Intel decided to abandon the “on-die” memory design it implemented in the Lunar Lake series, which was launched this year and aims for high efficiency. The company’s CEO, Pat Gelsinger, stated that this strategy did not provide the expected financial return and announced that they would end the use of on-die memory in future processor generations such as Panther Lake and Nova Lake. Lunar Lake chips were known to save energy by integrating standard RAM modules into the processor package; However, due to high costs, this experimental solution was not a sustainable option for Intel.
Gelsinger explained that Intel designed the Lunar Lake series as a niche product, but with the “AI PC” trend, this series reached a wider market share and became a high-volume product. This structure, which was initially intended for certain user groups, attracted attention especially thanks to the “on-die” memory that provides great energy savings. Lunar Lake aimed to extend battery life on portable devices by optimizing data transmission by 40%. However, as costs increased, it became clear that this memory design did not create a profitable model for Intel.
Intel’s future plans: A step back in memory design
Beyond this cost problem, Intel’s dependence on external partners such as TSMC in the memory procurement process also created problems. Gelsinger stated that this dependence reduces their strategic flexibility. Therefore, it has been announced that future chips such as Panther Lake and Nova Lake will return to a more traditional memory design. In these new chips, CPU, I/O and GPU capabilities are offered in the package, while large volume memory will be placed outside the package. This approach enables Intel to aim to both increase cost efficiency and adapt to market conditions faster in new generation processors.
On the other hand, there are also significant changes in Intel’s strategy in the field of graphics. Gelsinger stated that the company is considering scaling back its efforts in the field of independent graphics cards for desktop computers. Intel aimed to reach users looking for high performance with the independent graphics cards it offered under the Arc brand; However, these products could only find a place in the ultra-budget segment. The company plans to increase energy efficiency and artificial intelligence processing capacity, especially in portable devices, by focusing on integrated graphics solutions.
It is also emphasized that artificial intelligence features will be at the center of Intel’s new road map. In addition to Lunar Lake, the Panther Lake series will also feature a series of advanced NPUs (Neural Processing Units) that will enhance AI-supported workloads. These NPUs will enable devices to achieve high artificial intelligence performance while also supporting the goal of low power consumption. Intel plans to double performance in AI-based workloads with Panther Lake. It is stated that these new processors will provide an important infrastructure for artificial intelligence-based applications that require high performance.
Intel aims to focus more on users’ expectations with Panther Lake, which it plans to launch by 2025. In this context, the company’s decision to return to traditional memory design is important in terms of both cost and flexibility.