Rumors are heating up around Intel Nova Lake, the chipmaker’s upcoming desktop platform that may finally take aim at AMD’s 3D V-cache advantage. According to new leaks, Intel is preparing a 144 MB Big Last Level Cache (bLLC) setup exclusive to certain SKUs and aims to deliver a huge boost in multi-threaded performance.
Intel Nova Lake will debut with bLLC on select models
Initial speculation suggested only one mid-tier model would feature bLLC, but that’s no longer the case. Leaks now claim the bLLC tech will be exclusive to K-branded Nova Lake CPUs, not just the rumored Core Ultra 5 435K.
Intel’s 144 MB bLLC setup seems to mirror its Clearwater Forest design on the server side. It reportedly uses a Foveros Direct 3D interconnect to bond the cache tile directly to the CPU die offering thermal and performance benefits.
New leaks suggest the RTX 60 release date may slip into late 2027 or even 2028, with memory supply issues slowing next-gen GPU launches.
Overclocking and stacking support in Intel Nova Lake
Because of this 3D stacking approach, enthusiasts could be in for a treat. The design allows the CPU tile to interface directly with the IHS, which improves cooling potential for overclocking. Unlike some past configurations, this setup won’t require exotic cooling or de-lidding to push frequencies further.
AMD still holds a dual-cache lead, for now
Intel’s implementation is impressive, but conservative. The company isn’t working on a dual-bLLC variant at the moment. Meanwhile, AMD is reportedly developing the Ryzen 9 9950X3D2, a dual-CCD chip with 3D V-cache on both dies. This setup could offer up to 192 MB of L3 cache, giving AMD an edge in specific workloads.
Still, Intel Nova Lake marks the company’s first foray into consumer-facing 3D cache technology an area it has lagged behind in until now.
Intel Nova Lake tipped for massive multi-threaded gains
Beyond cache upgrades, Nova Lake may bring a 60% multi-threaded uplift over Arrow Lake. That’s a substantial jump, especially given how stagnant core-for-core performance gains have been in recent years.
Nova Lake is also expected to debut several firsts for Intel’s desktop line:
- An integrated Neural Processing Unit (NPU)
- A low-power island with LPE cores for background tasks
- Advanced tile-based architecture with Foveros packaging
- Native support for overclocking with bLLC
- Possible PCIe Gen 5 and DDR5 enhancements
Together, these features signal a more modular, scalable future for Intel’s desktop platforms.
It could finally shake up the CPU race
If the leaked specs hold up, Intel Nova Lake may finally offer a compelling counter to AMD’s 3D V-cache leadership. With bLLC, overclocking headroom, and serious performance gains, this generation could mark a turning point in Intel’s high-end desktop strategy.
Now it’s just a question of whether they can deliver on time.
