Intel is said to be getting ready for a big move in the desktop CPU game with their new Nova Lake chips. Hot talk says these CPUs might have bigger L3 cache, much like AMD's hit X3D "3D V-Cache" tech that's great for gaming.
Big Cache for Nova Lake "bLLC" Types Show Up
Intel hasn't made it official for everyday chips, but ex-CEO Pat Gelsinger had dropped hints about using tech like Foveros and EMIB to up cache sizes. At first, Intel aimed to add more cache to server chips, but didn't rule out doing the same for consumer CPUs.
Fresh tips, mainly from @Haze2K1, say some Nova Lake models might have "bLLC," short for "big Last Level Cache." This means a jump in L3 cache size. The word is two Nova Lake models, maybe set up with 8 P-cores + 12 E-cores and 8 P-cores + 16 E-cores, will first get this bLLC. This suggests a focused move at first, not for all models at once.
This move looks like Intel's answer to gamers wanting CPUs with more cache, something AMD's X3D CPUs do well in lots of gaming cases.
What’s New with Nova Lake
Aside from likely cache boosts, the Nova Lake desktop CPU series may bring big leaps in tech, including:
- Up to 2.16 times more cores (NVL-S)
- Up to 2.16 times more threads (NVL-S)
- Four more LP-E cores per chip
- TDPs as high as 150W
After a so-so time with Arrow Lake, hopes are high for Nova Lake to push Intel back up in the desktop CPU area where AMD has been strong.
Intel's 18A Process Set for Future Wins
The upcoming chips will use Intel's 18A tech, almost ready to hit the market. Expert Gus Richard said Intel's doing great, seeing it as key versus TSMC. He thinks by next year, Intel’s tech could match TSMC’s, especially with new packaging ways.
The 18A tech will boost the next Panther Lake CPUs and Clearwater Forest E-Core Xeon servers. It promises 30% denser scaling than Intel's 3 tech, plus either 25% faster speed or 36% less power use at the same speed. Intel is also growing its Fab 52 and Fab 62 in Arizona, while TSMC sets up shop in Phoenix too.
Moreover, Intel’s product boss, Michelle Johnston, said they'll stop R&D on products if they can't make at least 50% profit, showing a big focus on money-making.