Intel is planning to launch a Nova Lake desktop CPU with integrated Arc B390 iGPU

Yesterday, we got in-depth details about Intel's upcoming Nova Lake-S desktop processors, which are on track for release later this year. The reliable source for the information was apparently internal Intel documentation, so the report includes a detailed breakdown of planned SKUs for upcoming Intel Core Ultra 400 Series CPUs, ranging from 6-core models to a whopping 52-core 175W variant that may or may not make its way to consumers.

Today, we've got a fresh Nova Lake-S from Jaykihn on social media, who reports that Intel is considering releasing a desktop Nova Lake APU integrating 12 Xe3P graphics cores. This would be a far more powerful iGPU than the Core Ultra 400 Series lineup we saw the other day, which is set to ship with 2 Xe graphics cores. It's also a newer, more advanced Arc Graphics architecture, as denoted by the Xe3P naming, and is equivalent to the Intel Arc B390 integrated GPU found in Intel's new Panther Lake mobile chips.

What makes this exciting for potential Mini PCs and compact builds is that it would offer a compelling alternative to AMD's APUs with integrated Radeon graphics. Based on recent Panther Lake reviews, the Arc B390 iGPU outperforms AMD's Radeon 890M across several benchmarks and supports AI-powered Super Resolution and Frame Generation via Intel's XeSS technology.

The leak also notes the CPU configuration for this potential addition to the desktop Nova Lake-S lineup. The "4+8+4+12 Xe3P" configuration refers to 4 Coyote Cove P-cores, 8 Arctic Wolf E-cores, 4 low-power E-cores, and the 12-core Xe3P Arc graphics. The leak also notes that this processor would require two "VCCGT VRM phases," so it would feature a very different SoC-style design and layout compared to the pure desktop models. If this chip comes to market, it will offer a discrete graphics card-free option for builders and systems that can still handle 1080p gaming.