Intel® CoreTM Ultra Series 3 Processors
Make your next PC refresh an AI-ready upgrade. Dell AI PCs powered by Intel® Core™ Ultra Series 3 processors combine premium performance, power efficiency, AI acceleration, graphics, and connectivity to support demanding modern workloads. Download the solution brief to discover how built-in NPU capabilities enable Copilot+ experiences while helping users stay productive wherever they work.
What makes Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors different from previous mobile CPUs?
Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors are designed to reimagine mobile performance by combining three types of cores, integrated AI acceleration, and modern graphics in a single platform:
- Three-tier core architecture
New P-cores (Performance-cores) handle demanding, latency-sensitive tasks for snappy, responsive experiences.
New E-cores (Efficient-cores) focus on multi-threaded workloads to improve throughput for modern apps and multitasking.
New LP E-cores (Low Power Efficient-cores) are tuned for everyday tasks, helping extend battery life while keeping the system responsive.
- Up to 16 cores across the stack, optimized for real-world performance in productivity, collaboration, and entertainment workloads.
- Built-in NPU (NPU 5 Architecture) for AI acceleration, offloading AI tasks from CPU and GPU to improve efficiency and responsiveness.
- Optional built-in Intel Arc GPU on select SKUs, delivering advanced graphics capabilities in thin-and-light designs.
For mobile users, this architecture is engineered to:
- Help battery last through the workday by shifting lighter tasks to LP E-cores and AI workloads to the NPU.
- Maintain consistent responsiveness on battery for common workflows like video calls, document editing, and web apps.
- Support on-the-go creativity and gaming with integrated Intel Arc graphics and AI-enhanced features.
In short, Core Ultra Series 3 aims to balance performance and power efficiency so users can work, play, and multitask on a single device without constantly seeking a power outlet.
How do Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors support AI workloads?
Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors are built as a foundation for the AI PC, combining several AI-focused technologies:
- Dedicated NPU 5 Architecture
The integrated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) is designed for sustained, power-efficient AI workloads. It delivers up to 50 TOPS of acceleration (calculated peak tera operations per second, depending on conditions), making it well-suited for tasks like background noise removal, image enhancement, and other continuous AI features.
- Intel XMX AI engines in Intel Arc GPUs
On SKUs with built-in Intel Arc graphics, each Xe core includes Intel XMX (X Matrix Extensions) engines. These are specialized AI engines that accelerate AI-heavy workloads such as upscaling, frame generation, and content creation filters.
- Comprehensive AI software ecosystem
The platform supports around 500 AI-accelerated features and about 900 AI models, helping software vendors tap into CPU, GPU, and NPU acceleration without custom hardware.
For practical use cases, this means:
- Content creators can see faster AI-assisted editing, upscaling, and effects while keeping more battery life by offloading to the NPU and XMX engines.
- Knowledge workers benefit from AI-enhanced collaboration (e.g., background blur, auto-framing, low-light cleanup) that runs efficiently on-device.
- AI applications can run locally, which can help with latency, cost, and privacy compared to cloud-only approaches, depending on the workload and configuration.
Overall, Core Ultra Series 3 processors are designed to distribute AI workloads intelligently across CPU, GPU, and NPU to balance performance and battery life.
What graphics, connectivity, and platform features do Core Ultra Series 3 laptops offer?
Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors bring together graphics, connectivity, and platform enhancements aimed at modern mobile use:
Graphics and media
- Built-in Intel Arc GPU on select SKUs, with up to 12 Xe cores and up to 120 TOPS (calculated peak operations) for AI and graphics workloads.
- Intel XeSS 3 (X Super Sampling 3) including:
– XeSS-SR (Super Resolution) for AI-based upscaling and higher frame rates.
– XeSS-MFG (Multi-Frame Generation) for AI-driven frame interpolation.
– X LL (X Low Latency) to help reduce input-to-display delay for more responsive gameplay.
- Endurance Gaming Mode to extend playtime on battery by balancing frame rate and power consumption.
- Intel Intelligent Display Technology uses AI awareness to dim and adjust refresh rates based on user engagement and content, helping extend battery life.
Connectivity and I/O
- Thunderbolt 5 Technology (via discrete controller on supported designs) with:
– 80 Gbps bidirectional bandwidth and up to 120 Gbps transmit bandwidth in Bandwidth Boost mode.
– Up to 2x data bandwidth vs. Thunderbolt 4.
– Support for dual 8K monitors and fast device charging (up to 240W on some devices).
- Thunderbolt 4 ports integrated on many SKUs, combining power, data, and video in a single cable and enabling Thunderbolt Share for sharing screens, keyboard, mouse, storage, and files between two PCs.
- Intel Wi‑Fi 7 R2 (5 Gig) with Dual Bluetooth Core 6 support, offering up to 4.8x faster speeds and about 60% lower latency vs. Wi‑Fi 6 in Intel simulations, depending on configuration and network.
- Intel Connectivity Performance Suite to continuously optimize Wi‑Fi connections and prioritize critical applications for better responsiveness and media quality.
Intel Evo platform (select designs)
- Many Core Ultra-based laptops are part of the Intel Evo program, which verifies designs against criteria for performance, battery life, connectivity, audio/visual quality, size, and weight.
- Typical Evo benefits include fast-charging, long-lasting battery, instant wake, and consistent responsiveness on battery in thin, light form factors.
Together, these features help Core Ultra Series 3 laptops support modern workflows: high-quality video calls, multi-monitor setups, fast external storage, AI-enhanced gaming, and reliable wireless performance in a single, mobile-friendly platform.