Oct 10, 2025 10:41:00

Intel announces 3rd generation Core Ultra processor 'Panther Lake' and server processor 'Xeon 6+', manufactured using Intel 18A process to enhance gaming and AI performance

Intel has announced its mass production plans for its consumer processor , the Core Ultra Processor (Series 3) (development codename: Panther Lake) , and its server processor , the Xeon 6+ (development codename: Clearwater Forest) . Both processors are manufactured using

the Intel 18A process and are touted to be mass-produced in factories in the United States.

Intel Unveils Panther Lake Architecture: First AI PC Platform Built on 18A :: Intel Corporation (INTC)
https://www.intc.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/1752/intel-unveils-panther-lake-architecture-first-ai-pc

Intel Announces Panther Lake Architecture, First AI PC Platform Based on Intel 18A Process Technology - Newsroom
https://newsroom.intel.com/ja/client-computing/Intel Announces Panther-Lake Architecture-Intel-18a Processor

The Core Ultra Processor (Series 3) is targeted at a wide range of products, including consumer and business AI PCs, gaming consoles, and edge devices, and is positioned as the first client-oriented SoC to use Intel's 18A process technology. Equipped with up to 16 P and E cores, it delivers a 50% or greater improvement in CPU performance compared to the previous generation. It also features an integrated Arc GPU with up to 12 Xe cores, delivering a 50% or greater improvement in graphics performance compared to the previous generation. The optimized AI acceleration XPU design delivers 180 trillion operations per second (TOPS).

CEO Lip-Boo Tan holds a wafer of the Core Ultra Processor (Series 3). The Core Ultra Processor (Series 3) is said to combine 'performance on par with

Arrow Lake ' with 'power efficiency on par with Lunar Lake .' The Core Ultra Processor (Series 3) is expected to enter mass production in 2025, with the first products shipping by the end of 2025. It is expected to be available on the general market from January 2026.

The Xeon 6+ is a server processor manufactured using Intel's 18A process technology. It features up to 288 E-cores and is touted as 'the most power-efficient server processor Intel has ever developed.' It also boasts a 17% increase in instructions per cycle (IPC) compared to the previous generation. The Xeon 6+ is scheduled to be available in the first half of 2026.

Intel's 18A node products, including Core Ultra processors (Series 3) and Xeon 6+, will be manufactured at its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, Fab 52, in Arizona.