TL;DR: Intel’s upcoming Nova Lake-S CPUs will feature 22 cores and 108MB of large cache, targeting mid-range PC gamers as competitors to AMD’s Ryzen X3D. These processors aim to improve <a href="https://comicvibe.com/arc-opens-waitlist-for-its-first-handheld-gaming-device-in-india/” title=”ARC opens waitlist for its first handheld gaming device in India”>gaming performance by reducing memory latency, with models offering different power levels and expected release later this year or at CES 2027.
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It’s increasingly looking like Intel’s next-generation of desktop CPUs will deliver some real gaming competition to AMD’s Ryzen X3D lineup by introducing larger cache pools. It’s a move that has made CPUs like the iconic Ryzen 7 5800X3D and, more recently, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D go-to options for high-end PC gaming
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According to a new post from known leaker Jaykihn on social media, Intel has two new mid-range CPUs coming as part of its Nova Lake-S platform. These will most likely release with Intel Core Ultra 5 400 Series branding, with both sporting 22 cores on a single compute tile, with the kicker being 108 MB of bLLC cache on top of the standard cache
The core configuration is set to include 6 ‘Coyote Cove’ P-cores, 12 ‘Arctic Wolf’ E-cores, and 4 LP-E cores for balanced performance. The addition of 108MB of bLLC, or big Last Level Cache, effectively means that Intel is set to launch a mid-range X3D competitor as part of what would traditionally be part of its Core i5 lineup. This is great news because, as impressive as flagship CPUs can be, most PC gamers look for the best value
- Read more: Intel confirms P-Core, E-Core architectures for Core Ultra 400 series ‘Nova Lake’ CPUs
- Read more: Intel’s next-gen Nova Lake desktop CPUs with dual compute tiles rumor: over 700W power (!)
- Read more: Intel’s next-gen Nova Lake-S desktop CPUs reportedly delayed until CES 2027 it seems
The whole reason increased cache has proven to be a game-changer for PC gaming comes down to the speed at which data can be accessed from memory; the more cache you’ve got, the faster this can happen. Lowering this sort of latency benefits high-impact workloads like PC gaming, where the CPU is utilized for a wide range of tasks
Spec-wise, the two CPUs are identical, with the main difference being that one is an unlocked 125W processor, while the other is a more efficient 65W processor. The expectation is that one will be the ‘K’ model for overclockers, while the other will be aimed at standard desktop users
Question #1
Will the unlocked 125W 22-core Nova Lake-S SKU support multiplier overclocking and how much headroom have early leaks indicated?
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Question #2
What cooling solutions will be recommended for the 125W ‘K’ model and for the high-end 400W overclocked Nova Lake-S parts?
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Question #3
How might the hybrid core setup (6 P‑cores, 12 E‑cores, 4 LP‑E cores) affect game compatibility and background-task performance compared to traditional core layouts?
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Question #4
When can consumers expect official benchmarks and availability details for Nova Lake-S CPUs following the rumored CES 2027 reveal?
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When it comes to the high-end Nova Lake-S CPUs, which will also use the LGA-1954 socket, they are reportedly set to arrive with configurations of up to 52 cores. There are even reports of a top-end CPU drawing up to 400W when overclocked. Granted, Intel hasn’t confirmed any of the above, but we could be hearing more about the lineup very soon, as rumors suggest the first Nova Lake-S CPUs will launch later this year. That said, the overall expectation is that we’ll get a proper reveal and formal unveiling at CES 2027.
