While competitors like AMD and NVIDIA pivot toward AI-centric strategies, Intel utilized CES 2026 to showcase its latest processor generation, boasting groundbreaking integrated graphics capabilities.
At the CES 2026 trade show, Intel pulled back the curtain on its mobile Core Ultra Series 3 lineup. Built on the Panther Lake architecture using the cutting-edge 18A process node, these chips place a heavy emphasis on graphical prowess. Intel claims a massive 77% leap in integrated GPU performance compared to the previous Lunar Lake generation.
The flagship Core Ultra X9 388H and Core Ultra X7 368H models are equipped with Intel Arc B390 graphics, powered by the new Xe3 architecture. These represent Intel’s first integrated solutions to feature hardware-accelerated ray tracing and Multi-Frame Generation (MFG) technology. According to the company, MFG can provide up to a fourfold increase in frame rates in compatible titles.
Intel is positioning the Arc B390 as the most powerful integrated GPU in its history. Internal benchmarks suggest it outperforms the Radeon 890M found in the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 by up to 82%, rivaling the performance of a laptop-grade RTX 4050 at a 45W power envelope. In several demanding games, such as Battlefield 6 and Cyberpunk 2077, Intel’s integrated solution reportedly surpassed NVIDIA’s discrete graphics card while maintaining superior energy efficiency.
Beyond the high-end flagships, the product stack includes 14 different processors ranging from the Core Ultra X9 down to the Core Ultra 5 322. These variants feature between 8 and 16 cores, support for up to 96GB of LPDDR5X memory, and an NPU capable of delivering up to 50 TOPS for AI-driven workloads.
Intel also highlighted significant refinements to its Arc drivers, which are expected to bolster gaming stability and accelerate optimizations for major game engines.
The first batch of laptops powered by this new silicon became available for pre-order starting January 6.
Source: iXBT.games