Intel’s Nova Lake-S CPUs are alleged to be taped out on TSMC’s N2 node. At least, that’s what sources close to SemiAccurate have told them hardware news outlet.
To be precise, the site wrote that “Intel taped out a major product a few weeks ago, a little late but they got there. SemiAccurate took longer than usual to confirm this one but we finally did.” Unfortunately, that’s about all the information they’re able to share, with no specifics or details on the alleged Nova Lake processor. “Sorry, no hints this time.”
It hasn’t been a good year for Intel. After the departure of Pat Gelsinger and the appointment of Lip-Bu Tan, the new CEO began the process of selling off portions of the chipmaker’s business and laying off staff from its offices around the world. Couple that with the degradation issue that plagued its 13th and 14th Gen desktop CPUs, it’s safe to say the blue chipmaker is hoping that Nova Lake-S will turn the tide on its fortunes.
Assuming that it is Nova Lake, it seems likely that the lineup will make its debut in late 2026, and probably before the end of that year. Who knows, maybe we’ll also see some unit of the lineup built on the 18A process as well, seeing how Panther Lake will be based on said node.
In the meantime, we’ll just have to content ourselves with earlier rumours about Nova Lake, particularly the one about a 52-core SKU and the Nova Lake-AX, which could become the direct competitor to AMD’s Ryzen AI Max+ 395, if it actually launches.
(Source; SemiAccurate, PC Gamer)
