Intel 'Nova-Lake-S' 28-core CPU with bLLC reportedly draws 296W at PL2

Intel's upcoming 28-core Nova Lake-S chip with bLLC cache might pull a lot more power than its rated TDP suggests. Leaker Golden Pig Upgrade posted on Weibo that the chip's PL2 power limit sits at 296W, which is well above what was expected for this SKU.

The chip uses an 8P+16E+4LPE core layout, 28 cores total, paired with 144MB of Intel's new bLLC, or Big Last-Level Cache. It's Intel's answer to AMD's 3D V-Cache, built for gamers who want extra cache without giving up core count. Earlier leaks put this same configuration at a 125W TDP, so a 296W PL2 number is a pretty wild gap.

There's also some back and forth on whether 296W applies to PL1 or PL2. The original post framed it as PL1 equal to PL2, but leaker jaykihn0 pushed back, saying the figure is technically a PL2 reading. If that holds up, the chip probably only hits 296W in short bursts, with sustained draw sitting lower.

For reference, Intel's current Core Ultra 9 285K runs a 250W PL2, so this leaked number works out to roughly an 18% jump for the 28-core bLLC part. Moreover, this is just the single-tile SKU. Intel's dual-tile Nova Lake-S chips with up to 52 cores are already rumored to hit 474W at PL2, so power draw across the stack seems to be climbing fast.

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Of course, none of this is confirmed by Intel, and early power figures may change as launch gets closer. Still, if the numbers hold through, cooling is probably going to be a real conversation once this chip ships, especially for anyone hoping to run it in a smaller case.

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What is the reported PL2 power draw for the 28-core Nova Lake-S bLLC chip mentioned in the article?

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Does the leak indicate whether the 296W figure refers to PL1 or PL2 power limits?

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How might the 296W PL2 figure affect cooling requirements and case selection for builders?

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When is Intel’s Nova Lake-S lineup, including the 28-core bLLC models, expected to launch according to the article?

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Intel's Nova Lake-S lineup is expected to launch in 2027, with the 28-core bLLC models reportedly arriving ahead of the 52-core flagship.