Intel has officially lifted the curtain on its next-generation Intel Core Ultra Series 3 (Panther Lake) processors, the most sophisticated lineup to date for AI-driven laptops and high-performance computing. Utilizing the brand-new Intel 18A process, these chips provide significant enhancements in CPU, GPU, and NPU (AI engine) performance, elevating PC innovation to new heights.
If you’re planning to buy a next-gen AI laptop in 2026, here’s everything you need to know about the Core Ultra Series 3 lineup, including specs for the Ultra 9, Ultra &, and Ultra 5 models.
Overview: What’s New with Core Ultra Series 3
The new Panther Lake architecture combines next-gen P-cores, e-cores, and ultra-efficient LP-e cores, optimized for a balance of power and efficiency. These CPUs are crafted for a new era of computing, blending AI acceleration, next-level gaming graphics, and longer battery life.
Every chip in the lineup supports:
- Intel Xe3 Graphics with a major uplift over the previous Arc architecture
- Gen-5 NPU capable of delivering up to 50 TOPS of AI performance
- Wi-Fi 7 R2 and Bluetooth 6.0
- Thunderbolt 4 and Thunderbolt 5 connectivity
- Inetl Evo platform certification (on select models)
- Advanced security suite (VT-x/d, TXT, Secured-core PC)
- IPU 7.5 can support as many as three 16MP camera streams, enhancing the quality of video calls.
- Eco-friendly design- components that are free from lead and halogens
Intel also touts Endurance Gaming optimizations, enabling smoother gameplay with extended battery life for gamers on the go.
Intel Core Ultra 7 / X7 (368H / 366H / 358H / 356H / 365 / 355)
The Ultra 7 series offers a perfect blend of high performance and energy efficiency, making it attractive to both creators and gamers seeking powerful capabilities without generating too much heat.
Specifications include:
- Cores/Threads: Up to 16 or 8 cores and threads
- Boost speeds: Up to 5.0/4.8/4.7 GHz (depending on SKU)
- Cache: 18MB or 12MB Smart Cache
- AI performance: 49-50 TOPS NPU
- GPU: Arc B390 or Xe3 Graphics (up to 12 Xe-cores)
- PCIe support: Gen4 + Gen5 configurations
- Connectivity: Thunderbolt 4/5, Wi-Fi 7 R2, Bluetooth 6.0
- Memory: Up to 128GB LPDDR5X or DDR5-6400
- Power draw: 25W base, 55-80W turbo
- Features: vPro availability varies per SKU
These chips emphasize efficient hybrid performance and AI multitasking for real-world laptop workloads.
Intel Core Ultra 9 / X9 (388H / 386H)
The leading competitors in the series, Intel Ultra 9 and Intel Ultra X9, are transforming the landscape of performance laptops with up to 16 cores and 16 threads, showcasing advanced next-generation P-cores and E/LP-E cores. These chips are designed for creative professionals, power gamers, and AI-driven workflows.
Key specs:
- Core count: 16 cores / 16 threads
- Boost clocks: Up to 5.1GHz (388H) / 4.9GHz (386H)
- Cache: 18MB Intel Smart Cache
- NPU: Gen 5 delivering up to 50 TOPS for on-device AI acceleration
- GPU: Intel Arc B390 (Xe3) with up to 12 Xe-cores
- Memory support: Up to 96GB LPDDR5X-8533 / 9600
- PCIe: 8 x Gen4 + 4x Gen5 (up to 20 lanes, depending on SKU)
- Connectivity: Thunderbolt 4 and Thunderbolt 5
- Power: 25W base, 65-80W turbo
- Enterprise features: vPro + SIPP support on select models
This setup represents a significant advancement in AI computing efficiency, allowing laptops to handle intricate AI tasks locally, without needing cloud support.
Intel Core Ultra 5 (338H / 336H / 335 / 325 / 332 / 322)
The Intel Ultra 5 series is aimed at everyday productivity laptops, delivering remarkable performance with an efficient power design suitable for daily tasks, light content creation, and intelligent AI features.
Full Details:
- Cores/Threads: 12 or 8 cores and threads
- Boost clocks: 4.7-4.4 GHz
- Cache: 18MP / 12MB Smart Cache
- NPU: 46-47 TOPS
- GPU: Intel Arc B370 / Xe3 Graphics (up to 10 Xe-cores)
- PCIe support: Gen4 + Gen5 options
- Connectivity: Thunderbolt 4 + Wi-Fi 7 (varies by SKU)
- Memory: Up to 128GB LPDDR5X or DDR5
- Power draw: 25W base, 55-80W turbo
- Business support: vPro varies by model
These processors make next-gen AI features accessible to a broader range of users, blending efficiency and intelligence in one smart package.
Shared Innovations Across All Core Ultra Series 3 Chips
Every Panther Lake CPU brings several user-focused improvements to the table:
- Next-gen CPU design: Hybrid P-cores, E-cores, and LP-E cores built for speed and multitasking
- Gen-5 NPU: Up to 50 TOPS AI capability for real-time on-device processing
- Graphics overhaul: Xe3 GPU with AI-enhanced visuals, XeSS 3.0 (Super Resolution + Frame Generation), XeLL, and XMX AI cores
- Camera and imaging: IPU 7.5 supports triple 16MP cameras, ideal for creators and video conferencing
- Connectivity: Seamless Wi-Fi 7 R2, Bluetooth 6.0, and Thunderbolt 4/5
- Security: VT-x/d, TXT, and Secured-core PC-level protection
- Eco-design: Lead-free and halogen-free sustainability focus
- Gaming: Endurance Gaming tech for longer unplugged play sessions
AI Laptops of the Future
Intel’s Gen-5 NPU, capable of delivering up to 50 TOPS, makes the Core Ultra Series 3 perfect for AI-centric applications such as real-time translation, creative content generation, and local image/video AI tools, all without relying on cloud services. This results in quicker responsiveness, enhanced privacy, and longer battery life.
With Panther Lake, Intel is clearly targeting the AU-PC era, fusing CPU, GPU, and NPU power to refine what laptops can do in performance, creativity, and gaming.
Final Thoughts
The Intel Core Ultra Series 3 (Panther Lake) lineup is a major step toward intelligent, AI-driven, and performance-optimized computing. Whether it’s the Ultra 9 for heavy creative workloads, Ultra 7 for balanced and gaming, or Ultra 5 for smart everyday use, Intel’s new architecture sets the stage for the most capable generation of laptops yet.
Expect to see Intel Core Ultra 3-powered devices across flagship thin-and-light laptops, AI-driven workstations, and gaming notebooks in 2026, each smarter, faster, and more efficient than ever before.