Intel is planning for a dominant entry in the desktop CPU segment with Nova Lake Desktop SKUs, which are now rumored to compete with AMD's X3D alternatives.
Intel's Nova Lake CPUs Could Feature a Larger Cache Variants Similar to AMD's 3D V-Cache Implementation
Intel has never ruled out a "3D V-Cache" implementation, since its former CEO Pat Gelsinger did hint back at creating such processors by using in-house technologies like Foveros and EMIB, so the company wants to expand into this segment.
Apart from this, Intel's Tech Communications Manager revealed a few months ago that the firm initially plans on focusing on integrating extra cache tiles with its server offerings, but the possibility of bringing this technology to the consumer segment hasn't been ruled out yet. But now, there are speculations of the Nova Lake CPU lineup seeing the inclusion of "X3D-like" variants, courtesy of a leak from @Haze2K1.
8p, 16e
8p, 12eBoth 4lpe, bLLC, 125w https://t.co/EQo4MiaGpq
— Haze (@Haze2K1) June 17, 2025
The post by @Haze2K1 refers to an earlier leak that disclosed details about Nova Lake variants, which disclosed entrants in all kinds of series, such as the Core Ultra 9 and Core Ultra 7. Now, it is claimed that two models within the Nova Lake lineup would likely include bLLC, which stands for "big Last Line Cache", referring to the size of the L3 cache.
So, with this claim, it is certain that Nova Lake CPUs would increase cache size, similar to what AMD does with its "X3D" CPUs through the extra 3D V-Cache tile. Intel has finally listened to gamers and has prepared the Nova Lake "X3D" models.
Now, the leak suggests that two models, likely ones coming with 8P + 12E and 8P + 16E, will feature the bLLC, which shows that the "X3D-like" implementation would be confined to just particular variants in the initial stages. However, despite that, we should be optimistic about the Nova Lake desktop CPU lineup in general, given that it is coming with impressive generational gains, which are rumored to be as follows:
- 2.16x More Cores (NVL-S)
- 2.16x More Threads (NVL-S)
- 4 Additional LP-E Cores per chip
- Up To 150W TDP
Intel needs to make a massive impact on the desktop CPU market soon, since it is losing ground to AMD, which has seen far higher adoption rates from consumers in recent times. Team Blue's Arrow Lake models didn't manage to do much at all, and all eyes are set on the next-gen Nova Lake series, which on-paper does look like a pretty impressive release.
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