Intel’s next-generation Core Ultra 9 ‘Nova Lake-S’ processors for desktops are rumored to boast up to 52 cores, with a unique configuration featuring 16 high-performance Coyote Cove cores, 32 energy-efficient Arctic Wolf cores, and four low-power Arctic Wolf cores. The platform is expected to support DDR5-8000 memory and up to 32 PCIe 5.0 lanes.
The CPU’s memory subsystem will feature two channels supporting one DDR5-8000 memory module per channel, although it remains unclear whether Intel plans to support regular DDR5-8000 DIMMs or specialized CUDIMMs with a clock driver chip. The use of shared L2 cache in each pair of high-performance cores may impact performance, but this is a trade-off to enable the ambitious 52-core design.
In terms of graphics and storage, the Nova Lake CPUs will offer x16 PCIe 5.0 lanes for dedicated graphics cards, as well as two x4 lanes for SSDs. The chipset will also support eight PCIe 5.0 lanes and 16 PCIe 4.0 lanes for peripherals, potentially enabling massive systems with ample storage and add-in cards.
The new CPUs are expected to use the LGA1954 packaging and a new socket, requiring users to upgrade their platforms to take advantage of the advanced features. This move suggests that Intel is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in desktop processors.
Source: https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/cpus/the-cpu-core-wars-return-intel-nova-lake-leak-teases-monster-52-cores-ddr5-8000-and-32-pcie-lanes-rumored-would-rival-amds-finest