Intel´s Nova Lake-S desktop CPUs to feature up to 52 cores and tile-based design
Intel´s upcoming Nova Lake-S desktop processor lineup is attracting significant attention as leaks detail an expansive range, potentially culminating in a flagship model equipped with up to 52 cores. Planned for launch in the second half of 2026, Nova Lake-S introduces a tile-based architecture that physically separates low-power efficiency (LPE) cores from performance (P-cores) and efficient (E-cores), a move aimed at improving manufacturing flexibility and chip yields. This novel approach follows in the footsteps of Intel´s prior Meteor Lake architecture and reflects the industry’s push toward modular, high-performing desktop platforms.
The hierarchy within the series will be led by the rumoured Core Ultra 9, possibly designated as the 385K, combining 16 P-cores, 32 E-cores, and 4 LPE-cores—reaching a total of 52 cores with a thermal design power (TDP) of 150 W. Slightly below this, the Core Ultra 7 part is said to integrate 14 P-cores, 24 E-cores, and four LPE cores, amounting to 42 cores. Aimed at broader user segments, the Core Ultra 5 tier is expected to offer variants with 28, 24, or 18 total cores, adjusting the number of P-cores and E-cores while retaining a quartet of LPE cores. For entry-level adopters, the Core Ultra 3 options are rumored to include 16- and 12-core configurations, focusing on lower power consumption with a 65 W TDP suitable for mainstream desktop tasks.
All desktop-class Nova Lake-S models are expected to utilize a multi-tile chiplet layout, ensuring that four LPE cores are situated on a separate die—allowing finer control over power management and workload delegation. To accommodate these advancements, Intel is reported to prepare a new LGA 1954 socket for this generation, even as it works on an Arrow Lake-S refresh scheduled for late 2025. On the graphics side, the series is set to employ Xe3 ´Celestial´ cores for traditional rendering and Xe4 ´Druid´ for media and display acceleration, underlining an emphasis on both gaming and content creation. The expansion in both core count and versatility positions Nova Lake-S as a significant generational leap for desktop processors, poised to address an evolving landscape of Artificial Intelligence applications and multitasking workloads.