Intel Maps Out New Plan Future CPUs, Changes in Server Chips, and SMT Back
After a tough money report, Intel's chief, Lip-Bu Tan, shared plans for what comes next. The plan has new chips for us and for servers, a big change in how server chips are made, and bringing back GPU work together.
List for New Consumer CPUs Panther Lake and Nova Lake
Intel first looks at things for us to buy with its soon Panther Lake set-up, made with the 18A tech.
- Panther Lake: The first one you can carry will come out by end 2025, with more in early 2026. How well Panther Lake does is key for the company's money, as it begins with high costs for each piece.
- Nova Lake: Coming out in late 2026 for desktops and things you can carry. It's meant to match AMD's top desk stuff. Will use a better 18A tech, may have up to 52 parts that do the work.
"We still need to catch up in the top desk market, but I'm happy with... the steps we're taking with Nova Lake set for end 2026."
Server CPU Plan SMT Is Here Again
The plan for servers sees big changes in build and new types of products.
- Diamond Rapids & Clearwater Forest: Out in 2026, Diamond Rapids will bring P-cores (up to 256 cores), while Clearwater Forest will use E-cores (up to 288 cores).
- Coral Rapids: Aimed for 2028-2029, this server CPU line will bring back SMT (doing many things at once) to Intel's P-core setup.
Fixing Old Mistakes
CEO Lip-Bu Tan openly said taking out SMT from the recent P-core designs was a "bad move" that hurt market share. Putting this tech back with Coral Rapids is a big part of the plan to get back in the race for high-speed server market.
"I've moved to fix old mistakes with the thread skills on our P-cores," said Tan, adding they are "fully in, making sure that we can lessen that performance gap." He noted Intel's share of the server market is now about 55%, meaning AMD has a good chunk.
Intel's GPU and AI Path
Intel aims to focus its microchip work around its x86 CPU and Xe GPU setups. While the Xe GPU keeps being a key part of the work and AI, the future for the stand-alone "Arc" GPU line isn't clear. The firm plans to build its work in systems and programs to stay up in AI, which Tan says has been weak or not there at all for Intel.
Main Points from Intel's News
- Panther Lake Out: First one you can carry in late 2025, more in early 2026.
- Nova Lake Starts: Late 2026 for desktops and things to carry, targets top desk area.
- SMT Comes Back: Coral Rapids server CPUs will bring SMT to P-cores around 2028-2029.
- 18A Tech: Will be used for at least three rounds of client and server stuff.
- Server List: Diamond Rapids (P-core) and Clearwater Forest (E-core) in 2026.
