Detailed Overview of Intel Nova Lake “Core Ultra Series 4” Desktop CPU Die & SKUs: 6-52 Cores, Power Range 35-175W

Intel has made significant strides in its desktop CPU offerings with the introduction of the Nova Lake lineup, particularly highlighted by the Core Ultra Series 4. This new series is set to deliver substantial upgrades and revamped architecture that promise enhanced performance and functionality.

A Revival for Intel: Nova Lake “Core Ultra Series 4″CPU Lineup

Recent leaks have unveiled exciting details about Intel’s Nova Lake CPU family, which will be part of the “Core Ultra Series 4.”This series introduces an entirely new architecture and platform, boasting increased capabilities aimed at reestablishing Intel’s dominance in the desktop market.

The Core Ultra Series 4 will feature three distinct architectures: Coyote Cove for performance cores (P-Cores), Arctic Wolf for efficient/low-power efficiency cores (E/LP-E cores), and Xe3/Xe3P for graphics processing. One of the most notable upgrades is the integration of NPU6, which is expected to significantly enhance artificial intelligence capabilities, raising performance to an impressive 74 TOPS— a leap from 13 TOPS observed in Arrow Lake Desktop CPUs and 50 TOPS in Panther Lake Laptop CPUs. These advancements position the Nova Lake series to outshine previous Intel offerings.

A close-up of an Intel Core Ultra processor embedded in a motherboard with blue lighting.

Current rumors suggest that Nova Lake CPUs will deliver a higher instructions-per-clock (IPC) rate compared to AMD’s forthcoming Zen 6 architecture. Reports state that users may experience approximately a 10% increase in single-threaded performance. The most notable improvement, however, lies in multi-threaded performance, with Nova Lake configurations scaling up to an impressive 52 cores—more than double the maximum core count expected from the upcoming AMD Ryzen CPUs, which are anticipated to max out at 24 cores. For detailed specifications regarding die configurations and available WeUs, check here.

Diverse Configurations: Intel Nova Lake Desktop Lineup Overview

The Nova Lake Desktop CPUs feature five primary die configurations, encompassing both single compute tile and dual compute tile variants. Enthusiast models will correspond to the dual compute tile labeled as “DS.”

An image featuring Intel's 'Nova Lake' branding alongside three Intel Core Ultra processors labeled '9, ' '7, ' and '5.'

The entry-level die configuration consists of 8 cores, split between 4 performance cores and 4 low-power efficiency cores. Following this are 16-core variants including 4 performance cores, 8 efficient cores, and 4 low-power efficiency cores. Two 28-core options will be available, featuring 8 performance and 16 efficient cores alongside 4 low-power efficiency cores. Notably, one of these configurations will be equipped with a ‘bLLC’ (Big Last Level Cache), mirroring the approach AMD utilizes with its X3D CPUs, although without the same die stacking technology.

The dual compute tile “DS”variant includes a single configuration that offers 52 cores, comprising two separate dies, each containing 8 performance cores and 16 efficient cores. The 4 low-power cores, however, remain consistent and are not doubled.

Physically larger / wider die.

— Jaykihn (@jaykihn0) April 13, 2026

As revealed in prior analyses, single compute tile ‘bLLC’ models will boast a cache size of 144 MB, while their dual compute tile counterparts will feature an expansive 288 MB cache. The standard compute tile spans 98mm², while the larger bLLC design measures 154mm².

Bigger die, 98 > 154 mm^2.

— Jaykihn (@jaykihn0) April 13, 2026

Intel Nova Lake-S Desktop CPU Die Configurations:

Die Config	Variant	Core Config	LPE Cores	Cache	CPU PCIe Lanes	GPU Cores
8C	Single Compute Tile	4P+0E	4LPE	Standard	24 Gen5	2 Xe3
16C	Single Compute Tile	4P+8E	4LPE	Standard	24 Gen5	2 Xe3
28C	Single Compute Tile	8P+16E	4LPE	Standard	24 Gen5	2 Xe3
28C	Single Compute Tile	8P+16E	4LPE	bLLC “Big LLC”	24 Gen5	2 Xe3
52C	Dual Compute Tile	2x 8P+16E	4LPE	bLLC “Big LLC”	24 Gen5	2 Xe3

Intel’s Core Ultra Series 4 Desktop lineup is expected to encompass a minimum of 13 different WeUs based on the aforementioned die architectures. Models will range from Core Ultra 3 to Core Ultra 9, including higher-tier variations of the 52C die, with desktop solutions featuring 52 and 44 cores.

Enthusiast models are anticipated to support a thermal design power (TDP) of up to 175W, while other configurations will range from 35W to 125W. Entry-level Core Ultra 3 and Core Ultra 5 models will maintain a TDP of 35W, with an option for upgraded models to reach up to 65W. The standard models will generally feature a TDP of 125W, with select 65W power-optimized versions available. Furthermore, Intel will offer “F”models devoid of integrated graphics units (iGPU).Significantly, all Nova Lake CPUs will come equipped with 2 Xe3 cores, with plans for a higher-end iGPU variant in one WeU.

Intel Nova Lake-S Desktop CPU WeUs (Preliminary):

Model	Product ID	Cores	Core Config	Cache	TDP/cTDP
Core Ultra X?	P3DX	52 Cores	2x 8P+16E+(4LPE)	bLLC “Big LLC”	175W
Core Ultra X?	P2DX	44 Cores	2x 8P+12E+(4LPE)	bLLC “Big LLC”	175W
Core Ultra 9	P2D	28 Cores	8P+16E+4LPE	bLLC “Big LLC”	125W
Core Ultra 9	P2K	28 Cores	8P+16E+4LPE	Standard	125W/65W
Core Ultra 9	P2	22 Cores	6P+12E+4LPE	Standard	65W
Core Ultra 7	P1D	24 Cores	8P+12E+4LPE	Standard	125W
Core Ultra 7	P1K	24 Cores	8P+12E+4LPE	Standard	125W/65W
Core Ultra 7	P1	16 Cores	4P+8E+4LPE	Standard	65W/35W
Core Ultra 5	MS2K/MS2KF	22 Cores	6P+12E+4LPE	Standard	125W/65W
Core Ultra 5	MS2	12 Cores	4P+4E+4LPE	Standard	65W/35W
Core Ultra 5	MS1	8 Cores	4P+0E+4LPE	Standard	65W/35W
Core Ultra 3	T1	6 Cores	2P+0E+4LPE	Standard	65W/35W

Enhanced Socket Support and Platform Upgrades for Nova Lake CPUs

Intel is reportedly reinforcing extended socket support with its new LGA 1954 platform, which is being referred to as “Socket V.”This new socket design is poised to accommodate next-gen CPUs, including Razor Lake, Titan Lake, and Hammer Lake, all within the same package. It will also facilitate DIY users in reusing existing cooling solutions seamlessly.

According to Videocardz, some enthusiast-tier LGA 1954 motherboards will incorporate a 2-layer IMC (Integrated Memory Controller) with dual loading levers, enhancing thermal performance without needing custom or third-party solutions. This reflects Intel’s focus on catering to high core count models in the enthusiast segment.

An Intel processor is installed in an MSI motherboard socket next to DDR4 RAM sticks, with the X299 chipset visible.

In addition to the socket improvements, Intel plans to support DDR5 memory with speeds up to 8000 MT/s by default, complemented by overclocking capabilities. The company is also looking towards future implementations of CUDIMM and CQDIMM, which will extend memory capacity support beyond 256 GB on both 4-DIMM and 2-DIMM motherboards.

Moreover, Nova Lake CPUs will incorporate updated controllers with features such as native Wi-Fi 7, Thunderbolt 5.0, Low-Energy Audio, and ECC support. They will offer up to x16 Gen5 lanes for discrete GPUs, which can be subdivided into four x4 lanes to support quad AI GPU setups, along with the potential for up to 8 SSDs with three Gen5 x4 lanes derived from the chipset, plus additional Gen4 lanes.

Anticipating an Intense Intel vs. AMD Rivalry

The implications of these advancements suggest that Intel is gearing up for a formidable comeback in the desktop sector. AMD, in turn, is expected to enhance its competitiveness with the launch of its next-generation Ryzen CPUs.

Both tech giants are set to engage in a remarkable competitive landscape when their next-generation CPUs hit the shelves. Although we anticipate plenty of previews, teasers, and additional insights throughout 2026, the upcoming releases are sure to excite both PC hardware enthusiasts and everyday consumers longing for an end to the current PC supply challenges, providing ample opportunity for future upgrades.

Comparative Overview: AMD Olympic Ridge vs Intel Nova Lake-S:

CPUs	Intel Core Ultra 400	AMD Ryzen 10000?
Family	Nova Lake-S	Olympic Ridge
Architecture	Coyote Cove (P-Core) Arctic Wolf (E/LP Core)	It was 6
CPU Process	TSMC N2P	TSMC N2P
Core Count (Max)	52	24
Thread Count (Max)	52	48
Max P-Cores	16	24
Max E-Cores	32	N/A
Max LP-E Cores	4	N/A
Max Cache (L2+L3)	160-320 MB	96 MB L3
Max bLLC Cache	144-288 MB	64 MB?
DDR5 (1DPC 1R)	8000 MT/s CUDIMM – Yes	7200 MT/s? CUDIMM – Yes
PCIe 5.0 Lanes (Max)	36	TBD
PCIe 4.0 Lanes (Max)	16	TBD
Socket Support	LGA 1954	AM5
Max TDP (PL1)	125-175W	125W+
Max Power	~700W (Dual) ~350W (Single)	TBD
Launch	2H 2026	2H 2026