At CES 2026, Intel officially introduced Intel Core Ultra Series 3, marking a major milestone in PC innovation. These processors are the first AI PC chips built on Intel’s advanced 18A process technology, designed and manufactured in the United States. With support for over 200 PC designs from global partners, Series 3 is positioned as Intel’s most widely adopted and globally available AI PC platform to date.
Intel’s latest launch reflects a clear strategy: deliver higher performance, improved power efficiency, and next-generation AI capabilities while maintaining strong x86 application compatibility.
Built on Intel 18A: A Major Leap in Efficiency and Performance
Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors leverage Intel 18A process technology, enabling significant gains in power efficiency and compute density. This advanced node allows Intel to pack more performance into thinner, lighter laptops while extending battery life.
According to Intel, the new platform focuses on:
- Enhanced CPU performance
- A larger, more powerful integrated GPU
- Substantially increased AI compute
- Reliable compatibility across existing x86 applications
This makes Series 3 ideal for modern workloads that blend productivity, creativity, gaming, and AI acceleration.
New Intel Core Ultra X9 and X7 Processors Raise the Bar
A key highlight of the Series 3 lineup is the introduction of Intel Core Ultra X9 and X7 processors. These premium mobile chips are designed for power users who demand high performance on the go.
Top-tier configurations offer:
- Up to 16 CPU cores
- Up to 12 Xe-cores of integrated Intel Arc graphics
- Up to 50 NPU TOPS dedicated to AI workloads
Intel claims these processors deliver:
- Up to 60% better multithread performance
- Up to 77% faster gaming performance
- Up to 27 hours of battery life
This combination makes the X9 and X7 processors well-suited for gaming, content creation, advanced multitasking, and AI-powered applications.
Mainstream Intel Core Processors for Affordable AI Laptops
Alongside the flagship Ultra chips, Intel also introduced mainstream Intel Core processors based on the same Series 3 architecture. These processors are designed to power more affordable laptops without sacrificing efficiency or performance.
By using the same foundational design, Intel enables manufacturers to deliver:
- Thinner and lighter systems
- Better battery life
- Improved everyday performance at lower price points
This approach helps bring AI PC capabilities to a broader range of users.
Extending AI Performance Beyond PCs to the Edge
For the first time, Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors are also certified for embedded and industrial use cases. These edge processors support extended temperature ranges, deterministic performance, and 24×7 reliability—making them suitable for demanding environments.
Intel reports major gains in edge AI workloads, including:
- Up to 1.9× higher LLM performance
- Up to 2.3× better performance per watt per dollar in video analytics
- Up to 4.5× higher throughput for vision-language-action models
With integrated AI acceleration in a single SoC, Series 3 reduces system complexity and lowers total cost of ownership compared to traditional CPU-GPU combinations.
Availability and Launch Timeline
Intel confirmed that:
- Pre-orders for consumer laptops powered by Intel Core Ultra Series 3 will begin on January 6, 2026
- Global availability starts on January 27, 2026
- Additional laptop designs will roll out throughout the first half of 2026
- Edge systems powered by Series 3 processors will launch in Q1 2026
With Intel Core Ultra Series 3, Intel is making a strong push into the AI PC era. Built on Intel 18A and featuring powerful Arc graphics, dedicated AI acceleration, and industry-leading efficiency, the new processors are set to redefine laptops and edge computing in 2026 and beyond.
