A new Intel Nova Lake desktop leak points to a flagship processor with 52 cores and up to 288MB of total cache, giving Intel a fresh shot at AMD’s Ryzen X3D gaming lead.
The reported top chip comes with Core Ultra DX9 400, extending Intel’s Core Ultra desktop branding introduced in recent launches. Leak details claim a 52-core layout split into 16 performance cores, 32 efficiency cores, and 4 low-power efficiency cores. It is also tied to bLLC, reportedly short for big last-level cache, which brings the total cache figure to 288MB.
Another rumored high-end part, the Core Ultra DX7 400, is listed with up to 44 cores and 264MB of cache, following earlier Nova Lake performance leaks. Below that, Intel may introduce Core Ultra D9 and Core Ultra D7 variants with 28-core and 24-core layouts, both linked to larger cache configurations.
The leak also includes several standard models without bLLC branding. A Core Ultra 9 400 with 28 cores is listed at 36MB cache, while a Core Ultra 7 400 with 24 cores carries 33MB. Other rumored entries include 22-core, 16-core, 12-core, 8-core, and 6-core models across the Core Ultra 9, 7, 5, and 3 families.
Large cache pools have become a major advantage in gaming CPUs, where AMD’s Ryzen X3D chips often lead benchmark charts, as seen in recent price-driven demand for top models. Intel appears to be taking a different route by adding more last-level cache directly to the chip instead of stacked cache. How much that helps in games will only be clear after independent testing.
Power ratings remain uncertain, especially after earlier rumors suggested aggressive power behavior for Nova Lake silicon. Lower-tier chips are rumored at 65W, while enthusiast models may begin at 125W. Some earlier reports place the highest-end parts at 175W, though final numbers could still change before launch.
Naming may also become more crowded this generation, with DX and D labels potentially joining Intel’s existing K, KF, and F suffixes.
Intel has not confirmed Nova Lake desktop processors, pricing, or release dates, although mobile Nova Lake variants have surfaced separately in leaks.
The leaked table outlines multiple desktop tiers, from a 52-core flagship down to a 6-core Core Ultra 3 entry model. It also suggests several chips may launch in both higher-power and 65W variants, similar to Intel’s current desktop strategy.
Intel Nova Lake Preliminary SKU List (Leaked)
| Brand / Tier | Total Cores | Core Config (P+E+LP) | Code | Notes | TDP / cTDP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand TBD | 52C | (8+16) + (8+16) + 4 | P3DX | Dual 8+16 CDIE DS Die Package | 175W |
| Brand TBD | 44C | (8+12) + (8+12) + 4 | P2DX | Dual 8+16 CDIE DS Die Package | 175W |
| Core Ultra 9 | 28C | 8+16+4 | P2D | 8+16 CDIE DS Die Package | 125W |
| Core Ultra 9 | 28C | 8+16+4 | P2K | 8+16 CDIE Die Package | 125W / 65W |
| Core Ultra 9 | 22C | 6+12+4 | P2 | 8+16 CDIE DS Die Package | 65W |
| Core Ultra 7 | 24C | 8+12+4 | P1D | 8+16 CDIE DS Die Package | 125W |
| Core Ultra 7 | 24C | 8+12+4 | P1K | 8+16 CDIE Die Package | 125W / 65W |
| Core Ultra 7 | 16C | 4+8+4 | P1 | 4+8 CDIE Die Package | 65W / 35W |
| Core Ultra 5 | 22C | 6+12+4 | MS2K / MS2KF | 8+16 CDIE Die Package, has GTO variant (F SKU) | 125W / 65W |
| Core Ultra 5 | 12C | 4+4+4 | MS2 | 4+8 CDIE Die Package | 65W / 35W |
| Core Ultra 5 | 8C | 4+0+4 | MS1 | 4+0 CDIE Die Package | 65W / 35W |
| Core Ultra 3 | 6C | 2+0+4 | T1 | 4+0 CDIE Die Package | 65W / 35W |
Source: Jaykihn on X (1)
