Leaks reveal Intel's Nova Lake-S desktop processors with 52 cores and over 700 watts power draw, launching in 2026. Details on specs, competition, and cooling needs.
© A. Krivonosov
New details have emerged about Intel's next-generation desktop processors, Nova Lake-S, which are expected to launch by the end of 2026. According to leaks, the flagship 52-core Core Ultra 400 could consume over 700 watts under full load—a figure that seems extremely high for a consumer CPU.
The Nova Lake-S processor will feature 52 cores and 288 MB of last-level cache (bLLC), positioning Intel to compete with AMD and its upcoming Zen 6 family. This high power draw is typical when power limits (PL2) are disabled; during normal operation, consumption will be notably lower but still significant.
For context, Intel's current flagship, the Core Ultra 9 285K, uses about 356 watts, while the power-hungry i9-14900K can reach up to 548 watts. Against this backdrop, Nova Lake's 700+ watts looks like an experiment in the high-performance desktop segment, aimed more at HEDT systems than at regular users or gamers.
Experts caution that buying such a processor will require a robust cooling solution and substantial investment, as the price and system demands will exceed those of standard flagships. For servers and workstations, however, this power consumption appears more familiar, given the history of platforms like Intel Xeon and AMD Threadripper.
Overall, the launch of Nova Lake-S should help Intel strengthen its position in the high-performance CPU market, offering new capabilities for enthusiasts and professionals alike.