in question does not provide detailed information about the processor's core count or architecture. However, it has led to various industry speculations. One hypothesis suggests that Intel might be adopting a strategy similar to Apple's approach with its M-series Ultra CPUs. This would involve connecting two CPU units via a high-speed interconnect, enabling them to operate as a single, cohesive unit. Another possibility is that Intel's design may be influenced by AMD's chiplet architecture, which incorporates two cores on a single chip, potentially leading to configurations with 12 or 16 cores.
It's observed that the tiles shown in the image appear to be of different sizes. This discrepancy suggests the use of distinct tiles for Performance (P) and Efficiency (E) cores. Such a design could allow Intel to employ varying manufacturing processes for each tile type, enhancing performance and efficiency. For example, a 6nm process might be used for the E-core tile, while the P-core CPU tile could utilize Intel's 4 process.
While the exact specifications of the Meteor Lake P-series processors are yet to be revealed, they are speculated to serve a market segment between Intel's H-series and U-series processors. The U-series is designed for ultra-light devices, whereas the H-series caters to higher power consumption needs. The market impact and success of the Meteor Lake P-series remain uncertain in the absence of an official announcement from Intel.
