TL;DR
At CES 2026 Intel introduced the Core Ultra Series 3 processors, the company’s first compute platform manufactured on its Intel 18A process and designed for AI PCs. The family includes new X9 and X7 mobile SKUs with expanded CPU, GPU and NPU resources, plus certified edge variants for embedded and industrial use; pre-orders start Jan. 6 and systems ship Jan. 27, 2026.
What happened
Intel unveiled the Core Ultra Series 3 processors at CES 2026, presenting the lineup as the first compute platform built on the company’s Intel 18A process technology. The launch included nine demos covering gaming, AI, content creation, retail and edge scenarios, all running on Series 3–based PCs. The mobile family introduces X9 and X7 classes that feature higher-performance integrated Intel Arc graphics and on-chip AI acceleration; top SKUs are described as offering up to 16 CPU cores, 12 Xe-cores and 50 NPU TOPS. Intel also positioned Series 3 for industrial and embedded deployments, certifying variants for extended temperature ranges, deterministic performance and continuous operation. The company said Series 3 will power more than 200 PC designs globally, with consumer laptop pre-orders beginning Jan. 6, 2026, broad availability from Jan. 27, and edge systems expected in Q2 2026.
Why it matters
- First platform built on Intel 18A, marking a step change in Intel’s domestic process technology and manufacturing.
- Integrated CPU, GPU and AI acceleration in a single SoC could simplify device designs and lower total cost of ownership compared with multi-chip approaches, per Intel.
- Certification for embedded and industrial use expands these processors beyond consumer laptops into robotics, smart cities, automation and healthcare.
- Broad partner adoption — over 200 designs announced — suggests faster market availability and a wider range of device options for buyers.
Key facts
- Intel promoted Series 3 as the first compute platform manufactured on Intel 18A process technology designed and produced in the United States.
- The mobile lineup adds X9 and X7 classes with top SKUs offering up to 16 CPU cores, 12 Xe-cores (integrated GPU) and 50 NPU TOPS (AI throughput).
- Intel reported up to 60% better multithread performance against the prior Lunar Lake platform in Cinebench 2024 Multi Core at 25W (results may vary).
- Gaming performance was claimed up to 77% faster versus the prior generation across a 45-title Geomean at 1080p High with upscaling on reference platforms (results may vary).
- Battery-life claim: up to 27.1 hours of Netflix streaming measured on an Intel Core Ultra X9 388H in a Lenovo IdeaPad reference design (individual systems will vary).
- Series 3 edge processors are certified for embedded/industrial use cases, including extended temperature ranges, deterministic performance and 24×7 reliability.
- Intel cited edge AI comparisons versus Nvidia Jetson Orin AGX 64GB, claiming up to 1.9x better LLM latency, up to 2.3x better performance-per-watt-per-dollar for video analytics, and up to 4.5x higher throughput on a VLA model (results may vary).
- Intel said Series 3 will power more than 200 PC designs from global partners, with additional designs expected through the first half of 2026.
- Availability timeline: consumer laptop pre-orders start Jan. 6, 2026; systems available globally starting Jan. 27, 2026; edge systems available beginning Q2 2026.
What to watch next
- Independent reviews and benchmarks of retail laptops once units ship (not confirmed in the source).
- The first consumer laptops that enter pre-order on Jan. 6 and ship from Jan. 27, 2026 — check partner announcements and reviews for real-world results.
- Deployments and vendor announcements for edge/embedded systems due in Q2 2026 as certified designs appear in robotics, smart cities, automation and healthcare.
Quick glossary
- Intel 18A: A semiconductor process technology node from Intel; the announcement describes Series 3 as the first compute platform built on this process.
- NPU TOPS: Neural processing unit throughput measured in TOPS (tera-operations per second), used to quantify on-chip AI acceleration performance.
- SoC (System on Chip): An integrated circuit that consolidates multiple components — such as CPU, GPU and AI accelerators — onto a single chip.
- Xe-core: Intel’s naming for units within its integrated Arc GPU architecture; used here to describe the integrated graphics configuration.
Reader FAQ
When will consumer laptops with Series 3 be available?
Pre-orders begin Jan. 6, 2026, and systems are scheduled to be available globally starting Jan. 27, 2026.
Is Intel 18A manufactured in the United States?
The source states Intel 18A was designed and manufactured in the United States.
Will Series 3 be used outside of consumer PCs?
Yes — Intel says Series 3 processors are tested and certified for embedded and industrial edge use cases like robotics, smart cities, automation and healthcare.
Are independent performance results available?
Not confirmed in the source.
What will these chips cost?
Not confirmed in the source.
CES 2026: Intel Core Ultra Series 3 Debut as First Built on Intel 18A JANUARY 5, 2026 Published Client Computing At Intel's Series 3 launch, Intel showed off 9 engaging…
Sources
- Intel Core Ultra Series 3 Debut as First Built on Intel 18A
- Intel launches Core Ultra Series 3 CPUs, made using its …
- Intel Launches Core Ultra Series 3 "Panther Lake" Mobile …
- Intel unveils Core Ultra Series 3, its biggest AI PC push yet
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