At CES 2026 in Las Vegas, Intel introduced its new Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors. This launch marks the debut of the first compute platform built on Intel’s advanced 18A process technology, which was developed and manufactured in the United States. The Series 3 processors are set to power over 200 designs from various global partners, making it Intel’s most widely available AI PC platform.
Jim Johnson, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Client Computing Group at Intel, stated: “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.”
The new lineup includes the Intel Core Ultra X9 and X7 processors, featuring high-performance integrated Intel Arc graphics. These chips are designed for users who need to handle demanding workloads such as gaming and content creation while mobile. Top-tier models offer up to 16 CPU cores, 12 Xe-cores, and deliver up to 60% better multithread performance compared to previous generations (as measured by Cinebench 2024 Multi Core at similar power levels). Gaming performance is reported to be up to 77% faster across a variety of titles when compared with prior platforms using reference benchmarks (details at www.intel.com/PerformanceIndex). Battery life for certain configurations can reach up to approximately 27 hours during video streaming tests.
Intel also announced that the Series 3 family includes processors targeted at mainstream mobile systems. These utilize the same foundational architecture but are optimized for efficient laptop designs at lower price points.
For the first time, Series 3 processors have been tested and certified for embedded and industrial applications outside traditional PCs. This expansion means they can be used in sectors like robotics, smart cities infrastructure, automation systems, and healthcare devices—requiring features such as extended temperature operation ranges and consistent reliability.
The company claims significant improvements in edge AI workloads with these chips. Large language model processing speeds have increased by nearly double compared to previous offerings using comparable hardware. Performance per watt per dollar has improved more than twofold on end-to-end video analytics tasks relative to other solutions in the market. Vision language action models reportedly run up to four-and-a-half times faster than before (detailed metrics are available via intel.com/performanceindex).
Pre-orders for laptops powered by Intel Core Ultra Series 3 begin January 6, with general availability starting January 27 worldwide. Edge computing systems based on these processors will be released beginning in Q2 of this year.
