Intel Nova Lake “bLLC” CPUs Leaked: Offering Up to 38% More Cache Than AMD Ryzen 9950X3D

Intel Nova Lake “bLLC” CPUs Leaked: Offering Up to 38% More Cache Than AMD Ryzen 9950X3D

Recent disclosures regarding Intel’s Nova Lake-S “bLLC”cache configurations have illuminated exciting developments for the upcoming desktop CPUs, which will feature an impressive maximum cache of 288 MB.

Intel Nova Lake-S: Desktop CPUs with Up to 288 MB bLLC Cache, Exceeding 9950X3D2 by 80 MB

The latest insights into Intel’s Nova Lake-S CPUs have emerged, specifically highlighting the bLLC configurations. Industry insider Jaykihn has provided a detailed overview, indicating that bLLC (Big Last Level Cache) variants will offer up to 144 MB for single tile configurations and 288 MB for dual tile setups, showcasing the strategic enhancements in cache capacity across the lineup.

A Twitter conversation discussing bLLC SKUs shows a question about 144MB L3 cache for (8+16) configurations, and a list detailing memory configurations like '16+32 288MB' and '8+12 132MB'.
Image Source: Jaykihn on X.

Intel’s Nova Lake Desktop CPUs are structured around five core dies, encompassing both single and dual compute tile configurations. The dual tile variants, designated as “DS, ”are intended for the high-performance enthusiast segment.

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

The entry-level die configuration features an 8-core design consisting of 4 P-Cores and 4 LPE Cores. Following that, a 16-core configuration offers 4 P-Cores, 8 E-Cores, and 4 LPE Cores. Additionally, there are two distinct 28-core configurations, both featuring 8 P-Cores and 16 E-Cores alongside 4 LPE Cores; one of these incorporates the bLLC variant aimed at competing with AMD’s X3D CPUs—albeit without using the same die stacking technology.

For the dual compute tile models (“DS”), Intel provides a single 52-core configuration, comprising two dies outfitted with 8 P-Cores and 16 E-Cores—all retaining the same 4 LPE cores, which remain unaffected as they reside off the compute tile.

Intel’s prior reports confirm that single compute tile “bLLC”models will accommodate 144 MB cache, while their dual counterparts will reach up to 288 MB. In terms of physical dimensions, the standard compute tile measures 98 mm², while the bLLC variant expands to 154 mm².

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

Moving towards the WeUs, Intel plans to utilize the newly discussed Nova Lake dies for its Core Ultra Series 4 Desktop lineup, which is slated to consist of at least 13 distinct models within the Core Ultra 3, 5, 7, and 9 families. Moreover, high-performance tiers are expected, incorporating both 52-core and 44-core models.

These enthusiast models will reportedly harbor a thermal design power (TDP) of up to 175W, while the remaining lineup will range from 35W to 125W. The entry-level Core Ultra 3 and 5 models will start with 35W TDPs, scaling up to 65W for power-unlocked variants. The standard configurations will feature a TDP of 125W, with some power-optimized models at 65W. An “F”variant will also be available lacking an integrated GPU (iGPU).All Intel Nova Lake CPUs are expected to include 2 Xe3 cores, with future plans for a higher-end iGPU in one of the upcoming variants.

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

Model Product ID Cores Core Config Cache Layout Total Cache TDP/cTDP
Core Ultra X? P3DX 52 Cores 2x 8P+16E+(4LPE) bLLC “Big LLC” 288 MB 175W
Core Ultra X? P2DX 44 Cores 2x 8P+12E+(4LPE) bLLC “Big LLC” 264 MB 175W
Core Ultra 9 P2D 28 Cores 8P+16E+4LPE bLLC “Big LLC” 144 MB 125W
Core Ultra 9 P2K 28 Cores 8P+16E+4LPE Standard 36 MB 125W/65W
Core Ultra 9 P2 22 Cores 6P+12E+4LPE bLLC “Big LLC” 108 MB 65W
Core Ultra 7 P1D 24 Cores 8P+12E+4LPE bLLC “Big LLC” 132 MB 125W
Core Ultra 7 P1K 24 Cores 8P+12E+4LPE Standard 33 MB 125W/65W
Core Ultra 7 P1 16 Cores 4P+8E+4LPE Standard 18 MB 65W/35W
Core Ultra 5 MS2K/MS2KF 22 Cores 6P+12E+4LPE Standard 27 MB 125W/65W
Core Ultra 5 MS2 12 Cores 4P+4E+4LPE Standard 15 MB 65W/35W
Core Ultra 5 MS1 8 Cores 4P+0E+4LPE Standard 12 MB 65W/35W
Core Ultra 3 T1 6 Cores 2P+0E+4LPE Standard 6 MB 65W/35W

As reported by Jaykihn, several WeUs have been detailed, including both dual and single compute tile models. These notable WeUs and their respective maximum caches are:

  • Core Ultra X (52 Cores) – 288 MB
  • Core Ultra X (44 Cores) – 264 MB
  • Core Ultra 9 (28 Cores) – 144 MB
  • Core Ultra 7 (24 Cores) – 132 MB
  • Core Ultra 9 (22 Cores) – 108 MB

These dual compute tile WeUs mark Intel’s strategic response to competing AMD’s dual 3D V-Cache offerings, specifically the Ryzen 9 9950X3D2, which launches next week with a cache of 208 MB. The 264 MB Nova Lake variant will provide an impressive 27% more cache, while the flagship 288 MB model provides a substantial 38% more. Furthermore, AMD is expected to enhance its cache configurations in future X3D CPUs, indicating a competitive landscape for desktop processors ahead.

This development sets the stage for a fierce competition between Intel and AMD as both manufacturers gear up to launch their next-generation CPUs. With Intel’s Nova Lake specifications hinting at a significant resurgence in their desktop offerings, AMD is likely preparing to respond vigorously with its upcoming Ryzen series.

The anticipation builds as we inch closer to the releases, with the potential for groundbreaking advancements in consumer desktop CPUs from both tech giants in 2026. This excitement is shared not only by hardware enthusiasts but also by budget-conscious consumers eager for improvements and innovations in the PC market.

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 per stack?
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

Source & Images

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