Intel has announced architectural details for its upcoming client and server processors, the Core Ultra Series 3 (code-named Panther Lake) and Xeon 6+ (code-named Clearwater Forest). Both processors will be the first to utilize the Intel 18A manufacturing process, with production taking place at the company’s new Fab 52 facility in Chandler, Arizona.
Intel Core Ultra Series 3 (Panther Lake)
The Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors are designed for a range of devices, including consumer and commercial AI PCs, gaming systems, and edge solutions. Built on the Intel 18A process, Panther Lake features a multi-chiplet architecture.
Key specifications provided by Intel include:
- CPU: Configurations will range from up to 8 cores to up to 16 cores (P-cores and E-cores combined).
- GPU: Graphics options include up to 4 Xe-cores (Xᵉ * 3) and up to 12 Xe-cores (Xᵉ * 3) in the higher-end configurations.
- NPU: All configurations will feature an NPU 5 for AI acceleration.
- IPU: An IPU 7.5 is also integrated across the configurations.
- Memory: Panther Lake will support LPDDR5X memory with speeds up to 9600MT/s or DDR5 SO-DIMM up to 7200MT/s, depending on the specific package.
- I/O: Connectivity includes up to 20 PCIe lanes, with combinations of PCIe Gen 4 and PCIe Gen 5.
- Connectivity: Integrated Intel Wi-Fi 7 (R2) & Intel Bluetooth® Core 6, along with Thunderbolt™ 5 and 4 support.
Key general specifications provided by Intel also include:
- A combination of up to 16 new performance-cores (P-cores) and efficient-cores (E-cores).
- A new Intel Arc GPU with up to 12 Xe cores.
- An AI accelerator capable of up to 180 Platform TOPS (trillions of operations per second).
Intel also noted that Panther Lake will be used in edge applications such as robotics, supported by a new Intel Robotics AI software suite and reference board.
High-volume production of Panther Lake is scheduled to begin this year, with the first product shipping before the end of the year. Broader market availability is expected to start in January 2026.
Intel Xeon 6+ (Clearwater Forest)
Clearwater Forest, which will be branded as Intel Xeon 6+, is the company’s next-generation E-core server processor. It is targeted at hyperscale data centers, cloud providers, and telecommunications companies.
Announced features include:
- Up to 288 E-cores.
- A 17% Instructions Per Cycle (IPC) increase over the previous generation.
- Improvements in density, throughput, and power efficiency.
Intel plans to launch the Xeon 6+ processor in the first half of 2026.
Intel 18A Process and Fab 52
The Intel 18A process is the company’s 2-nanometer class node, developed and manufactured in the United States. It incorporates two new technologies: RibbonFET, a new transistor architecture, and PowerVia, a backside power delivery system. Intel’s Foveros 3D chip stacking technology is also utilized for integrating multiple chiplets.
Production for these new processors will be handled at Fab 52, Intel’s fifth high-volume fabrication plant, at its Ocotillo campus in Arizona. The facility is part of a larger investment by Intel to expand its domestic manufacturing operations.