![\"A](\"https:\/\/cdn.wccftech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Golden-Pig-Upgrade-Nova-Lake-S-296W-PL1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nThis makes it potentially one of the most power-hungry mainstream desktop CPUs Intel has produced. The leaked configuration has been confirmed by previous reports, which state that the configuration will include 8 Cove P-Cores, 16 Arctic Wolf E-Cores, and 4 LP-E cores, which will result in a total of 28 CPU cores. We know from previous reports that this is going to be used for a single-compute-tile Nova Lake-S processor, which can be paired with Intel’s new bLLC, or Big Last-Level Cache. <\/p>\n
However, what makes it an interesting CPU is its 296W PL1 figure, as we have previously seen that the leaked specifications have placed this 28-core bLLC model at a 125W TDP<\/a>, while the higher-end enthusiast models are expected to reach 175W. A 296W PL1 represents a substantial increase over the nominal thermal design rating, although PL1 and TDP are not interchangeable specifications. The original post states the 296W TDP as PL1 = PL2, so it is essentially referring to the higher limit rather than what to expect at base frequencies.<\/p>\n Currently, the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K features a PL2 rating of 250W, so you are looking at an 18.4% increase in PL2. You should also take into account the four extra cores and the added cache.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t This 8+16+4 core CPU will supposedly carry 144 MB of bLLC alongside the cache provided by the CPU cores. The Intel bLLC technology is designed to compete with AMD’s 3D V-Cache technology, and from previous leaks, we know of as many as four major bLLC configurations<\/a> with up to 52 cores and 288 MB of cache, according to reports from early 2026.<\/p>\n Intel Nova Lake-S Desktop CPU Die Configurations:<\/p>\n \tDie ConfigVariantCore ConfigLPE CoresCacheCPU PCIe LanesGPU Cores<\/p>\n \t8CSingle Compute Tile4P+0E4LPEStandard24 Gen52 Xe3<\/p>\n \t16CSingle Compute Tile4P+8E4LPEStandard24 Gen52 Xe3<\/p>\n \t28CSingle Compute Tile8P+16E4LPEStandard24 Gen52 Xe3<\/p>\n \t28CSingle Compute Tile8P+16E4LPEbLLC “Big LLC”24 Gen52 Xe3<\/p>\n \t52CDual Compute Tile2x 8P+16E4LPEbLLC “Big LLC”24 Gen52 Xe3<\/p>\n Keep in mind that some Nova Lake S chips can reach as high as 474W<\/a> when it comes to PL2, but those are much larger dual-tile processors, and with such a high PL1 limit for a single-tile CPU, cooling can be a challenge. That said, Intel appears to be willing to trade substantially higher power consumption for performance. With such a configuration, the 28-core bLLC-equipped Nova Lake-S CPU could become one of the most powerful enthusiast-grade processors for gaming and productivity.<\/p>\n News Source: Weibo<\/a><\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\tAbout the author<\/a>: Sarfraz Khan is a hardware<\/a> reporter with a focus on PC components and the builder community. With years of experience writing about PC hardware and laptops, his work has been featured on several reputable technology publications.
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\nSarfraz’s hands-on experience is demonstrated through his first-person accounts of using and comparing different hardware configurations, providing practical and relatable insights for everyday users. His technical analysis is respected by peers in the enthusiast community and has been cited by specialized hardware sites such as Germany’s Igor’s Lab.\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n