Highlights
- Intel unveiled the Core Ultra Series 3 processors at CES 2026, its first AI PC platform built on Intel 18A (1.8nm-class) process technology.
- The lineup includes X9 and X7 mobile processors with up to 16 CPU cores, 12 Xe graphics cores, and 50 NPU TOPS AI acceleration.
- They deliver 60% better multithread performance, 77% faster gaming, and up to 27 hours battery life compared to previous-gen chips.
Intel has announced the Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors at CES 2026, marking the company’s first AI PC platform built on Intel 18A process technology. Designed and manufactured in the United States, the new platform supports more than 200 device designs from global partners and is Intel’s most widely available AI PC platform so far.
Speaking on the announcement, Jim Johnson, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Client Computing Group, Intel, said, “With Series 3, we are laser focused on enhancing 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.”
Intel Core Ultra X9 and X7 Mobile Processors
The Series 3 mobile lineup introduces a new class of Intel Core Ultra X9 and X7 processors with integrated Intel Arc graphics. These processors are aimed at multitasking, content creation, gaming, and everyday productivity workloads.
Key specifications of the new mobile processors include up to 16 CPU cores, up to 12 Xe graphics cores, and AI acceleration rated at 50 NPU TOPS. Intel claims up to 60 percent better multithread performance, up to 77 percent faster gaming performance, and battery life of up to 27 hours compared to previous-generation platforms.
Alongside the premium X9 and X7 chips, the Series 3 family also includes Intel Core processors designed for mainstream laptops. These processors are based on the same architecture as the flagship Series 3 lineup, enabling efficient and high-performance designs at more accessible price points.
Support for Edge and Industrial AI Workloads
Beyond consumer PCs, Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors are also certified for embedded and industrial applications. These chips support extended temperature ranges, deterministic performance, and continuous 24/7 operation, making them suitable for demanding edge deployments.
For edge AI workloads, Intel states that Series 3 processors deliver up to 1.9 times higher large language model performance, up to 2.3 times better performance per watt per dollar in end-to-end video analytics, and up to 4.5 times higher throughput for vision language action models.
The integrated AI acceleration enables a single-chip system-on-chip design, reducing total cost of ownership compared to traditional multi-chip CPU and GPU setups.
Availability Timeline
Consumer laptops powered by Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors will be available globally starting January 27, 2026, with pre-orders opening on January 6, 2026. Edge and industrial systems based on the new platform are expected to arrive in the second quarter of 2026.
FAQs
Q1. What makes the Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors significant?
Answer. They are Intel’s first AI PC platform built on Intel 18A (1.8nm-class) process technology, supporting over 200 device designs globally.
Q2. What performance improvements do the new X9 and X7 mobile processors offer?
Answer. They deliver up to 16 CPU cores, 12 Xe graphics cores, and 50 NPU TOPS AI acceleration, with 60% better multithread performance, 77% faster gaming, and up to 27 hours battery life compared to previous-gen chips.
Q3. When will devices powered by Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors be available?
Answer. Consumer laptops launch globally on January 27, 2026 (pre-orders from January 6), while edge and industrial systems arrive in Q2 2026.