Intel Nova Lake-S SKU Leak: 52-Core Flagships and the 288MB bLLC Revolution
Thursday, December 18, 2025NVL-S SKUs REVEALED
The roadmap for Intel’s 2026 desktop domination just became crystal clear. We have obtained the definitive SKU list for Nova Lake-S (NVL-S), and it confirms that Intel is betting everything on a massive cache-heavy strategy to dismantle AMD’s X3D lead.
The Definitive NVL-S SKU Table
The lineup is split between models carrying the revolutionary bLLC (Big Last Level Cache) and standard configurations. The flagship tiers are pushing a 175W power envelope to feed the 52-core beast.
| Core Configuration | bLLC Support | Power (TDP) |
|---|---|---|
| 16P + 32E + 4LP | YES (288 MB) | 175W |
| 14P + 24E + 4LP | YES (288 MB) | 175W |
| 8P + 16E + 4LP | YES (144 MB) | TBA |
| 8P + 16E + 4LP | NO | TBA |
| 8P + 12E + 4LP | YES (144 MB) | TBA |
| 8P + 12E + 4LP | NO | TBA |
Understanding bLLC Architecture
The inclusion of bLLC across the Core Ultra 5, 7, and 9 tiers suggests that Intel is no longer treating high-cache designs as a niche product. By offering 8+16 and 8+12 configurations both with and without bLLC, Intel is creating a clear "Gaming Optimized" vs. "Productivity Optimized" split within the same core count tiers.
Platform Revolution
These SKUs are designed for the upcoming Core Ultra 400 series. With native support for DDR5-8000 and the Xe3 Celestial iGPU, Nova Lake-S isn't just about core count—it's about a total system bandwidth explosion.
For Indie Kings readers, the takeaway is simple: late 2026 is when the real war for the desktop throne begins. Whether you need 52 cores or a cache-boosted 24-core gaming machine, NVL-S appears to have a tier for every enthusiast.