Intel appears to be developing a countermeasure for AMD's 3D V-Cache CPUs
Intel's Nova Lake Desktop CPUs: A Game-Changer in the Making
Intel's upcoming Nova Lake desktop CPUs, expected to launch in late 2026, are causing a stir in the tech world. These CPUs will feature a hybrid architecture, combining Performance cores (P-cores) and Efficiency cores (E-cores).
The mainstream Nova Lake CPU is rumoured to come with 8 P-cores and 16 E-cores, and a new large cache technology called BLLC (Big Last Level Cache). According to leaks, this CPU could offer up to 144MB of L3 cache, a significant increase compared to Intel's current-gen Arrow Lake-S desktop chips that top out at 36MB.
The BLLC cache is designed to rival AMD’s Ryzen X3D chips, known for their large 3D-stacked cache enhancing gaming performance. Intel aims to boost gaming and multi-core performance with this new cache technology, directly competing with AMD’s X3D line.
While the higher-end model of Nova Lake CPU is rumoured to have 16 P-cores and 32 E-cores, it is reportedly not going to include the BLLC cache and is targeted more at workstation or productivity tasks.
The manufacturing for Nova Lake chips will involve fabrication on TSMC’s advanced N2 node, alongside Intel’s own 18A process. This hybrid manufacturing strategy could translate into improved efficiency and performance relative to previous Intel generations.
In comparison, AMD Ryzen X3D processors currently leverage 3D V-Cache technology to stack additional cache on top of cores, proving highly effective for gaming workloads.
Here's a key comparison between Intel's Nova Lake and AMD's Ryzen X3D:
| Feature | Intel Nova Lake | AMD Ryzen X3D | |-------------------------|------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------| | Release timeframe | Late 2026 to early 2027 | Already available (various Ryzen X3D models) | | Core config examples | 8 P + 16 E cores (BLLC cache), 16 P + 32 E cores (no BLLC) | Varies, typically high-performance Ryzen with 3D V-Cache | | Cache tech | BLLC (Big Last Level Cache) | 3D V-Cache (stacked cache) | | Target use | Gaming (BLLC), productivity/workstations (higher core count variant) | Gaming-focused high cache for frame rate improvements |
The increased L3 cache could significantly boost performance in scenarios where memory latency is critical. However, it is speculated that Intel may be reserving the BLLC configuration for gaming or power-sensitive use cases rather than high-core-count multithreaded workloads.
The Nova Lake desktop CPUs are expected to require a new socket, potentially LGA 1954. This could limit upgrade paths from current-gen hardware. However, the new socket could enable Intel to implement more aggressive enhancements due to a potential clean architectural break.
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D, a 3D V-Cache-enabled CPU from AMD, has proven effective in gaming workloads due to its expanded cache. The Nova Lake desktop CPUs, if released, would put Intel in direct competition with AMD’s cache-heavy CPUs.
The leaks about the Nova Lake desktop CPUs come from reputable sources such as OneRaichu and Haze on X (formerly Twitter). However, it's important to note that the reported details do not confirm Intel's plans for the Nova Lake desktop CPUs.
In summary, Intel’s Nova Lake will feature a hybrid core design with a significant emphasis on its new BLLC cache to challenge AMD’s Ryzen X3D gaming CPUs. The release is expected by late 2026 with some flagship or mobile variants possibly in early 2027. The new socket could limit upgrade paths from current-gen hardware, but it could also enable Intel to implement more aggressive enhancements. The main competition will be AMD Ryzen X3D, with Intel focusing on cache size and core count to regain market and gaming performance leadership.
- The new cache technology BLLC in Intel's Nova Lake desktop CPUs is designed to compete with the 3D V-Cache technology in AMD's Ryzen X3D chips, which enhances gaming performance by stacking additional cache on top of cores.
- The mainstream Nova Lake CPU, expected to come with 8 P-cores and 16 E-cores, and the new BLLC cache technology, is rumored to offer gaming-focused improvements, putting Intel in direct competition with AMD’s cache-heavy Ryzen X3D CPUs.
