Intel’s upcoming Panther Lake-H processors are starting to take shape in the public eye, and the first leaks reveal not just raw technical hints but also a fresh naming convention that could mark a turning point in how Intel markets its high-performance chips. 
The so-called ‘Ultra X’ family – with names like Core Ultra X5, Ultra X7, and Ultra X9 – signals another shake-up in branding strategy, which has become something of a tradition for Team Blue over the past few generations.
The Panther Lake generation is particularly significant because it will be one of the first consumer launches built on the Intel 18A node. This process is being positioned as a leap forward in efficiency and transistor design, with promises of improved performance-per-watt. Alongside the node change, Intel is expected to integrate architectural updates across the board, including its next-gen integrated GPU cores (reportedly Xe3-based) and a beefed-up NPU engine designed for AI acceleration. These shifts underscore Intel’s determination to regain footing in both high-performance computing and emerging AI workloads – areas where competitors have been gaining traction.
The leaked SKU list includes four models under the Core Ultra 300 branding:
- Core Ultra X7 368H
- Core Ultra X7 358H
- Core Ultra X5 338H
- Core Ultra X9 388H
According to the leak, the Ultra X9 388H is positioned as the flagship variant, featuring a ‘high P-Core’ configuration. Although exact specifications are still speculative, expectations include 12 Xe3 GPU cores and clock speeds up to 5.1 GHz. If accurate, that would place it squarely against top-tier mobile CPUs and potentially even entry-level desktop chips. Meanwhile, the X7 368H is tipped as a model with a stronger integrated GPU focus, ideal for thin-and-light laptops that still want competitive graphics capabilities. The other two SKUs appear to be mid-tier options targeting balanced performance for mainstream users.
The naming itself is causing mixed reactions. Intel has pivoted through several brand identities in recent years, from Core i to Core Ultra, and now to Ultra X. On the one hand, this could help differentiate future lineups from legacy parts; on the other, it risks confusing consumers who struggle to follow Intel’s constantly shifting nomenclature. As one user joked online, the company might as well keep inventing suffixes until we reach an absurd ‘X11 Extreme Xdition’ at some point.
Importantly, these models are not to be confused with Nova Lake-H, which will reportedly carry the Core Ultra 400 branding instead. The overlap in leaks may have led to early confusion, but the consensus is that Panther Lake-H firmly belongs to the 300-series family. The official confirmation will come soon enough – Intel is expected to formally unveil Panther Lake details later this month, setting the stage for the next generation of high-performance mobile CPUs.
Industry watchers see Panther Lake as more than just another iterative release. If Intel’s 18A node delivers as promised, it could become the cornerstone of a revitalized consumer CPU strategy, restoring confidence among enthusiasts and OEMs alike. Until then, the leaks, memes, and speculation continue to swirl – with some people already joking about how much VRAM they’ll need to survive the next wave of gaming laptops powered by these chips.