Intel promises huge performance benefits for office PCs with new Core Ultra Series 3 CPUs

Of course this includes promises of massive AI and ML performance uplift and more.

Following the launch of its Core Ultra 200S Plus desktop processors, which we reviewed this week, Intel, today at its Pro Day 2026, has now announced its "most advanced commercial client portfolio", headlined by the new Intel Core Ultra Series 3 with Intel vPro tech. This is essentially Panther Lake mobile for enterprises.

vPro, if you are not familiar, is a platform designed for businesses to deliver performance, security, and remote management features required for enterprise computing. vPro brings technologies like Intel Active Management Technology to Intel CPUs, which allows IT teams to remotely access and repair devices even if the OS is down or when the machine is powered off. Thus vPro essentially helps organizations and enterprises protect sensitive data, reduce downtime and streamline device maintenance.

While it is already available elsewhere, today's launch marks the first commercial PC platform built on Intel 18A lithography, its next-gen RibbonFET process node. Intel promises this architecture redefines managed PCs by enabling "seamless deployment, proactive security, and intelligent fleet operations."

In terms of what's on offer, Intel put some rough performance figures about what enterprise users can expect compared to four-year-old systems, as it believes that this is the typical refresh cycle for the majority of enterprises.

The biggest improvement will be seen in AI processing and that makes sense considering these new chips will pack Gen 5 NPU. Integrated graphics also sees substantial gains with the new Xe3 architecture which is inside the new Intel Arc Pro B390 graphics.

The company promises:

• Over 30% faster single and multi-thread performance
• Up to 30% higher productivity
• Up to 80% better graphics
• Up to 4x AI performance

Alongside the Core Ultra Series 3, Intel unveiled the Arc Pro B70 and B65 discrete graphics cards, targeting professionals who need high-end visualization and compute performance. The company also confirmed retail availability of its Intel Xeon 600 processors for workstations today.

Meanwhile, commercial PC offerings powered by the new Intel Core Ultra Series 3 and Intel vPro will begin shipping on March 31, 2026, and the company expects over 125 designs spanning major OEM partners.

Source

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Posted Thursday 26 March 2026 at 5:05 am AEST (my time).

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