Intel’s Upcoming Nova Lake CPUs May Double Core Counts: Up to 16 P-Cores and 32 E-Cores Rumored

Intel’s much-anticipated Nova Lake lineup is beginning to take shape, and we’ve finally caught wind of potential core counts across various CPU models.

Stepping in to replace the Arrow Lake-S series, this Nova Lake-S lineup is generating buzz with its rumored promise of supercharging performance by doubling both P-Cores and E-Cores.

Let’s be honest, the Arrow Lake lineup failed to make a lasting impression. Expectations were high, but the ARL-S models didn’t quite deliver the power users hoped for. Naturally, attention has shifted to Nova Lake. Intel has been largely mum about these new CPUs, but a fresh leak from Redditor @Exist50, brought to light by HXL, has given us a fascinating look into what might be coming with the Nova Lake-S, HX, U, and H models.

According to this leak, here’s what the rumored Nova Lake configurations look like:

• NVL-SK: 2*8+16
• NVL-HX: 1*8+16
• NVL-S/NVL-H: 4+8
• NVL-U: 4+0

The upcoming Nova Lake CPUs are anticipated to sport a max configuration of 2*8 P-Cores paired with 16 E-Cores, promising a substantial upgrade from the Arrow Lake-S’s top dog, the Core Ultra 9 285K. For those eyeing mobile devices, Nova Lake-H’s launch will be something to watch.

Diving into specifics, Nova Lake-S in its prime configuration could offer up to 16 P-Cores and a whopping 32 E-Cores. This leap suggests Intel could be doubling down on a dual compute tile strategy, aiming to outmaneuver AMD’s rumored Zen 6 chips, which are also likely to step up to 32 cores per CCD.

Marking a major step forward from the Arrow Lake-S, the Nova Lake-S Desktop CPUs are set to herald a new era with the "Core Ultra 400" series. This follows the "Core Ultra 300" series, which will feature Panther Lake CPUs—though those are not likely to hit mainline desktop shelves. While specifics are still under wraps, expect to see Coyote Core P-Cores and Arctic Wolf E-Cores. As Nova Lake sets its sights on releasing next year, more details should emerge soon.

Here’s a quick comparison of Intel’s desktop CPU generations:

• Alder Lake (12th Gen): Intel 7, Golden Cove P-Cores, Gracemont E-Cores, HD 700 Series, 16/24 Cores/Threads, launched in 2021.
• Raptor Lake (13th Gen): Intel 7, Raptor Cove P-Cores, Gracemont E-Cores, HD 700 Series, 24/32 Cores/Threads, launched in 2022.
• Raptor Lake Refresh (14th Gen): Intel 7, same architecture as previous, HD 700 Series, 24/32 Cores/Threads, launched in 2023.
• Arrow Lake (Core Ultra 200): TSMC N3B, Lion Cove P-Cores, Skymont E-Cores, Xe1 (Alchemist) Graphics, 24/24 Cores/Threads, scheduled for 2024.
• Arrow Lake Refresh (Canceled): TBR, same as Arrow Lake, details TBD.
• Nova Lake (Core Ultra 400?): Specifications mostly TBC, potential specs include new cores, DDR5 support, PCIe Gen 6.0 anticipated in 2026.
• Razer Lake (Core Ultra 500?): All details TBA, estimated for 2027 release.

Keep your eyes peeled, as Intel’s Nova Lake will surely bring exciting developments to the gaming and tech landscape.