Intel’s Nova Lake CPUs: Competing With AMD X3D Featuring 24 Core Compute Tiles and Expanded Cache, Launching 48 Chip Without “Big Cache” a Quarter Later

Intel is gearing up to launch its next-generation Nova Lake CPUs, which will boast larger caches aimed at enhancing their competitive edge against AMD’s Ryzen X3D processors. However, plans for higher core count processors will evolve later, albeit without the larger dedicated cache that characterizes its immediate offerings.

Intel’s Nova Lake CPUs: Enhanced Cache to Compete with AMD’s Ryzen X3D

Intel’s gaming performance has recently faced challenges, especially with the rise of AMD’s Ryzen 3D V-Cache series. The introduction of models like the 5800X3D, followed by the 7800X3D and 9800X3D, has solidified AMD’s dominance in the gaming market.

Although Intel’s Alder Lake and Raptor Lake processors have offered respectable gaming and multi-threading capabilities through the LGA 1700 socket, they have fallen short in comparison to AMD’s impressive efficiency and performance metrics from their 3D V-Cache solutions. AMD now provides a diverse range of options, from 6-core to 16-core X3D models, leaving Intel to reevaluate its approach, particularly with upcoming products like the Arrow Lake refresh, which have not generated much excitement.

What’s Next for Intel: bLLC Variants in Nova Lake

Intel’s response to these challenges is embodied in its upcoming Nova Lake “Core Ultra 400″series, which will include a variation reminiscent of AMD’s X3D architecture dubbed “bLLC”(big last level cache).Recent reports indicate that Intel plans to incorporate two key die configurations, featuring 8 P-Cores and 16 or 12 E-Cores, built on the Coguar Cove and Arctic Wolf architectures.

The anticipated configurations are as follows:

• Core Ultra 9: 16 P-Cores, 32 E-Cores, 4 LP-E Cores (150W)
• Core Ultra 7: 14 P-Cores, 24 E-Cores, 4 LP-E Cores (150W)
• Core Ultra 5: 8 P-Cores, 16 E-Cores, 4 LP-E Cores (125W, bLLC variant)
• Core Ultra 5: 8 P-Cores, 12 E-Cores, 4 LP-E Cores (125W, bLLC variant)
• Core Ultra 5: 6 P-Cores, 8 E-Cores, 4 LP-E Cores (125W)
• Core Ultra 3: 4 P-Cores, 8 E-Cores, 4 LP-E Cores (65W)
• Core Ultra 3: 4 P-Cores, 4 E-Cores, 4 LP-E Cores (65W)

Leaked information also suggests that the Core Ultra 7 could feature up to 144 MB of LLC, while the Core Ultra 9 might support as much as 180 MB. However, these figures should be approached cautiously, considering the launch is still over a year away, and specifications could change significantly.

Higher Core Count CPUs: What’s on the Horizon?

The higher core count variant of Nova Lake, expected to reach up to 48 cores, is slated for release a quarter after the initial models equipped with a single compute tile. Manufacturing these chips, which will contain dual compute tiles, presents unique challenges, and they will not utilize the bLLC feature.

• Core Ultra 9 with bLLC: Up to 180 MB
• Ryzen 9 with 3D V-Cache: Up to 128 MB
• Core Ultra 7 with bLLC: Up to 144 MB
• Ryzen 7 with 3D V-Cache: Up to 96 MB

The single compute tile design of Intel’s Nova Lake CPUs may facilitate larger LLC accommodations on the die itself. In contrast, the dual compute tile models may not have the necessary space for extensive bLLC integration. Additionally, it remains unclear whether Intel will implement similar 3D Stacking technologies, akin to AMD’s, or simply distribute the cache across the die, although Intel possesses the capabilities to pursue their own stacking solution.

Intel’s Nova Lake-S Desktop CPUs are projected for launch in 2026, utilizing the newest Intel LGA 1954 socket, and are anticipated to showcase improvements of over 10% in single-thread performance and up to 60% in multi-threading. Prior to this, Intel could unveil the Arrow Lake-S refresh as the final offering for the LGA 1851 socket. However, expectations for significant performance enhancements are tempered, as these models will predominantly share architecture with their predecessors, featuring only minor updates.

Comparative Overview: Nova Lake-S vs. Arrow Lake-S

For further insights, refer to the news source: VideoCardz

Additional sources and images can be found at Wccftech.

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