Intel has officially introduced the Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors at CES, marking the debut of the first compute platform manufactured using the Intel 18A semiconductor process. This groundbreaking technology is the most advanced semiconductor process developed and produced within the United States, positioning Intel at the forefront of semiconductor innovation.
The Series 3 processors are set to power over 200 PC designs across various performance tiers, offering significant improvements in CPU speed, integrated graphics, and energy efficiency. These new chips support a broad range of applications, from everyday computing to high-end gaming and content creation, catering to a diverse global market.
Advanced Architecture and Performance
The Intel Core Ultra Series 3 introduces a new classification of processors, specifically the Intel Core Ultra X9 and X7 models. These processors come with integrated Intel Arc graphics, optimized for multitasking and demanding workloads such as gaming and creative productivity. Leading SKUs boast up to 16 CPU cores, 12 Xe cores for graphics, and deliver up to 50 trillion operations per second (TOPS) in neural processing, enabling substantial AI acceleration.
Performance benchmarks indicate up to 60% improvement in multithreaded tasks and a 77% boost in gaming performance compared to previous generation chips. Additionally, these processors enable up to 27 hours of battery life under specific workloads, indicating breakthrough power efficiency.
The broader Series 3 lineup further includes mainstream Intel Core processors built on the same architecture, designed to deliver enhanced performance and efficiency at more accessible price points. This democratization of cutting-edge technology is aimed at providing consumers with high-value computing experiences across various device categories.
Expansion to Edge Computing and Industry Applications
Beyond traditional PC use cases, the Series 3 platform extends its capabilities to industrial and embedded applications. For the first time, Intel-certified Series 3 processors are suitable for use in edge environments such as robotics, smart cities, automation, and healthcare. These processors are rigorously tested for reliability under extended temperature ranges and continuous operational conditions.
Intel reports that the Series 3 processors deliver up to 1.9 times higher performance on large language models and up to 2.3 times better performance per watt per dollar in video analytics compared to competitive solutions. This enhanced AI capability, combined with a single-chip system-on-chip (SoC) design, offers superior total cost of ownership (TCO) for edge AI workloads compared with multi-chip CPU and GPU architectures.
Availability and Global Reach
Pre-orders for consumer laptops equipped with Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors commenced immediately following the CES announcement, with global availability scheduled for late January. Additional device designs are expected to enter the market throughout the first half of the year. Edge computing systems incorporating the Series 3 processors will become available early in the year, expanding usage beyond consumer devices.
Jim Johnson, Intel’s Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Client Computing Group, emphasized the company’s focus: “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.”
Intel’s introduction of the Core Ultra Series 3 processors reflects a strategic advance in semiconductor fabrication and AI integration, positioning the company to address emerging demands in both consumer and industrial computing markets. The deployment of the Intel 18A process marks a significant step toward maintaining competitive leadership in semiconductor innovation.
Read more at: newsroom.intel.com-
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