Intel Unveils PCs with 1.8nm Core Ultra 3: "AI Computing Performance More Than Doubled"

Panther Lake Lineup Unveiled
Enhanced Power Efficiency and AI Performance Over Previous Generation
Featured in Latest Samsung Galaxy Book and LG Gram Models

Intel has launched its latest central processing unit (CPU) lineup, the "Core Ultra Series 3" (code name Panther Lake), which features enhanced artificial intelligence (AI) computing capabilities and improved battery efficiency. With these new products, manufactured using Intel's advanced 1.8-nanometer (18A) process, the company also expressed its ambition to expand the AI PC ecosystem.

On January 28, Intel held an AI PC Showcase press conference at The Westin Seoul Parnas in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, where it introduced the new Panther Lake products and outlined its latest AI PC strategy.

Intel held an Intel AI PC Showcase press conference on the 28th at The Westin Seoul Parnas in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. At the conference, PC is being discussed. Photo provided by Intel Korea

Josh Newman, General Manager of Product Marketing and Operations for Intel's Client Marketing Group, who led the product announcement, highlighted, "The new lineup is characterized by high efficiency and AI performance," adding, "We have improved power efficiency, and performance can be scaled for any task." During his presentation, he also showcased an actual Panther Lake product.

Newman emphasized the Panther Lake series’ power efficiency, improved performance and graphics compared to previous generations, and enhanced AI computing capabilities. According to Intel, the CPU computing performance of Panther Lake is 60% faster than its predecessor, and AI computing performance has more than doubled. Power efficiency has also been improved, reducing the power consumption for video streaming to one-third of what was required by Intel CPUs released three years ago.

Newman stated, "The Core Ultra Series 3 represents the ultimate AI PC, combining power efficiency, graphics performance, and the perfect compatibility unique to the x86 architecture. Based on this unrivaled technology, Intel expects to collaborate with Korean partners to elevate the AI PC ecosystem to a new level."

Taewon Bae, President of Intel Korea, stressed, "Korea is one of the first countries to launch Panther Lake, reflecting the strategic importance of the Korean market in the AI PC sector." He added, "This year, we will offer a diverse lineup of AI PCs to provide Korean consumers with a wide range of choices." Intel had unveiled Panther Lake at CES 2026, the world’s largest electronics and IT exhibition held in Las Vegas earlier this month, and began sales on January 27 (local time), with Korea included among the initial launch countries.

Intel held an Intel AI PC Showcase press conference on the 28th at The Westin Seoul Parnas in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Taewon Bae, President of Intel Korea, is delivering the welcome speech. Provided by Intel Korea

The company also revealed its intention to expand into the enterprise market through partnerships with domestic partners. President Bae emphasized, "Based on the cutting-edge 18A process Series 3 products, we will work closely with Korean partners to expand the domestic AI computing ecosystem, not only for AI PCs but also into the edge computing sector."

Samsung Galaxy Book 6 and LG Gram Pro AI Equipped with Panther Lake

During the partner session, Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics introduced their new laptop models equipped with Panther Lake. Mincheol Lee, Vice President of Samsung Electronics, presented the Galaxy Book 6 series and highlighted, "By combining Intel's next-generation 18A-based platform with Samsung's technological expertise, we have created a faster and more responsive Galaxy Book environment that enables users to work efficiently and maintain productivity anytime, anywhere."

Jinhyuk Jang, Executive Vice President of LG Electronics, also introduced the Gram Pro AI 2026, stating, "The LG Gram equipped with the Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processor delivers outstanding performance and superior power efficiency in an ultra-lightweight design, offering new possibilities and experiences that will elevate next-generation personal computing."

In the subsequent Q&A session, Newman was asked whether Intel's CPU prices have increased amid the recent rise in memory semiconductor prices. He responded, "The Core Ultra Series 3 lineup is broader than Series 2. We offer a wide range of CPU products and work with manufacturers to help them achieve their desired pricing goals."

Meanwhile, at the press conference venue, more than 30 laptop PCs equipped with Intel's Core Ultra Series from Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, Lenovo, Dell, HP, Asus, and others were exhibited. Representatives from nine laptop manufacturers, as well as distribution partners such as Naver Shopping, Gmarket, and Coupang, were also in attendance.

Intel held an Intel AI PC showcase press conference on the 28th at The Westin Seoul Parnas in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Laptop PCs equipped with the Intel Core Ultra series were exhibited at the conference venue. Photo by Myunghwan Lee