Intel Nova Lake-S Desktop Platform Revealed in Shipping Data with Up to 52 Cores

Intel’s upcoming Nova Lake-S desktop platform has surfaced in shipping manifests, revealing groundbreaking specifications that set a new standard for desktop CPUs in 2025. According to reports from VideoCardz.com and other hardware sources, the flagship Nova Lake-S chip is expected to feature an unprecedented 52-core configuration, radically improving multi-threaded performance and computing power.

Unpacking the 52-Core Flagship

The flagship Core Ultra 9 SKU of Nova Lake-S is rumored to consist of a multi-die design featuring:

16 Performance Cores (P-cores) optimized for raw gaming and single-threaded tasks.
32 Efficiency Cores (E-cores) that handle background and multi-threaded workloads efficiently.
4 Low-Power (LPE) Cores dedicated to ultra-low power tasks to maximize efficiency.

This combination totals 52 cores, more than double the cores found in its predecessor, Arrow Lake-S, which maxed out at 24 cores.

Advanced Architecture and Process Technology

Nova Lake employs a multi-chiplet architecture fabricated on TSMC’s advanced N2P (2nm-class) process. It integrates multiple chiplets including two CPU tiles, each hosting a mix of P-cores and E-cores with a combined 288 MB of last-level cache (bLLC). Additionally, the platform features a hub die (with media and display engines), a platform control die (PCD) handling I/O such as Thunderbolt and PCIe, and a GPU tile featuring up to 32 execution units based on the new Celestial graphics architecture.

Massive Connectivity and Performance Enhancements

32 PCIe 5.0 lanes on the CPU itself, allowing direct connection of GPU and multiple Gen5 NVMe SSDs.
Up to 48 total PCIe lanes including chipset lanes, enabling support for multiple GPUs and storage devices.
DDR5 memory support up to 8000 MT/s, the highest official desktop memory speed specification.
Compatibility with a new LGA 1954 socket, while still supporting existing LGA 1700 cooling solutions.

Segmented Core Configurations Across SKUs

The Nova Lake family is expected to include multiple tiers:

Core Ultra 9: Full 52-core (16P + 32E + 4LPE) flagship model with 288 MB bLLC cache.
Core Ultra 7: Partially disabled configurations with up to 12 P-cores and 24 E-cores, offering 224-256 MB L3 cache.
Core Ultra 5: Lower-tier variants with 6-8 P-cores and 12-16 E-cores optimized for mainstream gamers and creators.
Core Ultra 3: Entry-level models featuring fewer cores and lower power budgets.

What This Means for Desktop Computing

Nova Lake-S represents a quantum leap in Intel’s desktop CPU strategy, balancing raw performance with energy efficiency through a tiered heterogeneous core design. This architecture not only boosts gaming and professional workloads but also helps compete aggressively with AMD’s Zen 6 Ryzen 8000 series.

With its massive core counts, robust connectivity, and cutting-edge process technology, Nova Lake-S is poised to take desktop performance into new realms, expected to release in late 2025 or early 2026.

Conclusion

Intel’s Nova Lake-S platform sets a new benchmark with up to 52 cores and advanced multi-die design. The addition of low-power cores, record-breaking DDR5 memory speeds, and abundant PCIe Gen5 lanes demonstrate Intel’s commitment to pushing desktop PC performance forward. Gamers, creators, and professionals should keep a close watch on Nova Lake-S—it promises to be a game-changer in the high-performance desktop space.