Intel to Launch 28-Core "Nova Lake-S" Before 52-Core Version

Intel is gradually laying the groundwork for the launch of its Core Ultra 400 "Nova Lake-S" desktop processors with a basic branding overhaul. However, the company is reportedly preparing different launch dates for various SKUs, according to VideoCardz . We know that Intel has SKUs arriving with either one or two compute dies, featuring up to 8 "Coyote Cove" P-Cores and 16 "Arctic Wolf" E-Cores, along with 4 LPE-Cores that are part of the I/O die. Depending on the SKU, Intel can pack a single compute die for up to 28 cores total or two compute dies for a 52-core CPU SKU. It seems that the single compute die version will arrive first, with the dual compute die variants following. The 28-core "Nova Lake-S" DS version, a new SKU segment, is expected to launch in Q1 of 2027. For the regular overclocking-focused "K" SKUs, Intel reportedly plans an early Q2 launch between March and April. What is particularly interesting to enthusiasts is when the 52-core compute powerhouse will launch. With its dual compute dies, Intel's most powerful desktop CPU is set to arrive between late May and September 2027, bringing this model to consumers. As for a possible reason why Intel is choosing such a schedule, we might assume that the recent change in plans to bring back most of the compute tile production on the 18A node is the reason. As Intel ramps up 18A high-volume manufacturing for its internal needs, the company likely needs more time to stockpile fully-fledged compute dies for the flagship 52-core SKUs. Since they require double the compute tiles compared to the 28-core designs, the production capacity may need to catch up first. Read full story