Intel has introduced the 3rd Gen Core processor, codenamed Wildcat Lake, targeting mainstream laptops. The chip uses the Intel 18A process, the same node as the upcoming Panther Lake processors.
Wildcat Lake architecture details
The processor features up to 2 Cougar Cove P-cores and 4 Darkmont LPE cores, with 6 MB of L3 cache. It includes 4 Xe3 GPU cores and an NPU 5, delivering 40 TOPS of platform AI performance. The GPU AI performance is 2.7 times higher than the 1st Gen Core Ultra. The platform supports DDR5-6400 and LPDDR5X-7467 memory, PCIe 4.0, Thunderbolt 4, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 6.0.
Spec comparison
| Spec | Core 3 (Wildcat Lake) |
|---|---|
| Process Node | Intel 18A |
| CPU Cores | Up to 2 P-cores + 4 LPE cores |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB |
| GPU Cores | 4 Xe3 cores |
| Platform AI TOPS | 40 TOPS |
Intel claims the 3rd Gen Core reduces power consumption by up to 64% compared to the 1st Gen Core Ultra, enabling up to 18.4 hours of battery life. Compared to a 5-year-old 11th Gen Core, single-thread performance is 47% higher, multi-thread performance is 41% higher, image editing is 31% faster, web browsing is 45% faster, and productivity is 26% faster. GPU AI performance is 2.8 times higher than the 11th Gen Core.
Intel also launched Project Firefly, an initiative to drive mainstream AI laptop innovation with over 70 products. Partners include Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Samsung, and many others. Intel Vice President Gao Song said the project's work was largely done in China due to its vibrant mobile ecosystem, but products are promoted globally.
Intel has not confirmed pricing or availability details for the 3rd Gen Core processors.
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