Intel "Nova Lake-S" Desktop CPUs: New Naming Scheme and Record-Breaking Performance
Intel is preparing to launch its next-generation desktop processors under the "Nova Lake-S" family, and early leaks suggest a significant shift in both naming conventions and performance capabilities. Unlike the current "Arrow Lake" CPUs, which use a three-digit model number, "Nova Lake-S" may return to a four-digit format. This change is likely driven by the increasing number of SKUs and configurations Intel is developing for this lineup.
Leaked Details: Core Ultra 9 4590K and Platform Innovations
According to a recent CPU-Z database leak, the Intel Core Ultra 9 4590K has been identified as a 28-core "Nova Lake-S" desktop processor. This chip features a hybrid architecture with 8 high-performance "Coyote Cove" P-Cores, 16 efficient "Arctic Wolf" E-Cores, and 4 low-power LPE-Cores. The processor was tested on an undisclosed Z990 high-end overclocking platform, where it achieved over 1,000 points in single-core CPU-Z benchmarks and surpassed 20,000 points in multicore performance. These results position the Core Ultra 9 4590K ahead of any current consumer desktop CPU in terms of raw processing power.
Speculation Around Naming and Product Launch Timeline
While the four-digit naming scheme has not been officially confirmed, multiple industry sources and leakers, including Golden Pig Upgrade and Gotou_3rd, have indicated that Intel is considering this approach. The final decision may depend on how Intel organizes its extensive range of SKUs for "Nova Lake-S." Qualification samples for the new CPUs have not yet begun shipping, but shipments are expected to start in the coming weeks. This will allow motherboard manufacturers and system integrators to begin testing and integrating the latest processors into their products.
Upcoming SKUs and Launch Windows
Recent sightings show Intel testing two "Nova Lake-S" SKUs: a 24-core model running at 3.4 GHz and a 28-core model at 3.2 GHz. Both chips support advanced instruction sets, including AVX-512 and APX, aligning with the specifications of the leaked 28-core model. The 28-core "Nova Lake-S" DS version, representing a new SKU segment, is expected to debut in the first quarter of 2027. For enthusiasts, the overclocking-focused "K" series is reportedly scheduled for an early Q2 launch, likely between March and April. Additionally, a flagship 52-core SKU is anticipated to arrive in late May.
As Intel continues to innovate in desktop CPU technology, the "Nova Lake-S" family is shaping up to deliver unprecedented performance and a refreshed approach to product naming, reflecting the growing complexity and diversity of modern computing needs.
