Intel Unveils AI Processor... Showcases 3D Packaging Technology

Intel Unveils Core Ultra and 5th Generation Xeon Processors
Innovative Architecture Enables On-Device AI

U.S. semiconductor company Intel has launched a new PC processor designed to help users enjoy various artificial intelligence (AI) services on their PCs. To introduce this processor, Intel changed the PC processor design architecture for the first time in 40 years. It is also the first product to fully apply advanced three-dimensional (3D) packaging technology.

Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics, aiming to supply AI PCs, have also introduced new laptop models in line with the launch of Intel’s processor.

Kwon Myung-sook, President of Intel Korea, is introducing the wafer used in the Intel 4 process at a press briefing on the 18th. The newly launched Core Ultra processor by Intel is produced using the Intel 4 process. /
[Photo by Intel Korea]

By 2030, 8 out of 10 PCs will be AI PCs

On the 18th, Intel held an 'AI Everywhere' press conference at the Federation of Korean Industries building in Yeouido, Seoul, introducing the 'Intel Core Ultra Processor' and the '5th Generation Intel Xeon Processor (codename: Emerald Rapids)'. The Core Ultra Processor is for laptops, while the 5th Generation Xeon Processor is a new product for data centers.

Kwon Myung-sook, President of Intel Korea, said, "Intel aims to enhance user accessibility and ease of use across all workloads, from clients to edge, networks, cloud, and data centers," adding, "To achieve this, Intel provides a variety of hardware options to broaden customer choices."

To maximize AI performance on PCs, Intel equipped the Core Ultra Processor with high-performance central processing units (CPU), graphics processing units (GPU), and neural processing units (NPU). In this process, Intel also applied the 3D advanced packaging technology called 'Foveros,' which stacks chips vertically. This enables not only generative AI but also on-device AI services that can be used without an internet connection, the company explained.

Intel's Core Ultra processor displayed at the press briefing held on the 18th at the Federation of Korean Industries Building / Photo by Kim Pyeonghwa

Choi Won-hyuk, Managing Director of Intel Korea, explained, "Starting with this generation, the processor has a tile structure with multiple chips attached," adding, "Although integrating all technologies into a single processor was not easy, fundamentally changing the design after 40 years allowed us to achieve both performance and power efficiency."

Intel expects the launch of the Core Ultra Processor to open the AI PC market. It also stated that over 230 laptop and PC models launching globally next year will be equipped with the Core Ultra Processor. According to Boston Consulting Group, AI PCs are expected to account for 80% of the global PC market by 2028.

Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics have quickly responded to this market demand by unveiling new laptops equipped with the Core Ultra Processor on the 15th. Executives responsible for related tasks, including Lee Min-cheol from Samsung Electronics and Gong Hyuk-jun from LG Electronics, attended Intel’s press conference and personally introduced the laptops.

"5th Generation Xeon is a strong factor to boost DDR5 demand"

The memory industry is paying attention to Intel’s 5th Generation Xeon Processor. Xeon is Intel’s brand for data center processors. Following the launch of the 4th Generation Xeon Processor in January, Intel released the 5th Generation Xeon Processor ahead of schedule. This product offers improved computing and inference performance compared to the previous generation.

Na Seung-joo, Executive Director of Intel Korea, is introducing the 5th generation Xeon processor at a press conference on the 18th. /
Photo by Kim Pyeong-hwa

For processors to function properly, memory must support them. The 5th Generation Xeon Processor supports the latest DRAM standard, Double Data Rate (DDR) 5. Unlike the 4th Generation Xeon Processor, which supported both the previous DDR4 and DDR5 DRAM standards, the more the 5th Generation Xeon Processor sells, the faster the demand for high-value latest DRAM will grow.

Na Seung-joo, Managing Director of Intel Korea, said, "The 4th Generation Xeon Processor surpassed one million units sold in August and is currently expected to reach two million units," adding, "The sales growth of the 5th Generation Xeon Processor will be steeper, which will impact DDR5 demand."

Samsung Electronics plans to continue collaborating with Intel to introduce innovative memory products. At the press conference, Bae Yong-chul, Vice President of Samsung Electronics Memory Business, said, "We were able to showcase AI that was previously impossible through collaboration between excellent processors and high-performance, high-capacity memory," and promised, "We will continue to release innovative memory solutions that will lead on-device AI."

Meanwhile, Intel plans to expand its AI product lineup by launching the next-generation AI accelerator 'Gaudi3' in the first half of next year. Pat Gelsinger, Intel’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), showcased a Gaudi3 prototype at an event held in the U.S. on the 14th (local time).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.