Get ready for a game-changer in the world of high-end desktop (HEDT) computing! Intel's upcoming Nova Lake-S processors are rumored to pack a massive 52 cores, but here's the catch: not all motherboards will be able to handle their full power.
The leak, courtesy of Jaykihn, suggests that the dual compute tile variant of Nova Lake-S might demand such high power requirements that only certain motherboards will be able to support it. And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about the cores, it's about the infrastructure needed to power them.
Earlier, there was a leak that showed power figures for Nova Lake-S, but Intel has since confirmed that those numbers were outdated and not final. The PL1 (Base Power) figure is now believed to be 175 W, but this is specifically for the dual-tile variant. Other SKUs are expected to have lower PL1 values, but we're still waiting for official confirmation.
Now, let's talk about the potential naming scheme. Intel's new HEDT series is rumored to be called the Core X series, which would be a nod to their older HEDT branding. This name is also used for the top mobile chips in the Panther Lake lineup. However, Intel hasn't made a final decision on the naming yet, so we can't be certain. But here's where it gets controversial: the Core X9 name could be reserved for the dual-tile variants, positioning them as a mainstream HEDT option.
Intel is expected to launch both single and dual bLLC variants, with the dual-compute-tile variants targeting the HEDT market and the single-tile variants aiming for the mainstream market, similar to AMD's Ryzen 7 and Ryzen 9 positioning. This shift in strategy could see Intel's HEDT segment move to the consumer Z990 platform, which would likely result in a premium price tag for the Core X series, but without the need for a full platform change.
The naming game is still up in the air, and Intel could surprise us by using "X" for the bLLC variants, which would make sense logically. But given Intel's historical tiering, the Core X series seems like a more fitting approach.
So, what do you think? Will Intel's rumored Core X series revolutionize HEDT computing, or is this just another step in the ongoing battle for high-performance desktop dominance? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
