Intel Nova Lake-S Leaks: Core Ultra 400 Specs and Xe3P Graphics Revealed

Intel is preparing a significant architectural overhaul for its next-generation desktop processors, known as Nova Lake. Part of the Core Ultra 400 series, this lineup is expected to introduce a major refresh of the company’s hybrid P-core and E-core design, aiming to compete more aggressively with AMD’s high-performance gaming CPUs.

According to reports from TechPowerUp and Tom’s Hardware, Intel plans to integrate Xe3 graphics into the Nova Lake generation. Specifically, the display and media engine will utilize the Xe3P architecture, which is associated with the Crescent Island design. While earlier reports suggested the inclusion of Xe4 Druid IP elements, current information indicates the hardware is based on Xe3P.

Core Specifications and Performance Targets

The Nova Lake-S desktop lineup is expected to feature a wide range of SKUs, spanning from 6-core Core Ultra 3 models up to a 52-core flagship Core Ultra 9. This 52-core flagship is projected to have a 175 W TDP, a notable increase from the 125 W base TDP found in the Core Ultra 9 285K and its refreshes.

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To support these high-performance cores, the platform will introduce several technical upgrades:

• Support for DDR5 memory at 8,000 MT/s out of the box without overclocking.
• The use of a new LGA 1954 socket.
• Integration of 900-series chipsets.
• Implementation of a dual-compute tile design.
• The introduction of bLLC (Big Last Level Cache), with some reports indicating capacities up to 288 MB to counter AMD’s 3D V-Cache technology.

the lineup will include NPU6 for enhanced AI performance.

Integrated Graphics and the iGPU-Focused SKU

While most Nova Lake desktop CPUs are rumored to feature only 2 Xe3 cores for basic display functionality, leaks from tipster Jaykihn suggest a specialized 16-core midrange SKU designed for high-performance integrated graphics. This specific chip is reported to feature 12 Xe3P cores, positioning it as a competitor to AMD’s Ryzen G-series APUs.

The preliminary configuration for this iGPU-focused SKU includes:

• 4x Coyote Cove P-cores.
• 8x Arctic Wolf E-cores.
• 4x Arctic Wolf low-power E-cores.
• A total of 16 cores and 16 threads.
• A requirement for two VccGT VRM phases to support the powerful graphics silicon.

This configuration suggests a single-tile variant that lacks the bLLC, focusing instead on providing an affordable entry point for gamers who do not wish to use a discrete GPU.

Timeline and Market Strategy

Intel’s rollout for Nova Lake is focused on late 2026, with the full lineup expected to be available in early 2027. This timeline follows a series of iterative updates, including the Arrow Lake Refresh, which reached DDR5-7200 support.

The shift toward higher TDPs and the integration of massive cache buffers indicates a strategic move to reclaim the gaming crown from AMD. By combining the Xe3P graphics architecture with improved memory controllers and a revamped tile configuration, Intel is attempting to address previous architectural shortcomings.

While the Xe3P architecture is being targeted for data centers and workstations, its implementation in the Nova Lake-S consumer line marks a significant step in Intel’s integrated graphics roadmap, moving beyond simple display output toward legitimate gaming capability.