Intel and NVIDIA Collaborate on Custom Xeon CPU Featuring NVLink Technology, Confirms Diamond Rapids 16-Channel, Coral Rapids with SMT, and Nova Lake Launch in Q4

Intel has recently showcased its upcoming innovations in both client and data center sectors, introducing a range of new products including Diamond Rapids, Coral Rapids, and Nova Lake. These developments indicate a strategic shift aimed at meeting evolving market demands and enhancing performance capabilities.

Intel’s Xeon Roadmap: Aligning Products with Market Needs

In its latest press release, Intel reported Q4 2025 financial results, revealing a revenue of $13.7 billion, down 4% from the previous year. CEO Lip-Bu Tan acknowledged persistent supply chain challenges but expressed optimism for stabilization by the second quarter. He also outlined adjustments to the client and data center roadmaps to align with customer needs.

On the data center front, Intel affirmed that Granite Rapids is gaining traction, with positive customer feedback. The company is now pivoting towards its next-generation offerings, particularly the 16-channel Diamond Rapids Xeon processors, while continuing to support the established Sapphire and Emerald Rapids models for mainstream server markets.

The upcoming Diamond Rapids processors will emphasize enhanced performance capabilities, prompting the company to remove the previously planned 8-channel variant from its roadmap. This focus will shift towards Coral Rapids Xeon chips, which are slated to reintroduce simultaneous multithreading (SMT) and excel in core/thread performance metrics.

We have also made decisive changes to simplify our server group map focusing resources on the 16-channel Diamond Rapids and Areas to accelerate the introduction of Coral Rapids where we can with Coral Rapids, we will also reintroduce multithreading back into our data center group map. We also continue to work closely with NVIDIA to build a custom Xeon fully integrated with their NVLink technology to bring best-in-class x86 performance to AI host nodes.

We are laser focused in a 16-channel Diamond Rapids, and we simplify the product group map. And then the other part is accelerate the introduction of Coral Rapids. And Coral Rapids will have, that we introduce the multithread into our data center workflow. So I think overall, we are very positive. The team is in place now. The group map is very clear, and we are very decisive on doing that. And then laser focus on the Diamond Rapids 16-channel, and also accelerate the Coral Rapids introduction.

Lip-Bu Tan – Intel CEO (Q4 2025 Earnings Call)

Furthermore, Lip-Bu Tan touched upon Intel’s strategic partnership with NVIDIA, aimed at developing a custom Xeon CPU that incorporates NVIDIA’s NVLink technology. This integration will provide NVIDIA access to Intel’s x86 capabilities while facilitating the implementation of Intel’s Xeon SoCs across a variety of hyperscale environments, particularly for AI applications using the latest Blackwell and Rubin GPUs.

We also continue to work closely with NVIDIA to build a custom Xeon fully integrated with their NVLink technology to bring best-in-class x86 performance to AI host nodes.

Lip-Bu Tan – Intel CEO (Q4 2025 Earnings Call)

Shifting focus to client products, Intel recently unveiled its Core Ultra Series 3 CPUs, codenamed Panther Lake, which are projected to be the most widely adopted AI PC platform globally. As these CPUs begin to appear in retail stores, Intel is simultaneously advancing its Nova Lake CPUs, expected to debut by the end of 2026, which will offer peak performance and cost efficiency for both desktop and notebook markets.

A digital rendering shows a circuit with a central blue processor and on-image text reading 'Nova Lake BLLC'.

Our client momentum was on full display at CES earlier this month where we formally launched Series 3 with our OEM partners powering over 200 notebook designs. Series 3 will be the most broadly adopted and globally available AI PC platform we have ever delivered, along with our next-generation Nova Lake coming at the end of 2026.

We now have a client group app that combines best-in-class performance with cost-optimized solutions giving me confidence that we are on the path of fortified market share and profitability in both notebooks and desktops over the next several years.

Lip-Bu Tan – Intel CEO (Q4 2025 Earnings Call)

As Intel rolls out Panther Lake, its first 18A product, there is strong anticipation for the upcoming processor families. This competitive edge is essential for Intel to reclaim its position within the CPU market, given the dynamic landscape of technological advancements.

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