Intel Nova Lake leaks hint a HUGE core count increase

Leak suggests that Intel’s CPU core counts may double with Nova Lake – 16 P-cores and 32 E-cores

During the company’s latest earnings call, Intel confirmed that their next-generation “Nova Lake” desktop processors will launch in 2026. According to recent leaks for these new CPUs, Intel aims to deliver a HUGE leap in overall CPU performance. Core counts are due to double over today’s Arrow Lake desktop CPUs, giving users up to 16 P-cores and 32 E-cores. Intel has given into multi-threaded madness.

Based on leaked information, the following Nova Lake CPU configurations will be available.

• NVL-S: 2x(8+16)
• NVL-HX: 1x(8+16)
• NVL-S/NVL-H: 4+8
• NVL-U: 4+0

Based on this information, Intel aims to significantly boost its multi-threaded performance with Nova Lake. It is unknown how much faster Intel’s new CPUs will be in terms of single-threaded CPU performance.

Intel has confirmed that it is launching Panther Lake series CPUs this year. However, it is worth noting that Intel has only shown these CPUs working in laptops. It is possible that Panther Lake will be a laptop-only CPU launch.

Nova Lake Configuration Rumors

NVL-SK: 2*8+16
NVL-HX: 1*8+16
NVL-S/NVL-H: 4+8
NVL-U: 4+0https://t.co/olvUda0A2p

— HXL (@9550pro) January 31, 2025

With Intel’s Nova Lake CPUs launching in 2026, it will compete with AMD’s next-generation Zen 6 CPUs. Currently, the specifications of AMD’s next-generation Zen 6 CPUs are unknown. However, large architectural changes are expected with AMD’s next-gen desktop CPUs.

You can join the discussion on Intel’s leaked Nova Lake Specifications on the OC3D Forums.