Intel Nova Lake-S Desktop CPU Details: 12 Xe3P Cores, 16 CPU Cores, PL2 40W, Single-Die Q1 2027
Intel's Nova Lake-S desktop processor integrated graphics configuration has been disclosed: 12 Xe3P GPU cores with PL2 set at around 40W, while the 65W ceiling applies only to PL3 and PL4 extreme scenarios. The revealed SKU packs 4 performance, 8 efficiency and 4 low-power efficiency cores (16 total) with dual-phase VCCGT power delivery. Versus Panther Lake's Xe3, the Xe3P architecture brings deeper micro-architectural changes, lifting L2 cache 25% to 20MB from 16MB. The single compute-die version launches first in Q1 2027, ahead of a dual-die variant with up to 52 cores.
Intel has disclosed the integrated graphics configuration for its Nova Lake-S desktop processors. The processor integrates 12 Xe3P GPU cores, with the PL2 power limit set at approximately 40W. The 65W setting threshold applies to extreme scenarios such as PL3, while the PL4 power cap is also 65W. The configuration was earlier believed to feature dual-phase VCCGT power delivery with a maximum draw of 65W; the latest information clarifies that 65W applies to extreme conditions such as PL3, not routine operating power.
The disclosed SKU contains 4 performance cores, 8 efficiency cores and 4 low-power efficiency cores, totalling 16 CPU cores, and integrates 12 Xe3P graphics cores. This configuration requires a dual-phase VCCGT power rail, whereas conventional processors typically employ a single-phase design, making this one of the few processors with dual-phase power delivery. The power design is intended to support stable operation under higher-load scenarios.
Compared with the Xe3 architecture used in Panther Lake, Nova Lake's Xe3P architecture incorporates more extensive underlying micro-architectural adjustments. In terms of cache capacity, Panther Lake's 12-core Xe3 integrated graphics carries 16MB of L2 cache, while Nova Lake's 12-core Xe3P integrated graphics rises to 20MB, an increase of 25%.
Intel has planned single compute-die and dual compute-die versions for Nova Lake-S. The former supports up to 28 CPU cores, while the latter can reach specifications as high as 52 cores. The single-die version launches first in the first quarter of 2027, with the dual-die version following. The disclosed single-die SKU combining a 16-core CPU with a 12-core GPU is planned as part of the first wave of the Nova Lake product line, which covers models with different core combinations.
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