Intel Launches Core Ultra Series 3 “Panther Lake” Processors Built On New 18A Process

Intel has used CES 2026 to unveil its Core Ultra Series 3 processor lineup, the first to be manufactured using the company’s 18A process node. The launch marks a shift in Intel’s Ai PC strategy, as it expands beyond traditional consumer and business use into edge and industrial deployments.

The new range powers over 200 device designs and is expected to be widely adopted across consumer laptops, embedded systems and commercial edge deployments.

Built On Intel 18A, Manufactured In The US

The Core Ultra Series 3 platform is the first compute product built on Intel 18A, a next-generation process node developed and manufactured in the United States. It underpins a new architecture that focuses on power efficiency, Ai acceleration and graphics performance.

“With Series 3, we are laser focused on improving power efficiency, adding more CPU performance, a bigger GPU in a class of its own, more Ai compute and app compatibility you can count on with x86,” said Jim Johnson, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Client Computing Group at Intel.

Core Ultra X9 And X7 For Heavy Workloads

The mobile range includes new Intel Core Ultra X9 and X7 processors, aimed at users who require performance for multitasking, content creation and gaming.

The top models include:

• Up to 16 CPU cores
  
  
• 12 Xe cores (Intel Arc graphics)
  
  
• 50 TOPS of NPU Ai compute

Intel claims the chips deliver:

• Up to 60 per cent better multithreaded performance
  
  
• 77 per cent faster gaming performance
  
  
• Up to 27 hours of battery life

These processors target high-end users, while the broader Series 3 family includes Intel Core variants for mainstream mobile devices at lower price points.

Embedded And Edge-Ready Variants

For the first time, Intel has certified Series 3 processors for embedded and industrial edge environments. These chips are designed to operate in extended temperature ranges, support deterministic performance and deliver continuous 24×7 reliability.

Use cases span:

• Robotics
  
  
• Smart cities
  
  
• Automation
  
  
• Healthcare

Intel said the edge variants offer competitive performance across critical Ai workloads, including:

• Up to 1.9x faster large language model (LLM) throughput
  
  
• Up to 2.3x better performance per watt per dollar on video analytics
  
  
• Up to 4.5x improvement in vision language action (VLA) model throughput

The integrated Ai acceleration reduces system complexity by eliminating the need for separate GPU components.

Global Availability Starts Late January

Consumer laptops powered by the new processors are available for pre-order from 6 January, with systems expected to ship globally from 27 January. Further designs are scheduled to arrive throughout the first half of 2026.

Edge and industrial systems based on Series 3 processors will be available from Q1 2026.

Panther Lake Codename And Visual Identity

The Series 3 family carries the internal codename “Panther Lake.” Intel showcased wafer designs and processors at CES, including marketing assets focused on the new Ai features and Arc graphics integration.

The company is positioning the Core Ultra Series 3 as its broadest and most flexible platform to date, with applicability across PCs, workstations, edge systems and industrial Ai infrastructure. The shift also signals a deeper investment in x86-based Ai compute as Intel seeks to compete with Arm-based and custom accelerator solutions entering the market.

Last Updated on January 12, 2026 by Nick Ross