On-package memory is one of the factors that made Apple's M-series processors fast, efficient, and compact. With its Core Ultra 200V (Lunar Lake) processors, Intel adopted the same architecture, which enabled what Intel says is a great product but severely hurt Intel's profit margins. The chipmaker (via SeekingAlpha) says it will no longer feature on-package memory for next-gen CPUs.
"[On-package memory is] a one-off with Lunar Lake," said Pat Gelsinger, chief executive of Intel, at the earnings conference call with analysts and investors. That will not be the case with Panther Lake, Nova Lake, and its successors as well. We will build it in a more traditional way with memory off package in the CPU, GPU, NPU, and I/O capabilities in the package. But volume memory will be off-package in the roadmap going forward."
Intel's Core Ultra 200V processors come with 16GB or 32GB of on-package LPDDR5X-8533 memory connected using a 128-bit interface. This allows for the saving of plenty of space inside laptops, as memory modules (and soldered-down memory chips) occupy a lot of space. That area can be used to install bigger batteries, ensuring greater battery life or some additional logic to boost functionality. As a bonus, on-package memory can help to cut latencies and power consumption.