Intel has revealed the architectural details of its upcoming Intel Core Ultra series 3 processors (code-named Panther Lake) and Xeon 6+ server processors (code-named Clearwater Forest) — marking a major leap forward in semiconductor technology. Both are built on Intel 18A, the company’s most advanced process node ever, and produced at the new Fab 52 facility in Chandler, Arizona.
Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan holds a wafer of CPU tiles for the Intel Core Ultra series 3, code-named Panther Lake, at the Intel Ocotillo campus in Chandler, Arizona. Panther Lake is the first client system-on-chips (SoC) built on the Intel 18A process node.
Here are 10 key facts you need to know about architectural details of these chips and Intel’s latest manufacturing milestones.
1. Intel Core Ultra Series 3 (Panther Lake) Built on Intel 18A
Panther Lake is the first consumer chip built on Intel’s 18A process, setting a new benchmark for efficiency and performance. This next-generation client processor will power AI PCs, gaming laptops, and edge devices starting in early 2026.
2. Intel 18A: The Most Advanced U.S.-Made Semiconductor Process
Intel 18A is a 2-nanometer-class node designed and manufactured entirely in the United States. It delivers up to 15 percent better performance per watt and 30 percent higher chip density compared to Intel 3. This node solidifies Intel’s commitment to U.S. semiconductor leadership.
3. Panther Lake Offers Lunar Lake-Level Efficiency and Arrow Lake-Class Performance
According to Intel, Panther Lake delivers Lunar Lake-level power efficiency with Arrow Lake-class performance, offering up to 50 percent faster CPU and GPU performance compared to previous generations.
4. Up to 180 Platform TOPS for AI Acceleration
Panther Lake integrates a balanced XPU design, enabling up to 180 TOPS (trillions of operations per second) of AI performance. This positions Intel as a leader in the rapidly expanding AI PC market.
5. New Intel Arc GPU with 12 Xe Cores
The integrated Intel Arc GPU features up to 12 Xe cores, delivering more than 50 percent faster graphics performance than the prior generation — ideal for gamers, creators, and AI-driven workloads.
6. Clearwater Forest: Intel’s Most Efficient Xeon Processor Yet
Intel’s Xeon 6+ (Clearwater Forest) will debut in the first half of 2026. Designed for hyperscale data centers and cloud workloads, it’s built entirely on Intel 18A and features up to 288 efficiency cores (E-cores).
7. 17 percent IPC Uplift and Superior Power Efficiency
Clearwater Forest delivers a 17 percent increase in Instructions Per Cycle (IPC) over the previous generation, providing major gains in density, throughput, and energy efficiency for large-scale AI and cloud computing workloads.
8. Intel Fab 52: The Heart of U.S. Semiconductor Manufacturing
Intel’s Fab 52, located at its Ocotillo campus in Chandler, Arizona, is the company’s fifth high-volume fab and the home of Intel 18A production. The $100 billion investment strengthens Intel’s domestic manufacturing footprint and boosts America’s semiconductor resilience.
9. Revolutionary Technologies: RibbonFET, PowerVia, and Foveros
Intel 18A introduces three key breakthroughs:
RibbonFET: A new transistor design that improves performance and power efficiency.
PowerVia: A backside power delivery system that enhances power flow and signal integrity.
Foveros: Intel’s 3D packaging technology that allows stacking of multiple chiplets for scalable SoC designs.
These innovations enable Intel to deliver smaller, faster, and more efficient processors for both client and server markets.
10. A Milestone in Intel’s Foundry and AI Era Vision
With advanced R&D in Oregon, high-volume manufacturing in Arizona, and packaging in New Mexico, Intel is building a trusted U.S. foundry ecosystem. Fab 52 and the Intel 18A process represent a major milestone in the company’s AI-driven future, ensuring innovation leadership for decades to come.
Conclusion
The launch of Panther Lake and Clearwater Forest, both built on Intel 18A, signifies a transformative moment for Intel and the semiconductor industry. By combining cutting-edge architecture, AI acceleration, and U.S.-based manufacturing, Intel is paving the way for the next era of computing — one defined by performance, efficiency, and innovation.
Rajani Baburajan
