Intel prepping Ryzen X3D rivals with new 22-core Nova Lake-S CPUs with 108MB of cache for PC gaming

It's increasingly looking like Intel's next-generation of desktop CPUs will deliver some real gaming competition to AMD's Ryzen X3D lineup by introducing larger cache pools. It's a move that has made CPUs like the iconic Ryzen 7 5800X3D and, more recently, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D go-to options for high-end PC gaming.

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According to a new post from known leaker Jaykihn on social media, Intel has two new mid-range CPUs coming as part of its Nova Lake-S platform. These will most likely release with Intel Core Ultra 5 400 Series branding, with both sporting 22 cores on a single compute tile, with the kicker being 108 MB of bLLC cache on top of the standard cache.

The core configuration is set to include 6 'Coyote Cove' P-cores, 12 'Arctic Wolf' E-cores, and 4 LP-E cores for balanced performance. The addition of 108MB of bLLC, or big Last Level Cache, effectively means that Intel is set to launch a mid-range X3D competitor as part of what would traditionally be part of its Core i5 lineup. This is great news because, as impressive as flagship CPUs can be, most PC gamers look for the best value.

The whole reason increased cache has proven to be a game-changer for PC gaming comes down to the speed at which data can be accessed from memory; the more cache you've got, the faster this can happen. Lowering this sort of latency benefits high-impact workloads like PC gaming, where the CPU is utilized for a wide range of tasks.

Spec-wise, the two CPUs are identical, with the main difference being that one is an unlocked 125W processor, while the other is a more efficient 65W processor. The expectation is that one will be the 'K' model for overclockers, while the other will be aimed at standard desktop users.

Frequently Asked Questions

TweakBot answers common questions about this news using TweakTown's own coverage from this page and related content from our archive. Tap a question to reveal the answer, or type your own below.

Question #1

Will the unlocked 125W 22-core Nova Lake-S SKU support multiplier overclocking and how much headroom have early leaks indicated?

Yes. The article says the unlocked 125W processor is expected to be the K model for overclockers. Early leaks do not quantify multiplier overclocking headroom, so no specific headroom has been indicated.

Answered

Question #2

What cooling solutions will be recommended for the 125W 'K' model and for the high-end 400W overclocked Nova Lake-S parts?

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Question #3

How might the hybrid core setup (6 P‑cores, 12 E‑cores, 4 LP‑E cores) affect game compatibility and background-task performance compared to traditional core layouts?

The hybrid 6 P-cores, 12 E-cores, and 4 LP-E cores should improve background-task performance by letting efficiency E-cores and LP-E cores handle multitasking and low-power work while the 6 P-cores focus on demanding foreground tasks like gaming. Combined with the large 108 MB bLLC cache, gaming benefits from lower memory latency and faster data access on the P-cores, while background tasks run on the smaller cores without stealing performance from the main gaming threads.

Answered

Question #4

When can consumers expect official benchmarks and availability details for Nova Lake-S CPUs following the rumored CES 2027 reveal?

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When it comes to the high-end Nova Lake-S CPUs, which will also use the LGA-1954 socket, they are reportedly set to arrive with configurations of up to 52 cores. There are even reports of a top-end CPU drawing up to 400W when overclocked. Granted, Intel hasn't confirmed any of the above, but we could be hearing more about the lineup very soon, as rumors suggest the first Nova Lake-S CPUs will launch later this year. That said, the overall expectation is that we'll get a proper reveal and formal unveiling at CES 2027.