In the Embedded PC market, selecting the right CPU is critical. Clients expect compact, fanless designs with low power draw—but also demand high performance, often insisting on Intel® i7-level computing. Fortunately, there’s now a broader spectrum of CPU options designed to meet every requirement.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s currently available in mid-2025 across the embedded landscape:
1) Entry-Level ATOM-Class CPUs (6W–10W)
These ultra-low-power processors enable cost-effective, fanless systems. Ideal for basic processing tasks, their performance is comparable to a 2nd Generation i7 CPU.
2) High-Performance Desktop-Class CPUs
(10th–14th Gen)
These CPUs deliver top-tier performance for demanding applications. Typical power draw is 65W, spiking to 148W during peak loads. While generally fan-cooled, fanless operation is possible under certain conditions.
3) Mid-Range Mobile-Class CPUs (15W–28W)
Balancing performance and efficiency, mobile CPUs like the i5-1235U and i5-1240P offer solid output with fanless cooling. These are ideal for performance-driven systems in tight spaces.
4) Introducing Intel® Core™ Ultra Series (15W TDP)
This is where the future begins. The new Core Ultra processors are a major leap forward in embedded computing—combining a high-efficiency CPU, integrated GPU, and now a dedicated NPU (Neural Processing Unit) for AI acceleration.
Key Benefits of the Ultra Series:
- Entry-level Ultra 5 125U outperforms a 10th Gen i7 while using just 15W
- Supports fanless operation, even with high performance
- Available in Ultra 5, 7, and 9 tiers with Series 1 and the newly released Series 2 (now supporting up to 128GB RAM)
📈 PassMark benchmarks show nearly 8x performance growth over the past 13 years for i7-class CPUs—Ultra Series continues this trajectory with AI-ready capabilities.
The numbers in a CPU model—such as 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and so on—indicate its generation. For instance, the Intel i7-10700 belongs to the 10th generation.
Explore Ultra-Based Solutions:
Whether you're looking for an ultra-efficient fanless solution or an AI-capable embedded powerhouse, we’ve got the right CPU option for your application. And with the latest Core Ultra processors now available, it’s never been easier to build smart, scalable, and future-ready systems.
