Intel Nova Lake QS CPUs are in circulation, with HWiNFO adding support
Intel Nova Lake is inching closer to launch
Intel is getting closer to launching its next-generation Nova Lake CPUs, with Qualification Samples (QS) in testers ‘ hands. A new beta release of HWiNFO now features “improved Nova Lake QS support and fixed VID reporting”, which is useful for early CPU testers.
Last week, ASRock Intel Z990 motherboards were found in shipping manifests. Clearly, early motherboards and CPU qualification samples are in circulation, confirming that Intel’s next-generation CPUs are nearing their launch. The hardware is ready, but software and BIOS versions may need polishing before launch.
Qualification Sample (QS) CPUs are more mature than earlier engineering samples. They are much closer to retail silicon than earlier CPUs, but may differ from their eventual retail counterparts. These CPUs are typically used for platform validation ahead of CPU launches. This lets motherboard makers test their designs with near-retail silicon before launch.
A recently leaked Intel CPU roadmap has stated that Intel Nova Lake CPU mass production is due to start in Q4 2026. In Q1 2027, Intel will release its first Nova Lake series CPUs, starting with its 28-core model. Later in 2027, Intel plans to release larger Nova Lake variants with up to 52 CPU cores. All of these CPUs will be compatible with Z990 motherboards and their LGA1954 CPU socket.
Should we expect more detailed Nova Lake leaks soon?
Now that Nova Lake Qualification Samples are in circulation, there will now be opportunities for benchmarking data and other details about these CPUs to leak online. This could give analysts an opportunity to see how Intel’s newest CPUs perform ahead of launch. While these CPUs are not retail silicon, they should deliver performance data that is close to retail silicon. That means that accurate clock speed estimates and other data may leak ahead of Intel’s official launch.
Nova Lake could be a major turning point for Intel in the CPU market. With two new core architectures, bLLC cache technology, and more cores, these CPUs could deliver monstrous levels of performance. Will this be enough to counter AMD’s Zen 6 CPU launch? We will likely find out in 2026.
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