Intel has rolled out its new Core Series 3 processors, focusing on affordable laptops for everyday users and small businesses. The move comes as many buyers hold onto devices longer, often upgrading every five years. With this launch, Intel is clearly targeting that segment with better performance, improved efficiency, and modern features at a lower cost.
The new lineup follows the recent debut of the Intel Core Ultra Series 3, which caters to premium devices. In contrast, Core Series 3 chips are built for budget-friendly notebooks. Intel says these processors are ideal for users who do not upgrade frequently but still want solid performance.
Intel highlights noticeable gains over older systems, especially those powered by the Core i7-1185G7. The company reports up to 47% faster single-thread performance. Multi-thread performance improves by up to 41%. GPU AI performance also sees a major jump, reaching up to 2.8 times better results.
These processors are built using Intel’s advanced 18A manufacturing process. The company describes it as its most advanced logic node, designed and produced in the United States. This shift helps improve both speed and efficiency.
AI and Connectivity Features
The Core Series 3 chips bring hybrid AI capabilities to the lineup. They support AI workloads of up to 40 platform TOPS. This makes them suitable for modern AI-powered tasks without needing high-end hardware.
Connectivity also gets a boost. The processors support up to two Thunderbolt 4 ports. They also include Bluetooth 6 and Wi-Fi 7 support. Intel says users can expect all-day battery life. The chips use up to 64% less processor power compared with the previous Core 7 150U generation.
Available Models
Here is the complete Core Series 3 lineup:
| Processor | Cores | Max Turbo Speed | NPU TOPS | GPU |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intel Core 7 360 | 6 | 4.8GHz | 17 | 2 Xe |
| Intel Core 7 350 | 6 | 4.8GHz | 17 | 2 Xe |
| Intel Core 5 330 | 6 | 4.6GHz | 16 | 2 Xe |
| Intel Core 5 320 | 6 | 4.6GHz | 16 | 2 Xe |
| Intel Core 5 315 | 6 | 4.4GHz | 15 | 2 Xe |
| Intel Core 3 304 | 5 | 4.3GHz | 15 | 1 Xe |
All models come with a 6MB Smart Cache. Most processors feature six cores, while the Core 3 304 includes five cores. They support LPDDR5 and LPDDR5X 7467 memory up to 48GB. DDR5 6400 memory is supported up to 64GB. Base power is rated at 15W, while turbo power reaches 35W across the range.
Intel says the processors are available immediately. More than 70 laptop designs will use these chips. Major brands include Acer, Asus, Dell, Honor, HP, Lenovo, MSI, and Samsung.
