Intel's next generation of desktop CPUs will have 'huge' core counts

Intel's third-generation Core Ultra desktop processors are on the way. If the latest batch of leaks are to be believed, we'll see some significant upgrades in the Core Ultra 300 Series. A tech blogger with the handle @g01d3nm4ng0 on X recently posted a list of Intel's upcoming desktop CPUs, which includes seven SKUs ranging from the low-end Core Ultra 3 model to the flagship Core Ultra 9 with an impressive core count.

According to the leak, the top-end model will have 52 cores but will not support hyperthreading. However, these cores will not be the "classic" cores found on HEDT chips (e.g. AMD Threadripper). Instead, the 52 cores will be divided into three types: high-performance, efficiency, and low-power. The upcoming Core Ultra 9 is said to have 16 P cores, 32 E cores, and 4 LP cores. The cheapest Core Ultra 3 model will have 4 cores of each type, for a total of 12 cores.

LP cores are new to Intel's next-generation desktop CPUs. The current Core Ultra 200 series uses the same hybrid architecture as the 12th-generation Alder Lake family: P cores for heavy workloads and E cores for light workloads (up to 24 cores). Now, Intel wants to further improve the chip's energy efficiency by adding a new set of LP cores, which were first seen in the first-generation Core Ultra mobile chips (Meteor Lake).

Another tech blogger with the nickname @jaykihn0 added that Intel Nova Lake-S will support 8000 MT/s memory speeds by default , along with 32 PCIe Gen 5 lanes and 16 PCIe Gen 4 lanes , for a total of 48 lanes in a CPU + chipset configuration.

This new batch of leaks lines up with previous reports about the upcoming Intel Nova Lake-S processors. However, Intel fans should probably prepare for another platform upgrade, as the Nova Lake-S generation is rumored to require a brand new LGA1954 socket .

Lesley Montoya

Update 29 June 2025