Nova Lake “bLLC” CPUs Pack Up To 38% More Cache Than Ryzen 9950X3D2

A leak has revealed the cache configurations for Intel Nova Lake-S “bLLC,” showcasing a maximum cache capacity of 288 MB for upcoming desktop CPUs.

Intel Nova Lake-S Desktop CPUs to Include Up To 288 MB of bLLC Cache, 80 MB Higher Than 9950X3D2

New details about Intel’s Nova Lake-S CPUs, particularly focusing on the bLLC aspect, have emerged courtesy of Jaykihn. The leak reveals that the bLLC, or Big Last Level Cache, die variants will offer up to 144 MB in single tile and 288 MB in dual tile configurations, with specifics about the maximum cache capacities of each bLLC CPU.

Intel’s Nova Lake Desktop CPUs are composed of five primary dies, featuring single compute tile and dual compute tile variants. The enthusiast models, labeled “DS,” will consist of dual compute tile configurations.

The entry-level die boasts an 8-core design with 4 P-Cores and 4 LPE cores, followed by a 16-core variant featuring 4 P-Cores, 8 E-Cores, and 4 LPE Cores. Additionally, there are two 28-core models with 8 P-Cores, 16 E-Cores, and 4 LPE Cores. Among these, one model adheres to the standard design, while the other incorporates “bLLC,” or big Last Level Cache. These bLLC versions are Intel’s response to AMD’s X3D CPUs, albeit without utilizing AMD’s die stacking technology.

The “DS” variants with dual compute tiles include a 52-core model, comprising two dies with 8 P-Cores and 16 E-Cores each, alongside 4 LPE cores that remain unchanged as they are not part of the compute tile.

Prior reports indicate that single compute tile “bLLC” models will offer 144 MB of cache, while dual compute tile “bLLC” models will provide 288 MB of cache. The standard compute tile measures 98mm2, whereas the bLLC compute tile measures 154mm2.

Intel Nova Lake-S Desktop CPU Die Configurations:

Intel will utilize the Nova Lake dies to create its Core Ultra Series 4 Desktop lineup. The lineup is anticipated to encompass at least 13 models, ranging from Core Ultra 9, Core Ultra 7, Core Ultra 5, to Core Ultra 3 variants. Additionally, Intel has plans for higher-tier 52-core and 44-core models among its 52C die variants.

Enthusiast models will have a TDP of up to 175W, while the rest of the lineup will span from 35W to 125W. The entry-level Core Ultra 3 and Core Ultra 5 models are expected to feature 35W TDPs, with power-unlocked models reaching up to 65W. The standard lineup will comprise 125W TDP variants, including certain 65W power-optimized options. Moreover, there will be “F” models in the lineup, designed without an integrated GPU. All Intel Nova Lake CPUs will incorporate 2 Xe3 cores, with a potential introduction of a higher-end iGPU in one of the Nova Lake SKUs.

Intel Nova Lake-S Desktop CPU SKUs (Preliminary):

Cache details for five SKUs have been disclosed by Jaykihn, aligning with previous coverage. These SKUs, encompassing both dual and single compute tiles, are listed below alongside their maximum cache capacities:

• Core Ultra X (52 Cores) – 288 MB
• Core Ultra X (44 Cores) – 264 MB
• Core Ultra 9 (28 Cores) – 144 MB
• Core Ultra 7 (24 Cores) – 132 MB
• Core Ultra 9 (22 Cores) – 108 MB

The dual compute tile SKUs are poised to compete with AMD’s dual 3D V-Cache models like the Ryzen 9 9950X3D2, set to launch with 208 MB of cache. The 264 MB Nova Lake SKU offers a 27% cache increase over AMD’s model, while the 288 MB SKU surpasses it by 38%. With AMD likely to introduce even higher cache capacities in future X3D CPUs, consumers can anticipate intense competition in the desktop platform realm.

Examining the specifications and configurations of Nova Lake Desktop CPUs, it appears that Intel is gearing up for a significant resurgence in the desktop market. This development will undoubtedly prompt AMD to enhance its next-gen Ryzen offerings, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown between the two chipmakers upon the release of their new CPUs.

AMD Olympic Ridge vs Intel Nova Lake-S: