- Intel’s leaked Core Ultra X7 358H shows a major GPU performance boost in Geekbench.
- The Xe3 integrated GPU scores 57,000 in OpenCL, outperforming the RTX 3050.
- Panther Lake CPUs could bring longer battery life and slimmer laptops.
- Expected to launch in 2026, these chips could redefine budget gaming devices.
A new leak surrounding Intel’s upcoming Panther Lake laptop chips has sparked plenty of buzz in the tech community.
The leaked benchmark for the rumored Intel Core Ultra X7 358H suggests a big jump in integrated GPU performance, possibly reshaping expectations for affordable gaming laptops and handheld devices.
The chip reportedly appeared in a Geekbench test running on a Samsung Galaxy Book6 Pro. According to the data, the Core Ultra X7 358H scored around 57,000 points in the OpenCL test. That result marks an improvement of roughly 7 percent over a previous leak for the same chip, signaling that Intel’s GPU driver optimizations for Panther Lake are progressing well.
A Closer Look at the Core Ultra X7 358H
The Core Ultra X7 358H is said to feature 16 total cores. That includes four performance cores, eight efficiency cores, and four additional low-power cores. Even though those low-power cores are small, the main structure still offers plenty of processing potential.
The standout, however, is the integrated GPU. Intel’s Xe3 graphics, based on its Battlemage architecture, deliver impressive results in these early tests. The 12-core Xe3 GPU shows that Intel’s integrated graphics are no longer just for casual workloads—they’re edging closer to discrete GPU territory.
Matching the Power of Discrete GPUs
The leaked benchmark numbers indicate that the Panther Lake chip’s Xe3 GPU could outperform Nvidia’s RTX 3050 laptop GPU by more than 10 percent. That level of performance puts it close to the RTX 3050 Ti, which is a remarkable feat for an integrated solution.
If Intel manages to squeeze out more gains before Panther Lake officially launches, this integrated GPU could even surpass entry-level discrete GPUs. For gamers and creators on a budget, that would mean access to strong visual performance without the need for a separate graphics card.
Big Potential for Slim Laptops and Handhelds
Beyond the raw numbers, this development carries huge implications for laptop and handheld design. A discrete GPU takes up space, generates heat, and consumes more power. By packing this level of performance into the CPU itself, Intel is paving the way for thinner, cooler, and longer-lasting devices.
The Core Ultra X7 358H’s total power usage reportedly sits between 60 and 80 watts, roughly the same amount an RTX 3050 uses on its own. In practice, that means laptops powered by Panther Lake chips could offer much better battery life while maintaining impressive performance.
These power savings also make Panther Lake an attractive choice for handheld gaming devices. Compact systems like the GPD Win or similar portable consoles could benefit greatly from this balance of performance and efficiency.
What This Means for the Future of Laptop Gaming
While Geekbench isn’t a perfect reflection of real-world gaming performance, the results are still encouraging. The benchmark offers an early snapshot of what users might expect once Panther Lake CPUs reach the market.
With release expected in early 2026, there’s still time for Intel to refine both hardware and software. Continued optimization could result in even stronger gaming and productivity performance across the board.
The industry is moving toward a future where integrated graphics can replace lower-tier discrete GPUs for many users. Intel’s Panther Lake appears poised to accelerate that shift, bringing more affordable and portable gaming solutions to the mainstream market.
The next generation of budget gaming laptops and handhelds could soon deliver impressive frame rates without the bulk or power demands of a dedicated GPU. If Intel keeps improving its Xe3 architecture, the days of compromise between power and portability might be coming to an end.
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