Intel Panther Lake CPUs Unveiled: First Look at Core Ultra Series and Handheld Debut

Exciting developments are underway in the world of CPUs, as new leaks reveal Intel’s Panther Lake “Core Ultra Series 3” processors. These revelations provide a sneak peek into the specifications and performance metrics of these anticipated chips. With a variety of models leaked and tested, including the Core Ultra 7 366H, Ultra X7 358H, Ultra 7 365, and Ultra 5 332, enthusiasts are eager to see how these processors will perform in real-world scenarios.

Unveiling the Panther Lake Lineup

Intel’s Panther Lake “Core Ultra Series 3” lineup features four newly leaked CPUs, showing promising specs and initial benchmark results. The Core Ultra 7 366H boasts 16 cores, while the Core Ultra X7 358H offers a boost clock up to 4.8 GHz. The series also includes the 8-core Ultra 7 365 and the 6-core Ultra 5 332. Each model highlights different capabilities, from core counts to cache sizes, hinting at their potential in various computing tasks.

The performance of these chips is already making waves. The Intel Core Ultra X7 366H is likened to the higher-clocked Core Ultra 9 285H, while the Ultra X7 358H stands out with its impressive speeds. Comparisons also show the Ultra 7 365 outperforming its Ryzen and Lunar Lake counterparts, making it a notable contender in its category. Even at the entry-level, the Core Ultra 5 332, while slower than its series peers, holds its own in performance metrics.

Handheld Innovations and Future Prospects

A new addition to the Panther Lake family is the OneXPlayer X1 i, featuring the Core Ultra 5 338H, recently leaked in Geekbench. With 12 cores and a clock speed reaching 4.6 GHz, this CPU is geared toward handheld gaming. Although its single-core performance trails AMD’s Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, it excels in multi-core tasks.

As Intel gears up for its grand unveiling at CES 2026, enthusiasts and industry insiders alike are on the edge of their seats. These preliminary figures hint at what could be a transformative moment for Intel’s CPU lineup. However, these benchmarks offer only a glimpse, as actual performance will depend on various factors like clock speed, power profiles, and TDPs. Stay tuned for what promises to be an exciting release.

Intel Panther Lake-H and U lineup (Preliminary)