The Intel Tech Showcase at CES 2026 featured a large-scale model of the Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processor, also known as Panther Lake. The display attracted significant attention due to its size, colorful appearance, and technical complexity. The model, constructed from over 42,000 LEGO bricks, incorporates more than 600 LEDs that simulate the functions of an actual Series 3 processor.
Khoi Nguyen, a software technical marketing engineer at Intel, led the project. He explained, “This CPU brick building model has LED lights that light up its CPU, NPU and GPU tiles based on Windows Task Manager.” Nguyen adapted existing circuitry so the LEDs would illuminate according to real-time data representing different processor sections.
Nguyen collaborated with Zach Hill, a former Intel intern and current member of Intel’s Graphics Technical Marketing team. Hill is known for his previous work designing a 600-piece model of the Intel Arc A750 GPU in 2023. According to PCGamer, that earlier project was noted for its engineering detail and included moving parts.
For this new project, Hill used LEGO Group’s Bricklink Studio software to design the model in three dimensions before assembling it. The construction process required several weeks and eventually had to be moved from Hill’s house to his garage due to its eight-foot height.
Nguyen described the final stages: “For the last 10 days, I have been up until 3 a.m. every night, integrating the model with the electronics for the LEDs. We had to modify and make changes to the building bricks to make space for everything. It’s exhausting but also very rewarding to see it coming together.”
Michael Larsen contributed by developing software that synchronizes LED activity with system performance metrics from Windows Task Manager using Intel OpenVINO technology. As Nguyen detailed: “Larsen figured out a way to easily get the NPU utilization represented by using Intel OpenVINO to run the AI model to analyze Windows Task Manager, and pull out the corresponding percentage of utilization, then send the signals to the LEDs on the model.”
Hill reflected on his interest in LEGO construction: “Just as LEGO pieces or silicon are meaningless on their own, they come alive when thoughtfully arranged by humans who turn simple components into something powerful, expressive, and unique.” He added: “I’m particularly excited to support the launch of Intel Core Ultra CPUs with this giant LEGO build as it represents the versatility shared by Intel CPUs and LEGO pieces –technological advancements which enable work, play, and interpersonal connection.”
The unveiling coincided with broader announcements about Intel’s Series 3 processors at CES 2026. Additional details about these processors can be found in Intel’s newsroom coverage.
