Intel is preparing a new desktop APU called Nova Lake-S, and the leaked power limits suggest a focus on efficient integrated graphics performance rather than raw brute force. Because the total power budget is limited, system builders must carefully consider cooling solutions and motherboard power delivery capabilities. The CPU and integrated GPU share a limited power envelope, requiring a balance between processing performance and graphical output.
Leaked engineering data outlines power limits and cache for the upcoming desktop processor
The processor itself pairs a specific CPU layout with a significant graphics block. Intel expects to use a 4P+8E+4LP-E configuration for the cores, meaning four performance cores, eight efficiency cores, and four low-power efficiency cores. The hybrid CPU configuration is designed to manage background tasks and light workloads while preserving power for the integrated graphics unit.
Nova Lake-S Leaked Specifications
- iGPU Configuration: 12Xe3P
- iGPU PL2 Power Limit: 40 W
- Chip-wide PL2 Power Limit: 154 W
- L2 Cache Size (Nova Lake-S): 20 MB
- CPU Configuration: 4P+8E+4LP-E
The graphics side of the chip uses a 12Xe3P configuration, which Intel is calling the 12Xe block. This iGPU carries 20 MB of L2 cache, which is a notable increase compared to the 16 MB found in the Panther Lake mobile platform's Xe3 12Xe block. The source indicates that this SKU reportedly requires two VCCGT power phases to achieve full graphics performance, highlighting the electrical demands of the iGPU.
Power limits for the Nova Lake-S are clearly defined in the leaked data. The iGPU-specific PL2 short-term boost power limit is set at 40 W, while the chip-wide PL2 limit sits at 154 W. The power specifications indicate that the graphics unit can utilize a significant share of the total power budget during intensive workloads. As with all preliminary leak data, these specifications come from unreleased engineering materials and may not reflect final retail configurations.
We touched on Intel Crescent Island PCB Leak Reveals in our earlier Intel coverage, which shows Intel is actively developing Xe3P-based hardware for various form factors. The Nova Lake-S details provide a clearer picture of how Intel plans to package this graphics architecture for desktop users who need integrated graphics without a discrete card. The combination of a limited core count and a capable integrated GPU positions the processor for the budget and mainstream desktop markets.
Source: NotebookCheck
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