Intel's leaked Nova Lake-S CPU could make budget graphics cards obsolete

For years, "integrated graphics" essentially meant that you could use your laptop for general-purpose things such as making PowerPoint presentations, web browsing, and low frame rates in any game more demanding than Solitaire. But according to a recent leak, it looks like Intel might finally bridge the gap between an entry-level processor and a legit budget gaming PC.

According to hardware leaker Jaykihn, Intel could be quietly developing a highly specialised 16-core Nova Lake-S SKU that is heavily focused on its integrated GPU (iGPU). The chip is rumored to feature a 12 Xe3P cores, which is huge when compared to standard Nova Lake parts that ship with just two Xe3 cores for display output. This 12-core variant is said to feature two VccGT VRM phases, which may be indicative of high-performance as more.

According to the leaker, the CPU architecture, the leaked 16-core chip could be a single-tile configuration featuring four Coyote Cove Performance-cores (P-cores), eight Arctic Wolf Efficiency-cores (E-cores), and four low-power E-cores. This basically translates to 16 threads of computing power.

As previously reported on Neowin, High-end Nova Lake-S flagship models could feature up to 52 cores on the upcoming LGA 1954 socket.

More power into an iGPU doesn"t necessarily mean better performance. However, if the base Xe3 architecture is any indicator, Intel might have a massive generational leap on its hands. Recent leaks showed the standard 12-core Xe3 Arc B390 iGPU outperforming AMD"s flagship Radeon 890M by a staggering 73% on average. In some workloads, the integrated Xe3 graphics were even trading blows with low-power variants of Nvidia"s dedicated GeForce RTX 4050 laptop GPU.

The current best desktop iGP available on AMD Ryzen is the 8000G series.

By taking this 12-core base and enhancing it to the Xe3P (where P stands for performance), and scaling it up for desktop, it could actually rival modern entry-level discrete GPUs.

Leaks also indicate that Intel"s Nova Lake-S processors will natively support ultra-fast DDR5-8000 memory. At such speeds, those 12 Xe3P cores will definitely feel faster without having to starve for bandwidth. Secondly, Intel also has bLLC (Big Last Level Cache), which it could use as a massive on-package buffer. It remains to be seen which mid-range SKU will get this cache, though. Both the high-speed memory and the bLLC buffer could potentially eliminate the traditional VRAM bottleneck.

If Intel actually delivers on these leaked specs and prices the chip competitively, it will easily win the hearts of users looking to build a capable 1080p gaming PC without needing to purchase a separate $200–$300 graphics card.

via Tom"s Hardware