Intel has announced the launch of its Core Ultra Series 3 commercial PCs, the first consumer‑grade products to use the company’s 18A process node. The new chips will be available to customers on March 31, 2026, and Dell is among the first original equipment manufacturers to ship systems powered by the new processors.
The 18A node incorporates RibbonFET, a gate‑all‑around transistor that reduces leakage and improves drive strength, and PowerVia, a backside power delivery technology that enables higher power density while keeping thermal output in check. Together, the two technologies are expected to deliver measurable gains in performance per watt and to support the larger GPU and AI compute units that Intel has built into the Core Ultra Series 3.
The launch marks a milestone in Intel’s transition to a foundry‑first strategy under CEO Lip‑Bu Tan. By putting the 18A technology into external customer products, Intel is demonstrating the commercial viability of its most advanced process and positioning the company to compete with TSMC and Samsung in the high‑end client market. The new chips are also intended to strengthen Intel’s client‑computing segment and generate higher‑margin revenue, reinforcing the company’s broader turnaround narrative.
Intel’s leadership has highlighted the significance of the new platform. “With Series 3, we are laser focused on improving power efficiency, adding more CPU performance, a bigger GPU in a class of its own, more AI compute and app compatibility you can count on with x86,” said the company in a January 5, 2026 newsroom release. CEO Lip‑Bu Tan added, “The introduction of our first products on Intel 18A marks an important milestone, and we’re working aggressively to grow supply to meet strong customer demand.” He also noted that the launch is part of a broader effort to rebuild Intel, saying, “We are on the journey to rebuild Intel, and we’re making solid progress.”
Intel’s foundry business has faced significant operating losses, with a $2.51 billion loss reported in Q4 2025, but the 18A node is seen as a key lever for turning that segment around. The new process is expected to bring Intel closer to the performance and yield levels required to compete with the industry leaders in advanced nodes, while also providing a new revenue stream from external customers who have been waiting for a reliable 18A offering.
The Core Ultra Series 3 launch represents a critical test of Intel’s foundry‑first strategy and its ability to deliver cutting‑edge technology to the market. Success in scaling the 18A node and meeting customer demand will be a bellwether for Intel’s future competitiveness in the high‑performance client and AI‑centric computing arenas.
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