Two previously unannounced Intel Panther Lake processors—the Core Ultra 5 335 and Core Ultra 5 325—have surfaced in the Geekbench database. Although the test data is limited and the platform configuration is unknown, the available specifications provide valuable insight into how Intel is reshaping core topology, cache allocation, and power strategy for its next-generation low-power mobile CPUs.
Rather than chasing headline-grabbing core counts, these chips appear designed to define the baseline Panther Lake experience.
🧩 Core Configuration: A Deliberate “No E-Core” Design #
Both the Core Ultra 5 335 and 325 feature an 8-core, 8-thread configuration composed of:
- 4 Performance cores (P-cores)
- 4 Low-Power Efficiency cores (LP-E cores)
Notably absent are the traditional E-cores found in many recent Intel mobile designs. This configuration closely mirrors the Ultra 200V series, signaling a conscious departure from the core-dense H-series approach.
Why Remove E-Cores? #
- Lower scheduling complexity
- Improved efficiency per watt
- Reduced die area and leakage
- Better alignment with thin-and-light laptops
This suggests that certain Panther Lake SKUs prioritize predictable power behavior over peak multi-thread throughput.
📊 Geekbench 5 Performance Snapshot #
Initial Geekbench 5.5.1 results place the two CPUs very close together, implying similar voltage curves and power limits.
| Model | Single-Core | Multi-Core | Max Turbo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Ultra 5 335 | ~1,990 | ~9,500 | 4.6 GHz |
| Core Ultra 5 325 | Slightly lower | Nearly identical | 4.5 GHz |
Important: These results are based on Geekbench 5, which differs substantially from Geekbench 6 in workload composition and scaling. Until Geekbench 6 data becomes available, these scores should be treated as relative indicators, not absolute performance claims.
🧠 L3 Cache Expansion: Efficiency Over Frequency #
One of the most notable architectural changes is the increase to 12MB of shared L3 cache, up from the 8MB found in Ultra 5 228V and 238V.
Why Cache Matters at 25W #
- Frequency scaling offers diminishing returns under tight thermal limits
- Larger L3 cache improves memory hit rates
- Reduces DRAM access, saving both power and latency
- Provides more consistent sustained performance
This design choice aligns well with real-world mobile workloads that value responsiveness and efficiency over short-lived boost clocks.
🔋 Power Envelopes and Market Positioning #
Panther Lake mobile processors are expected to span multiple tiers:
- Standard models (no suffix): ~25W
- H-series: 35–45W
- HX-series: Up to 55W
This positions Panther Lake above Lunar Lake in power and performance, targeting:
- Mainstream ultrabooks
- Premium thin-and-light laptops
- Performance-oriented mobile systems
Rather than ultra-low-power devices, Panther Lake aims to balance efficiency, sustained performance, and scalability.
🪜 A New Mobile Tiering Strategy #
Intel’s emerging segmentation strategy appears more deliberate than in previous generations:
-
Standard Ultra 5 models
- No traditional E-cores
- Moderate cache sizes
- Lower turbo frequencies
- Optimized for efficiency-first designs
-
H / HX-series models
- Include Darkmont E-cores
- Larger caches
- Higher power budgets
- Designed to clearly differentiate performance tiers
This cleaner separation should reduce overlap and confusion across Intel’s mobile lineup.
✅ Conclusion #
The Core Ultra 5 335 and 325 are not designed to impress with raw numbers—they define the architectural foundation of Panther Lake. Their no E-core configuration, increased L3 cache, and restrained turbo behavior point to a platform optimized for steady-state efficiency and real-world mobile performance.
The true performance character of Panther Lake will only become clear once:
- Geekbench 6 results emerge
- Retail laptops reveal actual power limits
- Sustained workloads are evaluated under thermal constraints
Until then, these early Geekbench entries offer a compelling preview of Intel’s evolving mobile CPU philosophy.