Intel Nova Lake-S Desktop CPU Featuring Up to 52 Cores on LGA 1954 Socket Discovered, Potential 4.8 GHz Engineering Sample Clocks?

Intel is gearing up to launch its next-generation Nova Lake-S Desktop CPU, boasting an impressive maximum of 52 cores. This advanced model is set to be compatible with the LGA 1954 socket, marking a significant step forward in CPU technology.

Intel’s Enhanced Nova Lake-S Desktop CPUs: A Pioneering Leap in Core Count

Intel’s Nova Lake-S Desktop CPU made waves last week when a version featuring up to 28 cores was reported on the shipping platform NBD. However, details have emerged of an even more powerful variant with a staggering 52 cores, indicating Intel’s commitment to outpacing AMD, which is set to introduce its own 24-core Ryzen processors based on the Zen 6 architecture.

The foundational design of the 52-core Nova Lake WeU was hinted at in earlier leaks. This processor integrates two conventional standard Nova Lake-S compute tiles into a single package. Each of these compute tiles comprises eight P-Cores, utilizing the Coyote Cove architecture, alongside 16 E-Cores, which leverage the Arctic Wolf design.

Aluminum jig model 1954LGA entries shown with export details from Vietnam and various importers. — Image Source: NBD

The aggregate from two compute tiles results in a configuration of 16 P-Cores and 32 E-Cores, providing a total of 48 cores. Additionally, the SoC tile contributes four LP-E cores based on the Arctic Wolf architecture, thereby reaching the overall core count of 52. Here’s a succinct summary of the configurations:

Intel Nova Lake-S with Single Compute Tile: 8 P-Cores + 16 E-Cores + 4 LP-E Cores = 28 cores
Intel Nova Lake-S with Double Compute Tile: 16 P-Cores + 32 E-Cores + 4 LP-E Cores = 52 cores

It is noteworthy that the P-Cores in Nova Lake CPUs will not support Simultaneous Multithreading (SMT), following the same trend established with Arrow Lake. Furthermore, this specific core architecture will carry over to the upcoming Diamond Rapids CPUs. While SMT will not be featured in this generation, under the lead of Lip-Bu Tan, Intel is poised to reintroduce this functionality in future server CPUs like Coral Rapids, potentially extending this development to desktop variants like Razor Lake.

The single compute tile variants of the Intel Nova Lake-S CPUs will also be available with ‘bLLC’ configurations, which refers to larger LLC (Last Level Cache) offerings. Drawing parallels with Clearwater Forest, the fundamental tile will house greater cache sizes, aiming to compete effectively against AMD’s 3D V-Cache technology. This initial venture by Intel is directed toward countering both the second-generation and third-generation 3D V-Cache from AMD, especially as AMD prepares to release its Zen 6 Ryzen CPUs targeted for the AM5 socket.

The new Intel Nova Lake-S Desktop CPUs will utilize the LGA 1954 socket, which measures 45 x 37.5mm. This socket size is consistent with the previous LGA 1851, ensuring that existing coolers will fit without hassle. However, the distinct die layout and an updated Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS) may necessitate new mounting kits, which is typical for CPU generational upgrades. Cooling manufacturers will need to adapt their designs to ensure optimal thermal management across the CPU’s core regions and hotspots associated with Nova Lake-S.

Preliminary clock speed specifications for Nova Lake CPUs have also surfaced. One chip has been registered with clock speeds reaching 4.8 GHz, likely representing an early engineering sample. Earlier shipment data indicated a Pre-QS WeU; thus, it is anticipated that as QS samples become available in Q2-Q3 2026, clock speeds could potentially exceed 5 GHz.

In conclusion, Intel’s Nova Lake-S Desktop CPUs promise to be robust contenders in mainstream and enthusiast markets due to their elevated core counts and innovative architecture. Intel appears confident that this generation will perform better against AMD’s offerings than its predecessor, Arrow Lake.

Comparison: Nova Lake-S vs. Arrow Lake-S

Feature	Nova Lake-S	Arrow Lake-S
Max Core Count	52	24
Max Thread Count	52	24
Max P-Cores	16	8
Max E-Cores	32	16
Max LP-E Cores	4	0
DDR5 (1DPC 1R)	8000 MT/s	6400 MT/s
Max PCIe 5.0 Lanes	36	24
Max PCIe 4.0 Lanes	16	4
Socket Support	LGA 1954	LGA 1851
Max TDP	150W	125W
Expected Launch	2026	2H 2025