Intel Nova Lake-S iGPU: All-Intel Node Xe3 Graphics + Xe3P Media Tiles – Deep Dive & Analysis

January 14, 2026 – As Intel pushes forward with its advanced nodes and GPU architectures, leaks and roadmaps point to Nova Lake-S as a game-changer for desktop iGPUs. Shifting to fully internal Intel nodes (18A/20A family), this processor disaggregates graphics and media via Foveros/EMIB packaging. The Xe3-LPG (Celestial variant) handles 3D compute on 18A, while Xe3P focuses on media/display on 20A. Based on driver leaks, kernel updates, and insider rumors, here's a comprehensive breakdown.

"For the iGPU part, I think 20-25%, even more perf uplift for the Xe3P-12C (NVL version) is suitable."
– Leaker @OneRaichu on X (formerly Twitter)

Nova Lake-S: Roadmap & Architecture Overview

Nova Lake-S, part of the Core Ultra 400 series, succeeds Arrow Lake-S and Panther Lake, targeting H2 2026 launch. It features new Cougar Cove P-cores, Darkmont E-cores, and up to 52 cores total (e.g., 12P + 32E + 8LPE configs). Manufactured on Intel's 18A (1.8nm) and potentially TSMC 2nm for some tiles, it uses the LGA 1954 socket. The iGPU's hybrid design – first of its kind – separates compute and media for efficiency, with Xe3P offering 20-25% uplift over Panther Lake's Xe3.

Xe3-LPG Compute Tile (Intel 18A)

Xe-cores: 4-8 (32-64 EUs), dual-issue XVEs, up to 10 threads per XVE for enhanced multithreading.
Caches: 256KB L1 per XVE, 16MB L2 per slice for faster data access.
Special Features: XeSS 3 (AI upscaling), doubled ray tracing (RT) throughput vs. Xe2.

Die size: ~150mm². Boost clock: Up to 3GHz. Power envelope: 50-75W. Efficiency: 25% better perf/W than Xe2, positioning it for mid-range 1080p gaming without a dGPU.

Xe3P Media Tile (Intel 20A)

Media Engine: AV1 Gen3 encode/decode, VVC support for next-gen video codecs.
Display Outputs: 4x DP 2.1 (80Gbps UHBR20), HDMI 2.2 for high-res multi-monitor setups.
AI Enhancements: Tensor-based upscaling and denoising for video/edge AI tasks.

Die size: ~40mm². Power: <5w and="" demanding="" dgpu="" during="" efficiency="" energy.="" for="" hpm="" idle="" igh="" include="" lpm="" media="" or="" ow="" p="" power-gating="" power="" save="" scenarios="" to="" variants="" with="" workloads.="">

Tile Specs Table

Tile	Node	Size	Power	Role
Xe3-LPG Graphics	18A	~150mm²	50-75W	3D Compute & Rendering
Xe3P Media	20A	~40mm²	2-5W	Media Encode/Decode & Display

Performance Outlook & Benchmarks

1080p Gaming: 45+ FPS with RT at medium settings, rivaling entry-level dGPUs like RTX 3050.
8K AV1 Video: Real-time processing with <1 cpu="" dedicated="" li="" load="" media="" thanks="" tile.="" to="">
Competitive Edge: Matches AMD RDNA 3.5 in rasterization; dominates in AV1 efficiency. 20-25% faster than Panther Lake's Xe3 (e.g., Arc B390's 82% lead over Radeon 890M).

Hybrid design allows compute tile to scale (up to 12 Xe3P cores in mobile variants), while media tile optimizes for low-power tasks. Desktop configs may start with 2-4 Xe3-LPG cores, scaling to 48 in high-end (e.g., canceled Nova Lake-AX).

Analysis: Why This Matters for Intel's 2026 Push

The all-Intel node shift (18A/20A) could cut costs by 25% via in-house fabbing, accelerating time-to-market amid TSMC delays. Disaggregating tiles unlocks flexibility: High-perf compute on cutting-edge 18A, efficient media on 20A. However, challenges remain – desktop iGPUs historically lag mobile, and rumors of only 2 Xe3-LPG cores suggest focus on efficiency over raw power. Against AMD's Zen 6 (RDNA 3.5+), Nova Lake's Xe3P could reclaim iGPU leadership, especially in AI/video. Leaks (e.g., Linux kernel, GMD drivers) confirm Xe3P's LPM/HPM variants, but hybrid Xe4 mentions in some sources indicate potential roadmap tweaks. Overall, this cements Intel's IDM 2.0 strategy, but success hinges on 18A yields.

Looking Ahead

Expect more at CES 2026 or kernel updates. Nova Lake-S could redefine desktop APUs – stay tuned for official specs. What's your take on Intel's hybrid iGPU?