TL;DR
At CES 2026 Intel introduced the Core Ultra Series 3 processors, the company's first consumer compute platform manufactured on its Intel 18A node. The chips include new X9 and X7 SKUs with integrated AI acceleration and are positioned for both laptops and certified edge/industrial deployments, with initial systems shipping later this month.
What happened
At CES 2026 Intel unveiled its Core Ultra Series 3 processors, the first compute platform the company says is built on its Intel 18A process technology and produced in the United States. The Series 3 family introduces higher-end X9 and X7 mobile SKUs with integrated Intel Arc graphics and AI acceleration, and a mainstream Intel Core line based on the same architecture. Intel showcased nine demonstrations spanning gaming, content creation, AI and edge use cases and said Series 3 will ship across more than 200 PC designs from global partners. The company also announced that certain Series 3 chips are tested and certified for embedded and industrial edge applications, citing extended temperature ranges and 24×7 reliability. Intel set pre-orders to start Jan. 6, 2026, consumer systems to become available globally on Jan. 27, 2026, and edge systems to follow in Q2 2026.
Why it matters
- Signals Intel moving to a new, US-produced process node (Intel 18A) for mainstream client chips.
- Integrated AI acceleration in a single SoC could simplify device designs and reduce dependence on multi-chip stacks for some workloads.
- Edge and industrial certifications expand the processors’ target beyond consumer laptops into robotics, smart cities and healthcare.
- Broad OEM uptake (200+ designs) may speed availability and variety of AI-capable PCs across price points.
Key facts
- Intel says Series 3 is the first compute platform manufactured on Intel 18A process technology.
- Intel introduced new Core Ultra X9 and X7 SKUs for mobile, alongside a mainstream Intel Core Series 3 lineup.
- Top X9 SKUs are specified with up to 16 CPU cores, 12 Xe graphics cores and up to 50 NPU TOPS.
- Intel provided comparative claims: up to 60% better multithread performance, up to 77% faster gaming, and up to 27 hours of Netflix streaming on a referenced test platform versus prior generation measurements.
- Intel claimed Series 3 can deliver higher LLM and video-analytics performance versus certain edge competitors in their internal estimates.
- Series 3 processors are being offered in more than 200 PC designs from global partners.
- Edge and embedded variants are described as tested and certified for extended temperature ranges, deterministic performance and continuous operation.
- Pre-orders for consumer laptops begin Jan. 6, 2026; global availability for initial systems is scheduled for Jan. 27, 2026; edge systems are expected in Q2 2026.
What to watch next
- Independent benchmarks comparing real-world CPU, GPU and AI performance against rival processors — not confirmed in the source.
- Actual battery life and thermals across diverse laptop designs and workloads once retail systems are tested — not confirmed in the source.
- Pricing, regional availability and the pace at which the 200+ announced designs arrive in market — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Intel 18A: A semiconductor manufacturing node from Intel; describes a specific set of process technologies and design rules used to fabricate chips.
- SoC (System on Chip): An integrated circuit that combines multiple components—such as CPU, GPU, memory controllers and AI accelerators—onto a single chip.
- NPU (Neural Processing Unit) TOPS: A measure of an AI accelerator's throughput in trillions of operations per second, commonly used to compare on-chip neural compute performance.
- Xe cores: Intel’s branding for execution engines used in its integrated graphics architecture.
- Edge computing: Processing data close to where it is generated (e.g., cameras, sensors, industrial equipment) instead of in centralized data centers, to reduce latency and bandwidth use.
Reader FAQ
When will laptops with Core Ultra Series 3 be available?
Intel set pre-orders to start Jan. 6, 2026, with initial global availability on Jan. 27, 2026.
Is Series 3 manufactured in the United States?
Intel states the Intel 18A-based Series 3 platform was designed and manufactured in the United States.
How much faster is Series 3 compared with the prior generation?
Intel provided estimates such as up to 60% better multithread performance and up to 77% faster gaming versus Lunar Lake in its internal comparisons.
How much will Series 3 systems 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 Panther Lake (first Intel 18A node product) makes debut at CES
- CES 2026: Intel Core Ultra Series 3 Debuts as First Built on …
- Press Kit: Intel at CES 2026
- Intel Unveils Processors Build Around New 18A Process
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