The highly anticipated Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors have finally hit the market, marking a significant milestone in the world of mobile computing. These pioneer chips, code named “Lunar Lake”, were introduced to the public by Intel, during the IFA event on September 3, 2024. Proudly called as the ‘most efficient family of x86 processors ever’, the Intel Core Ultra Series 2 seems to be ready to accelerate the change of the laptop industry with high performance and low energy consumption.
The launch of the Intel Core Ultra Series 2 comes at a time when competition in the mobile processor market is fierce. Intel’s new products are set to address Snapdragon X and AMD’s Ryzen AI 300 products. While the ‘standard’ update is the Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors’ computing performance boost, improved AI efficiency through the increased TOPS for the Neural Processing Unit (NPU), and massive integrated graphics power hike.
Copilot+ Access and Windows on ARM Compatibility
One of the most exciting aspects of the Intel Core Ultra Series 2 launch is the announcement that these systems will be getting Copilot+ access starting in November. As this development shows, users are no longer restricted to ARM64 platforms for Windows on ARM with Snapdragon X. The Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors offer a worthwhile upgrade solution suitable for users wanting to get the Intelligent Computing capabilities, but do not want to sacrifice compatibility or performance in the process.
Best Buy has emerged as the go-to destination for purchasing laptops powered by the Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors. The retailer has created a Lunar Lake dedicated laptops’ launch page with computers by ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Samsung. Some of the showcased devices include the ASUS Zenbook S 14 (UX5406) on which Ben Wilson, a Windows Central Editor, has written a detailed review after using it extensively.
Best Buy Perks for Intel Core Ultra Series 2 Laptops
While the new Intel Core Ultra Series 2 laptops are available from their respective manufacturer websites, shopping at Best Buy offers several distinct advantages. Best Buy also has two membership tiers: My Best Buy and My Best Buy Elite, Both allow for free shipping and extended return policy along with other perks. For more privileges, there are paid memberships; My Best Buy Plus and My Best Buy Total, which also give free two-day shipping, around the clock technical assistance and lower price for device repair.
The Intel Core Ultra Series 2 lineup consists of nine mobile chips, all featuring eight cores and eight threads. The only major differences is in the base CPU power of 17W or 30W, built-in GPU, and CPU multiplier. The Core Ultra 9 and Core Ultra 7 chips are designed for the multitasking or other intensive operations, the Core Ultra 5 Series 2 chips are perfect for general use.
Hands-on Experience with the ASUS Zenbook S 14
Windows Central Editor Ben Wilson had the opportunity to test and benchmark the ASUS Zenbook S 14 (UX5406), one of the first laptops to launch with the Intel Core Ultra Series 2 chips. The model he testing includes Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor, LPDDR5x 32 GB RAM, M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe 512 GB SSD and a 14-inch OLED 3K display with a 120 Hz refresh rate.
Initial benchmarks conducted by Wilson demonstrate the impressive performance of the Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors. Core_BOOST 258V is a middle child in the Core Ultra series of the Lunar Lake’s range and excels in burst-related benchmarks (Geekbench 6) as well as the long-lasting CPU stresses (Cinebench 2024). Moreover, the battery aspect meets Intel’s promise of “up to 20 hours” though Wilson conducts tests that give about 15 hours and 26 minutes of usage according to the Windows battery report.
