Intel Nova Lake-S desktop processors with up to 44 cores and enlarged cache

Following the release of the Core Ultra 200K Plus series, Intel's next major desktop platform is expected to be the Intel Nova Lake-S lineup. New leaks are already revealing interesting changes. According to insider Jaykihn, a key processor in the family could feature up to 44 cores, suggesting architectural refinements are underway before launch.

Initially, the Nova Lake-S series was rumored to include four configurations: 52, 42, 28, and 24 cores. All were expected to feature an enlarged last-level cache (bLLC), seen as Intel's answer to AMD's X3D technology. The top-tier 52-core version and the newly updated 44-core model are said to use two compute dies, while simpler variants are limited to one.

Previously, the 42-core version was thought to combine 14 performance cores, 32 efficient cores, and 4 low-power cores. The shift to 44 cores now allows for two identical dies with an 8P+12E configuration, simplifying the architecture and potentially improving scalability. Rumors suggest the freed-up variants with trimmed-down dies could form the basis for more affordable, but locked, models.

Interestingly, the enlarged bLLC cache was initially expected only for unlocked, overclockable processors. Now, there's talk of more accessible chips also featuring this advantage. This could strengthen competition against AMD's future Zen 6-based solutions, especially in cache-sensitive workloads.

However, manufacturing these chips is expected to be costly, as the cache is integrated directly into the die. The flagship versions with two dies and 288 MB of cache might even carve out their own premium segment. While the Nova Lake-S launch was previously slated for the second half of the year, new reports point to a possible delay into 2027 due to component shortages and broader market conditions.