Intel Nova Lake-S Rumor: Dual-Tile Desktop CPU Gets Bumped from 42 to 44 Cores

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Intel Nova Lake-S Gets a Core Count Bump: 44-Core Dual-Tile CPU Now Rumored

Intel’s next-generation desktop platform, codenamed Nova Lake-S, has been the subject of intense speculation for months. Now, a fresh leak suggests the company is refining its high-end core counts before launch. According to reliable leaker Jaykihn, the previously rumored 42-core dual-compute-tile variant has been upgraded to a 44-core configuration, featuring 16 Performance cores, 24 Efficiency cores, and 4 Low-Power E-cores.

Intel Nova Lake-S Rumor: Dual-Tile Desktop CPU Gets Bumped from 42 to 44 Cores

The change updates an earlier report from December 2025, which listed the same dual-tile bLLC (Big Last Level Cache) SKU as 14 P-cores, 24 E-cores, and 4 LP-E cores. The addition of two more P-cores brings the chip closer to the flagship 52-core model in the rumored lineup.

The Expanding bLLC Family

Intel’s bLLC cache technology—designed to rival AMD’s 3D V-Cache—appears to be spreading beyond a single halo product. According to the leak, Intel is planning four bLLC desktop configurations:

  • Core Ultra X9 (HEDT): 52 cores (16+32+4 LPE) with up to 288MB bLLC
  • Core Ultra X9 (HEDT): 44 cores (16+24+4 LPE) with up to 288MB bLLC (updated from 42)
  • Core Ultra 7 (unlocked): 28 cores (8+16+4 LPE) with up to 144MB bLLC
  • Core Ultra 7 (unlocked): 24 cores (8+12+4 LPE) with up to 144MB bLLC

Additionally, Jaykihn notes that Intel is evaluating the possibility of releasing locked (non-K) variants of these bLLC chips, which would bring the cache advantage to lower-priced, non-overclockable builds.

HEDT or Mainstream?

The naming for the next series is not yet confirmed, but whispers suggest the bLLC series may be positioned as a new HEDT (High-End Desktop) segment, potentially under the Core Ultra X branding. This would align with Intel’s historical X-series chips (e.g., Core i9-10980XE) and place Nova Lake-S’s highest-core parts in direct competition with AMD’s Threadripper lineup.

Nova Lake-S is tied to the new LGA-1954 socket and Intel’s 900-series chipset family, including Z990, Z970, B960, Q970, and W980. Intel has already confirmed Nova Lake for the end of 2026, though desktop availability could stretch into CES 2027 rather than a broad late-2026 retail launch.

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What This Means for Gamers and Enthusiasts

The expanded core counts and broader bLLC availability suggest Intel is serious about competing on cache performance. If bLLC delivers the expected gaming uplift from larger cache—similar to AMD’s X3D advantage—these chips could offer a compelling alternative for gamers and creators alike.

For now, the rumors remain unconfirmed. But the pattern of leaks points to a diverse Nova Lake-S lineup, with high-core HEDT parts, mainstream unlocked bLLC chips, and even locked variants. As launch approaches, expect more clarity on clock speeds, pricing, and platform features.

Source: Jaykihn

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