Intel reportedly ditching performance cores for its next budget laptop chips
Intel is reportedly developing a new line of ultra-low-power processors called 'Moon Lake' that may rely exclusively on efficiency cores. These chips are designed for affordable, passively cooled laptops and prioritize power efficiency over high-performance computing.
Why it matters
This shift reflects a growing market demand for energy-efficient, budget-friendly mobile computing devices that do not require active cooling.
ⓘ Intel, edited Intel's next ultra-low-power CPU lineup will be called Moon Lake Intel is reportedly developing Moon Lake, a new family of ultra-low-power processors that could dispense with performance cores entirely. The upcoming chips are said to feature Darkmont efficiency cores exclusively. Anil Ganti , Published 10/29/2026 🇩🇪 Intel Laptop Leaks / Rumors 4 Reviews exclude selected types exclude selected tags Intel is reportedly developing a new family of ultra-low-power processors called Moon Lake for ultra-affordable laptops and other devices where power efficiency is paramount. Unlike most of Intel’s recent mobile processors, the upcoming chips could dispense with performance cores entirely.
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