Intel’s upcoming Nova Lake desktop lineup continues to take shape, and a new leak now points to a core count increase on one of its high-end chips, which signals that Intel is still pushing aggressive performance targets for its next-generation desktop processors.
According to known leaker Jaykihn, the previously reported 42-core dual-tile configuration has now moved to a 44-core design, with 16 performance cores, 24 efficiency cores, and 4 low-power efficiency cores, which marks a clear upgrade over earlier reports that listed 14 performance cores in the same tier.
Updated core lineup for Nova Lake bLLC chips
This update also gives a clearer picture of how Intel plans to structure its high-end desktop segment, especially with multiple configurations now under consideration instead of a single flagship part.
- Core Ultra X9 400X (HEDT class)
- 52 cores (16P + 32E + 4 LP-E), up to 288MB cache
- 44 cores (16P + 24E + 4 LP-E), up to 288MB cache
- 42 cores (14P + 24E + 4 LP-E), up to 288MB cache
- Core Ultra 7 400K (unlocked)
- 28 cores (8P + 16E + 4 LP-E), up to 144MB cache
- 24 cores (8P + 12E + 4 LP-E), up to 144MB cache
- Core Ultra 7 400 (locked)
- 22 cores (6P + 12E + 4 LP-E), up to 144MB cache
Intel is also evaluating locked variants for this lineup, which means not every chip will target overclocking users, and that move could open the door for more affordable options across the stack.
Platform changes and launch timeline
Nova Lake-S will reportedly use a new LGA-1954 socket along with Intel’s 900-series chipsets, including Z990 and B960, which indicates a full platform refresh rather than a simple upgrade path from current systems.
Intel has already confirmed that Nova Lake will arrive by the end of 2026, but desktop availability may shift closer to early 2027, likely aligning with a CES launch window where the company usually highlights major hardware releases.
At the same time, Intel appears ready to expand its bLLC technology beyond a single flagship chip, with both single-tile and dual-tile designs now expected across different price tiers, and that change suggests the company wants to bring larger cache benefits to a wider range of users rather than limiting them to top-end models.
Let us know what you think about this updated core count and whether it makes Nova Lake more interesting for your next desktop upgrade in the comments.
