Intel's next-gen Nova Lake-S CPUs will feature a 44-core "Dual Compute Tile" CPU config instead of a 42-core configuration.
Intel Nova Lake-S 42-Core Desktop CPU Spec Upgraded To 44 Cores, Retains Dual Compute Tile Config With bLLC
A few months back, we reported that Intel was working on a range of Nova Lake-S Desktop CPUs that will come in 52, 42, 28, and 24 core configurations, all featuring bLLC cache. It looks like one of these SKUs will be getting a spec upgrade.
As per Jaykihn, the 42-core spec has now been upgraded to 44 cores, featuring 16 P-Cores (2x8) and 24 E-Cores (2x12), alongside 4 LPE cores. The cores are based on the Coyote Cove P-Core and Arctic Wolf E-Core architectures. Based on the previous spec, the 42-core variant was supposed to feature a 14 P-Core and 24 E-Core configuration.
The spec change makes sense, as it was odd to see 7 P-Cores enabled per compute tile, but it is still very possible that we might see this specific configuration after the initial SKU launch. In addition to the core changes, the dual compute tile Nova Lake-S Desktop CPUs will carry up to 288 MB of bLLC, while single compute tile variants will feature 144 MB bLLC. The current list of Nova Lake-S bLLC variants is as follows:
- 2x 8+16 (48 Cores + 4 LPE Cores) + 288 MB bLLC
- 2x 8+12 (40 Cores + 4 LPE Cores) + 288 MB bLLC
- 8+16 (24 Cores + 4 LPE Cores) + 144 MB bLLC
- 8+12 (20 Cores + 4 LPE Cores) + 144 MB bLLC
Jaykihn also shares a few words on Non-K bLLC SKUs. Previously, it was reported that only K-series Nova Lake-S Desktop CPUs would support bLLC, but it looks like certain non-K models will also get bLLC cache. The bLLC variants will be positioned in a higher tier than standard K-series SKUs.
The Intel Nova Lake-S Desktop CPUs will be the first family to feature support on upcoming LGA 1954 socketed platforms, starting with the 900-series motherboards. The socket is expected to last several generations of CPUs, as hinted by Intel, which is a breath of fresh air since older sockets only supported 2 or 3 generations, whereas the competition offers socket support for several generations of CPUs.
Intel's Nova Lake "Core Ultra 400" Desktop CPU lineup is expected in the second half of 2026, and the company itself has confirmed and promised that it will retake the leadership crown from AMD once it launches. Time will tell, but we definitely hope for a more competitive landscape in the DIY desktop CPU segment.
Nova Lake-S vs Arrow Lake-S
| Family | Nova Lake-S | Arrow Lake-S |
|---|---|---|
| Core Count (Max) | 52 | 24 |
| Thread Count (Max) | 52 | 24 |
| Max P-Cores | 16 | 8 |
| Max E-Cores | 32 | 16 |
| Max LP-E Cores | 4 | 0 |
| Max Cache (L2+L3) | 160-320 MB | 76 MB |
| Max bLLC Cache | 144-288 MB | N/A |
| DDR5 (1DPC 1R) | 8000 MT/s | 7200-6400 MT/s |
| PCIe 5.0 Lanes (Max) | 36 | 24 |
| PCIe 4.0 Lanes (Max) | 16 | 4 |
| Socket Support | LGA 1954 | LGA 1851 |
| Max TDP (PL1) | 125-175W | 125W |
| Max Power | ~700W (Dual) ~350W (Single) | ~400W |
| Launch | 2H 2026 | 1H 2026 |
About the author: A Software Engineer by training and a PC enthusiast by passion, Hassan Mujtaba serves as Wccftech's Senior Editor for hardware section. With years of experience in the industry, he specializes in deep-dive technical analysis of next-generation CPU and GPU architectures, motherboards, and cooling solutions. His work involves not only breaking news on upcoming technologies but also extensive hands-on reviews and benchmarking.
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