Intel Panther Lake (first Intel 18A node product) makes debut at CES (newsroom.intel.com)

Intel has made a significant announcement at CES 2026, unveiling the Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors, the first platform built on its groundbreaking 18A process technology. This new line, designed and manufactured in the United States, aims to redefine AI PCs, boasting exceptional performance, graphics, and battery life. The Series 3 family includes advanced Intel Core Ultra X9 and X7 processors, featuring up to 16 CPU cores and integrated Intel Arc graphics, delivering superior multitasking capabilities, enhanced gaming performance of up to 77% compared to previous models, and impressive battery endurance of up to 27 hours. This launch is monumental for the AI and ML community, as these processors are also certified for embedded and industrial applications, marking a pivotal shift toward edge computing in sectors such as robotics, smart cities, and healthcare. With performance metrics showing up to 1.9x higher large language model (LLM) performance and 2.3x better efficiency for video analytics, the Series 3 positions itself as a robust solution for demanding AI workloads. This integrated AI acceleration streamlines architecture, promising lower total cost of ownership compared to traditional multi-chip systems, making advanced AI capabilities more accessible to developers and businesses alike.