Intel announced at its CES keynote that it will formally launch its first Core Ultra Series 3 laptop processors later this month. These chips, codenamed Panther Lake, are targeted at high-end ultraportable PCs and will be the first to utilize Intel's 18A manufacturing process.

The launch will encompass 14 chips across five product families, which Intel anticipates will be integrated into over 200 PC designs. The initial products are slated for availability on January 27, with subsequent releases planned throughout the first half of the year.

The Core Ultra X9 and Core Ultra X7 processors will feature Intel's latest CPU and GPU architectures, a fully enabled 12-core Intel Arc B390 integrated GPU, and support for LPDDR5x-9600 memory. The Core Ultra 9 and 7 processors will incorporate the same technologies but with four GPU cores and support for either LPDDR5x-8533 or DDR5-7200 DIMMs. These processors will offer 20 PCI Express lanes.

Intel's 18A manufacturing process is a key component of its strategy to regain parity with Taiwan Semiconductor (TSMC) in chip manufacturing technology. The 18A process represents a significant advancement in transistor density and performance, potentially leading to more power-efficient and faster processors.

The introduction of the Core Ultra Series 3 processors marks a pivotal moment for Intel as it seeks to compete in the increasingly competitive market for laptop processors. The integration of advanced AI capabilities within these chips could have broad implications for society. For example, enhanced AI performance on laptops could accelerate the development and deployment of AI-powered applications in various fields, from healthcare to education.

The availability of these new processors is expected to drive innovation in the ultraportable PC segment, offering consumers more powerful and efficient devices. The use of the 18A process could also pave the way for future generations of Intel processors with even greater performance and energy efficiency. The company plans to release more information about the specific features and capabilities of the Core Ultra Series 3 processors in the coming weeks.