Intel hashed out details of its latest processors for client and data center customers in a massive reveal as it rides the wave generated by a 50% stock rise.
The new hardware includes its next client processor, Intel Core Ultra series 3, code-named Panther Lake, and Xeon 6+, code-named Clearwater Forest, a server processor designed to help large data centers, cloud and telco providers find greater efficiencies in using resource-intensive AI. Both are expected to offer greater compute power and improved energy efficiency.
Both processors are being built on the new 18A semiconductor process (2nm technology) being deployed at its fully operational state-of-the-art Ocatillo Fab 52 in Chandler, Arizona, near Phoenix. The processors and fab were on display for hundreds of global analysts and reporters in late September.
Companies relying on Intel processors for client and server applications have been concerned that Intel stay on pace with both the new chips, and Intel assured the public on Thursday that the client processor Panther Lake will begin shipping later this year with the server processor expected to launch in the first half of 2026. (Clearwater’s original release timeframe was set for 2025.) Investors have taken a shine to Intel in the past month, with the stock up by 50% in the past month, largely due to an August agreement with the US government taking a 10% share of Intel. Intel is also investing $100 billion in new fabs in Arizona and other locations.
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CEO Lip-Bu Tan did not join the tech tour in Arizona but issued a statement Thursday calling the new compute platforms and Intel's leading process technology, manufacturing and advanced packaging “catalysts for innovation across our business as we build a new Intel.”
Intel Data Center GM appears
The new data center general manager at Intel, Kevork Kechichian, described his decades-long career at Arm, Qualcomm, NXP and other tech mammoths where he learned to “forget weaknesses and think about our strengths.” He said he agreed with Tan’s vision “to really make sure to listen to the customer first and give them products they want and support their needs and give them something to be competitive with long-time quality.”
He said he came to Intel to “make that transformation happen,” adding if a company is behind on a release date, “it’s not an R&D problem, that’s a leadership problem.”
With Intel’s long 56-year traditions in designing and manufacturing chips, he said, “Really, our story is a platform story of how to provide end-to-end solutions. The focus has shifted from deep tech pride—and we’re proud of our 18A—but moving beyond the platform is super important.” He also reinforced Intel’s belief in open source software, saying there are “huge benefits” that lead to thousands of developers that result in a short time frame for troubleshooting products. “We’re going to advance this industry as much as we can.”
Clearwater Forest, aka Intel Xeon 6+ for servers
Intel said Clearwater Forest, tailored for hyperscale data centers, cloud providers and telcos is the most efficient server processor Intel has created, the company said. It includes up to 288 E-cores (“Efficiency” cores), with a 17% Instruction Per Cycle improvement over the previous generation.
Like Panther Lake, Clearwater Forest uses Intel 18A, with up to 15% better performance per watt and 30% greater chip density, when compared to Intel 3. The 18A nodes was developed in Oregon where it began early production. The node comes with RobbonFET, a transistor architecture for improved scaling and switching that aids performance and energy efficiency. It also employs PowerVia , backside power delivery system. 18A will be used in at least three upcoming generations of Intel client and server products.
Panther Lake, aka Intel Core Ultra series 3 processors for clients, edge
Panther Lake is expected to be adopted in consumer and commercial AI PCs, gaming devices and edge applications. Its multi-chip architecture is intended to provide flexibility across form factors.
It will have tup to 16 new P-cores (Performance Cores) and efficient-cores (E-cores) with 50% faster CPU performance. A new GPU will have up to 12 Xe cores for more than 50% faster graphics performance and a balanced XPU design for AI acceleration with up to 180 platform TOPS. It ships before the end of the year with broad market sales starting January, Intel added. Panther Lake also supports edge applications including robotics.
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