Intel Core Ultra 400 'Nova Lake' Series details leak, CPU naming and release dates

According to a new report over at VideoCards, which cites access to Intel's internal roadmap, we've got some new details on the company's upcoming next-generation desktop CPUs built on the Nova Lake-S architecture. The report stated that these CPUs will adopt the Intel Core Ultra 400 Series branding, with multiple models on track for release in 2027.

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The report includes an image of the unannounced Intel Core Ultra 9 400 K processor, which you can see above. This release plan aligns with previous rumors that Intel would use CES 2027 as both an announcement and a launch platform for the lineup.

As with all Intel CPU generations, there will be multiple models; however, this new information points to the company's first Nova Lake-S CPUs being 28-core DS packages or models, which are on track for Q1 2027 - specifically late January through to March 2027.

This will be followed up with the unlocked and overclocking-friendly 28-core K models in Q2 2027, in March and April 2027, with Nova Lake-S 16-core and 8-core models arriving in late March through to May 2027. Now, when it comes to the flagship 52-core models, which will reportedly ship with two compute tiles to hit that impressive number, the Nova Lake-S 52-core DS launch is on track for sometime between May and September 2027.

Ultimately, this new information indicates that Intel is planning a staggered launch for its next-generation Intel Core Ultra 400 Series desktop CPUs. This isn't the norm for CPU launches, but with the current component and capacity crisis, alongside recent information suggesting Intel is ditching TSMC to produce the bulk of its Intel Core Ultra 400 Series desktop CPUs on its own 18A process, as seen in the mobile Panther Lake chips.

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

When is the flagship 52-core Nova Lake-S DS model with two compute tiles expected to ship?

The flagship 52-core Nova Lake-S DS model with two compute tiles is expected to ship sometime between May and September 2027. This timeline is reported in the primary article.

Answered

Question #2

Does the report indicate Intel will stagger the Core Ultra 400 Series releases, and why?

Yes. The report indicates Intel plans a staggered launch for the Core Ultra 400 Series, with 28-core DS models in Q1 2027, 28-core K models in Q2 2027, 16-core and 8-core models in late Q1 to Q2 2027, and 52-core models between May and September 2027. The staggered schedule is intended to cope with the current component and capacity crisis and to give Intel Foundry time to ramp production and improve yields as the company shifts much of manufacturing to its own 18A process.

Answered

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With improved yields and production ramping up, this staggered release would give Intel Foundry enough time to manufacture the chips.