Early benchmark leaks of Intel’s upcoming Panther Lake laptop processors have surfaced online, revealing mixed performance results. These figures provide an early idea of what to expect from Intel’s next-generation Core Ultra chips ahead of their official launch.
According to data shared by several technology websites, including Laptop Review Club, these Intel Core Ultra results are slightly lower than Intel’s existing Aero Lake models, such as the Core Ultra 7 255H, which typically score between 21,000 and 22,000 points.
CPU performance appears to be lower
| Processor | Cinebench R23 (Multi-core) | Cinebench R23 (Single-core) | Power Target (W) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core Ultra X7 358H | ~20,000 | ~1,850 | 65 W | Leaked engineering sample |
| Core Ultra 5 338H | ~16,000 | ~1,700 | 45 W | Leaked engineering sample |
| Core Ultra 7 255H (Arrow Lake) | 21,500 – 22,000 | ~1,950 | 65 W | Current-gen reference |
The leaked data suggests that the new Panther Lake CPUs may not outperform the previous generation in terms of raw processing power. However, there have been design changes to the Core Ultra.
This change suggests that Intel is focusing on improved battery life and heat control rather than high benchmark scores. The lower performance in Cinebench may reflect tuning for efficiency rather than raw speed, especially since these are early test units.
A Big Boost in Integrated Graphics
While CPU performance seems modest, the graphics side tells a different story. The new Xe3 integrated GPU reportedly scored approximately 6,830 points in 3DMark Time Spy. This is nearly 70 percent higher than the previous-generation iGPU, which typically scored around 3,900 points.
This is a significant improvement and brings the new iGPU closer to the level of entry-level gaming GPUs like NVIDIA’s RTX 3050 Max-Q. This could make future thin-and-light laptops more capable for gaming and creative tasks without the need for a separate graphics card.
Results May Not Be Final
The leaked numbers are believed to come from early engineering samples, meaning performance may change before final release. Early chips often run at lower clock speeds or without full software optimization. Intel’s final retail chips are likely to perform better once driver and firmware updates are complete.
Analysts believe Intel is focusing more on efficiency and integrated graphics performance in this generation. The goal seems to be to create laptops that can handle AI tasks, video work, and light gaming while consuming less power.
Also Read: Best RTX 5090 Laptops – Gaming, Streaming, and Work
Industry Outlook
Experts say Intel’s approach is appropriate for today’s market. Many buyers want thin, quiet laptops that can still handle demanding tasks. One industry researcher commented that “early scores don’t always tell the whole story, especially when Intel is testing new power management and core layouts.”
Intel’s Panther Lake processors are built using its Intel 18A process, which is expected to deliver better performance per watt. The company is likely adjusting its design to meet growing competition from AMD’s upcoming Strix Point chips, which will use Zen 5 cores and improved RDNA 3.5 graphics.
Expected Launch
Intel is expected to officially unveil the Panther Lake series at CES 2026. The first laptops using the Core Ultra X7 358H and Ultra 5 338H are expected to arrive in the first quarter of 2026.
If the final models maintain the reported GPU advantage while improving CPU efficiency, Intel could offer one of its most balanced mobile platforms in recent years. These chips may not break records in terms of raw power, but they could set a new standard for performance per watt in mainstream laptops.
Source: LaptopReviewClub
