Intel has announced a new line of budget-oriented Core Series 3 processors, produced domestically in the United States. This move is part of Intel’s strategy to reduce its dependency on TSMC, following a significant outsourcing of its client portfolio to the Taiwanese semiconductor manufacturer in 2024.
The new processors utilize Intel’s 18A process technology, which is classified as a 2nm node. Production of these chips began at Intel’s wafer fabrication facilities in Hillsboro and Chandler in late summer 2025. The Core Series 3 chips are essentially a streamlined version of the Core Ultra Series 3 processors that Intel introduced at CES earlier this year.
Processor Architecture and Performance
Most of the new Core Series 3 processors feature a configuration of up to six CPU cores, which includes two high-performance Cougar Cove cores and four low-power Darkmont efficiency cores. In terms of graphics capabilities, the majority of these chips are equipped with two Xe3 graphics cores, which is a reduction from the four cores found in the base model of the Core Ultra processors. Additionally, they include a neural processing unit (NPU) that delivers between 15 and 17 INT8 TOPS of AI performance, although this level of performance does not meet the requirements for Microsoft’s Copilot+ certification.
Memory and I/O Specifications
The Core Series 3 processors support up to 48 GB of LPDDR5 memory at 7467 MT/s or 64 GB of user-serviceable DDR5 memory at 6400 MT/s. However, due to the single memory channel architecture, the memory bandwidth is halved compared to the more powerful Core Ultra Series 3 processors. The CPU boost frequencies for these processors range from 4.3 GHz to 4.8 GHz, while GPU clock speeds vary from 2.3 GHz to 2.6 GHz.
Market Positioning and Use Cases
Intel positions the Core Series 3 processors as a viable upgrade for users still utilizing older 11th-generation Tiger Lake processors. In benchmark tests, Intel claims that the 15 W Core 7 360 model shows a 47% improvement in single-threaded performance and a 41% increase in multi-core performance compared to its predecessor. The chips are also designed for low-power edge computing applications, competing with systems like Nvidia’s Jetson Orin Nano for tasks such as object detection and video analytics.
Intel anticipates that these processors will be featured in over 70 partner designs, with the first systems expected to launch shortly.
This article was produced by NeonPulse.today using human and AI-assisted editorial processes, based on publicly available information. Content may be edited for clarity and style.
