Intel has presented its Core Ultra 300 series at CES 2026, aiming to regain ground in high-performance laptops. The flagship model for gaming, the Core Ultra X9 378H, integrates 16 cores and the Arc B390 GPU. This combination promises a leap in integrated graphics, raising a key question for our sector: can this APU compete in professional 3D workflows or is it just for gaming? We analyze its real potential for modeling, sculpting, and rendering. 🚀
Technical analysis: CPU, Arc B390 GPU, and expected 3D performance 🔍
The Core Ultra X9 378H offers 16 cores and a base frequency of 5.1 GHz, a solid foundation for CPU tasks like simulation or compilation. The real unknown is the integrated Arc B390 GPU. If it inherits the Battlemage architecture and substantially improves the drivers, it could offer acceptable viewport and GPU render performance for modelers and texture artists. For offline rendering (CPU), it will be competitive. However, in complex fluid or dynamics simulations, and for heavy production GPU rendering, it is likely to still lag behind a high-end discrete AMD or NVIDIA combination. Its value lies in the integration: a compact and efficient package for laptops.
What 3D artist profile is it interesting for? 🎨
This APU is an interesting option for mobile artists whose workflow focuses on polygonal modeling, sculpting in ZBrush, and light real-time rendering or with engines like Eevee. It is an efficient all-in-one solution for students and nomadic professionals who prioritize portability without completely sacrificing performance. It is not the choice for studios that render with V-Ray GPU or perform heavy simulations, where a dedicated discrete GPU remains irreplaceable. Intel complicates the choice, but does not change the game for high-level 3D.
Can the new Intel Core Ultra 300 compete with AMD and NVIDIA solutions in executing 3D renders and complex viewports on professional laptops?
(PS: RAM is never enough, like coffees on a Monday morning)