A recent leak has given us a glimpse into Intel’s upcoming Nova Lake desktop CPUs. The lineup includes six processors, with the top-tier Core Ultra 9 model boasting a remarkable 52 CPU cores (16 Performance, 32 Efficiency, and 4 Low-Power Efficiency cores). While some models will feature a 3D V-cache-like technology, this will be in the form of an additional layer of Last-Level Cache. However, not all models will include this upgrade.
Only the Intel Nova Lake CPU with 8P and 16E cores, known as the Core Ultra 5 445K, is set to receive the bLLC enhancement. There’s also speculation that the Core Ultra 5 435K, with 8P and 12E cores, might include it as well. It remains to be seen if the names will stay the same as we approach the official launch.
This approach mirrors AMD’s strategy with the Ryzen 7 5800X3D. It presents a unique opportunity to test the bLLC design without altering the higher-end Core i7 and Core i9 models. The Core Ultra 5 245K is anticipated to be the first to hit the market, followed by the Core Ultra 7 and Core Ultra 9 models a quarter later.
Intel’s Nova Lake chips promise more than just new cores. They are expected to debut with new Coyote Cove Performance cores, Arctic Wolf Efficiency cores, and an enhanced gaming experience thanks to bLLC. These CPUs will also feature a new Neural Processing Unit (NPU) and will be manufactured on TSMC’s N2 node, diverging from Intel’s own 18A node. Additionally, other components like the GPU tile and memory controllers will be produced on previous-generation Intel and TSMC nodes.
