CES 2026: Intel Unveils Core Ultra Series 3 on Intel 18A Technology
Intel has officially launched the Intel® Core
Ultra Series 3 processors at CES 2026, marking a significant advancement in computing technology. This new series is designed on Intel’s innovative 18A manufacturing process, which represents the company’s most advanced semiconductor technology to date, crafted in the United States.
Key Features of Intel Core Ultra Series 3
- First platform built on Intel 18A technology.
- Over 200 PC designs powered by Series 3.
- Designed for high-performance computing, graphics, and battery life.
- Certified for embedded industrial applications.
Jim Johnson, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Intel’s Client Computing Group, stated that with this series, Intel is focused on enhancing power efficiency while increasing CPU performance and graphics capabilities. The Series 3 includes the new Intel Core Ultra X9 and X7 processors, optimized for multitasking, gaming, and creative workloads.
Performance Metrics
The new processors boast impressive specifications:
- Up to 16 CPU cores and 12 Xe cores.
- 50 TOPS for Neural Processing Units (NPU).
- Approximately 60% improvement in multithread performance.
- Over 77% enhancement in gaming performance.
- Battery life reaching up to 27 hours for streaming.
AI Integration and Use Cases
For the first time, the Intel Core Ultra Series 3 also includes edge processors that have been certified for various industrial applications. These processors are essential for sectors such as:
- Robotics
- Smart Cities
- Automation
- Healthcare
The integrated AI capabilities provide substantial performance advantages, delivering up to 1.9 times higher performance in large language models and over 4.5 times better throughput on vision language action models.
Availability
Pre-orders for laptops using the Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors will begin on January 6, 2026. The devices are expected to be available worldwide starting January 27, 2026, with further releases throughout the first half of the year. Edge systems are slated for release by the second quarter of 2026.
Intel continues to play a pivotal role in advancing semiconductor technologies, enhancing computing capabilities and pushing the boundaries of AI integration in everyday applications. For more information about the Intel® Core Ultra Series 3 processors, visit El-Balad.
