Saturday, June 28th 2025

Some Intel Nova Lake CPUs Rumored to Challenge AMD's 3D V-Cache in Desktop Gaming

Looking to challenge AMD's gaming CPU supremacy, Intel is reportedly developing Nova Lake processors with enhanced cache technology that could rival the popular 3D V-Cache found in X3D chips. According to leaker @Haze2K1, Intel plans to add "bLLC" (big Last Line Cache) to at least two Nova Lake models. This improved L3 cache is similar to AMD's 3D V-Cache, which has made X3D chips the top pick for enthusiast gamers since 2022. The new processors with bLLC will have 8 P-cores and 4 LP-E-Cores. One version will include 20 E-cores, while another will have 12 E-cores. Both are expected to keep a 125 W TDP rating.

Intel's bLLC technology already exists in Clearwater Forest server processors where local cache integrates into the base tile positioned beneath active tiles. This structural approach mirrors AMD's current 9000-series X3D design, where V-Cache attaches to the bottom of CPU dies—a significant improvement over earlier generations that placed cache on top, causing thermal issues and clock speed limitations. Yet, Intel said no to consumer plans for a technology similar to AMD's 3D V-Cache. In November 2024, Intel's Tech Communications Manager Florian Maislinger told YouTubers der8auer and Bens Hardware that they didn't plan such a desktop version. The Nova Lake-S family is set to hit the market in late 2026 or early 2027, with at least six desktop models using new LGA 1954 packaging. The lineup will start from the top-end Core Ultra 9 485K with 52 cores and 150 W TDP and go down to the basic Core Ultra 3 415K offering 12 cores at 125 W TDP.
Sources: TechSpot, @Haze2K1 on X
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140 Comments on Some Intel Nova Lake CPUs Rumored to Challenge AMD's 3D V-Cache in Desktop Gaming

#101
Hecate91
JustBenchingReplace all faulty parts and extended warranty by an extra 2 years for everyone. Yes, terrible handling. They should take lessons from amd with their 3d chips popping like cherries for the last 2 years :D :D
An extra 2 years on parts which could still fail, after months of Intel throwing the blame at their customers and claiming a BIOS update would fix a hardware defect.
I'm not surprised you bring up the X3D issue, which was only a few cpu's in comparison, and was the fault of mobo manufacturers pushing up voltages.
Posted on Reply
#102
JustBenching
Hecate91An extra 2 years on parts which could still fail, after months of Intel throwing the blame at their customers and claiming a BIOS update would fix a hardware defect.
I'm not surprised you bring up the X3D issue, which was only a few cpu's in comparison, and was the fault of mobo manufacturers pushing up voltages.
Yes yes, im telling you, id feel a lot better with my x3d knowing it's a mobo issue and im not getting any extra warranty :D

Even if put your feet to the fire you won't admit the obvious, intel handled it impeccably good.
Posted on Reply
#103
A Computer Guy
JustBenchingThat's like saying you can't compare efficiency of cars by running them at the same speed.
To be more analogous to my reply I'm saying you don't typically compare fuel efficiency of cars by running them at the same horsepower. In the US anyway it's Miles per Gallon. In computing terms a useful CPU efficiency measurement is work done by time. To phrase it differently I'm going to borrow some reddit text that expresses my point better as I understand it. "Efficiency is how much work a CPU can do with a certain amount of power. So a 1000W CPU could be very efficient by comparison if it can do 20x the work of a 100W CPU in the same amount of time."

If you need to run within a certain power budget then a fixed wattage changes the efficiency outcome by that specific scenario. From arguments back and forth on TPU I get the idea that Intel (12/13/14th gen+) is more efficient at lower half of Ryzens' power curve but Ryzen is more efficient toward the upper half of it's power curve. (talking about multi-core)

To bring this point closer to the topic of v-cache, if Intel decides not to bring it's v-cache solution to desktop then AMD will likely keep the crown of efficiency at least among games that benefit from v-cache.
Posted on Reply
#104
RootinTootinPootin
Hecate91But all of the Raptor Lake failures probably turned away quite a few users
"few"

Intel "Did" something back then by offering extended RMA's, and its widely caused by setting every single voltage setting to "Auto", me myself and I never used Auto, my chips are still alive and stomping at 6ghz all day.. (2x13900KS,1x14700K,1x13600K)

I'd never be turned off by such a minor (spun to major) issue which I believe is easy to solve when you learn to read, rather trusting YTube for everything, even food..

AMD on the other hand, denies any warranty for both board and processor when it catches fire..my 9950X3D belly bottom is having a change of color, I dunno why, Asus never helped, nor AMD, and I believe I will be left alone somewhere when it burns..
Posted on Reply
#105
JustBenching
A Computer GuyTo be more analogous to my reply I'm saying you don't typically compare fuel efficiency of cars by running them at the same horsepower. In the US anyway it's Miles per Gallon. In computing terms a useful CPU efficiency measurement is work done by time. To phrase it differently I'm going to borrow some reddit text that expresses my point better as I understand it. "Efficiency is how much work a CPU can do with a certain amount of power. So a 1000W CPU could be very efficient by comparison if it can do 20x the work of a 100W CPU in the same amount of time."

If you need to run within a certain power budget then a fixed wattage changes the efficiency outcome by that specific scenario. From arguments back and forth on TPU I get the idea that Intel (12/13/14th gen+) is more efficient at lower half of Ryzens' power curve but Ryzen is more efficient toward the upper half of it's power curve. (talking about multi-core)
But miles per gallon doesn't say much unless the cars are running at the same speed, right? If car A runs at 200mph and car B at 50mph car B will look more efficient, even thought it might not be.

The same analogy with cpus would either be both running at the same power or both running at the same "speed", and speed would be time to finish the task. For example how much power does a 265k need to get 30k CBR score vs how much power does the 9700x need? Im sure the amd part will consume many times more power than the intel part. The arguments back and forth have convinced you of that because they are comparing intel unlocked parts that draw a gazilion power out of the box. If you limit them to the same power as their amd counterparts, OR test the actual locked parts (non k / T cpus) youll realize that especially in the midrange due to the core count deficiency AMD chips are laughably bad in the efficiency department.
Posted on Reply
#106
A Computer Guy
JustBenchingBut miles per gallon doesn't say much unless the cars are running at the same speed, right? If car A runs at 200mph and car B at 50mph car B will look more efficient, even thought it might not be.
I think you are coming around to being on the same page with me now. Here's where it probably also matters to clearly state what kind of efficiency you are looking for. If time-efficiency is what you want to measure then you need to run each car at it's fastest speed. If fuel-efficiency or not getting a traffic ticket efficiency is what you are after then you probably want to run them at a comparable speed like the speed limit.

CPU's aren't cars and the ramification of locking frequency directly can drastically effect power management so you have to keep in mind to a certain extent you are comparing apples to oranges when frequency is not limited. In my opinion anyway the efficiency metric that seems to matter the most and easiest to compare is being able to get the most work done in a fixed amount of time. When it comes to comparing CPU's it's nice to see comparisons both out of the box and with reasonable power levels to get a more complete picture comparing efficiency knowing that it's not a perfect comparison unlike comparing a K vs. non-K part that are architecturally the same.

When it comes to potential v-cache Intel enabled parts many will be looking at FPS figures as their metric of comparison for games that rely on v-cache.
JustBenchingThe same analogy with cpus would either be both running at the same power or both running at the same "speed", and speed would be time to finish the task. For example how much power does a 265k need to get 30k CBR score vs how much power does the 9700x need? Im sure the amd part will consume many times more power than the intel part.
Speed is speed, time is time, your mixing things up here.
JustBenchingThe arguments back and forth have convinced you of that because they are comparing intel unlocked parts that draw a gazilion power out of the box.
To my understanding Intel advocates say running K parts at non-K power levels is essentially the same thing as a non-K part.
JustBenchingIf you limit them to the same power as their amd counterparts, OR test the actual locked parts (non k / T cpus) youll realize that especially in the midrange due to the core count deficiency AMD chips are laughably bad in the efficiency department.
Did you just contradict yourself? "Just Benching previously said: That's why if you eg compare a 265k to a 265 non k the latter will look a lot more efficient, because it has a lower power limit, but in reality it isn't actually more efficient. If anything it might even be worse due to worse binning." Your non-K comments just entered schrodinger's cat territory I think.
Posted on Reply
#107
JustBenching
A Computer GuyDid you just contradict yourself? "Just Benching previously said: That's why if you eg compare a 265k to a 265 non k the latter will look a lot more efficient, because it has a lower power limit, but in reality it isn't actually more efficient. If anything it might even be worse due to worse binning." Your non-K comments just entered schrodinger's cat territory I think.
How is that a contradiction? Im saying if you don't want to touch the power limits on the k parts then get a non k part and leave it as is out of the box. Nothing contradictory about it.

You grab a 9700x and a 265k, you lock them to the same power or target the same performance (eg 30k score in cbr), the 265k will both be faster and more efficient. I don't see why we are exchanging 30 posts about something so trivial. The 9700x needs 600 watts to score 30k, the 265k need 150.
Posted on Reply
#108
A Computer Guy
JustBenchingHow is that a contradiction? Im saying if you don't want to touch the power limits on the k parts then get a non k part and leave it as is out of the box. Nothing contradictory about it.
Perhaps I misunderstood something.
JustBenchingYou grab a 9700x and a 265k, you lock them to the same power or target the same performance (eg 30k score in cbr), the 265k will both be faster and more efficient.
If you lock the cpus to a specific CB score you probably arn't running each individual cpu at their peak efficiency making a comparison of CPU efficiency pointless.
At best your getting a statistic on how much power will be consumed at a given CB score which might not be a realistic representation of efficiency for either CPU.
JustBenchingI don't see why we are exchanging 30 posts about something so trivial.
It's Sunday.
JustBenchingThe 9700x needs 600 watts to score 30k, the 265k need 150.
I don't think running a 9700x at 600 watts is an option so what you just said is irrelevant and non-sensical.

I missed the fact your comparing a 20 core part to an 8 core part.
What a waste of time per word efficiency!
My v-cache is full and this is where I am going to end.
Posted on Reply
#109
blinnbanir
I can see this thread getting locked again. Intel is in the rear view in DIY already. As teenagers who have been with AMD since 2017 will lead to an increase in AMD market share. People who are ragging on AMD can thank them for 6 and 8 core CPUs. If Intel were in the lead you would still be getting 4 core CPUs in the Consumer market. Then there is the truth. By the time Nova Lake launches AMD will have something to respond. I am amazed at how much faster the 9900X3D is vs the 7900X3D and that was already a fast chip. One thing it proves is Intel have to respond to X3D as it was them that started the narrative in DIY when the 1700X launched with 8 cores all those years ago. The best though I won't need to change my MB.
Posted on Reply
#110
JustBenching
A Computer GuyIf you lock the cpus to a specific CB score you probably arn't running each individual cpu at their peak efficiency making a comparison of CPU efficiency pointless.
At best your getting a statistic on how much power will be consumed at a given CB score which might not be a realistic representation of efficiency for either CPU.
Is there any cb score that the 9700x wins? Let's say at 20k, do you reckon it stands any kind of a chance?
A Computer GuyI missed the fact your comparing a 20 core part to an 8 core part.
Exactly. That's why the intel chips are stupidly more efficient. Cause they are not on a core deficiency diet like their amd counterparts.
Posted on Reply
#111
Tyler-98-W68
Intel had to respond to the 1700x, when their existing 4 core cpus were better in almost eveything due to the superior IPC?
Posted on Reply
#112
blinnbanir
JustBenchingIs there any cb score that the 9700x wins? Let's say at 20k, do you reckon it stands any kind of a chance?


Exactly. That's why the intel chips are stupidly more efficient. Cause they are not on a core deficiency diet like their amd counterparts.
What an out of touch Comment. AMD killed Intel with cores and the Gaming industry is introducing Games to the point where 4 cores have become irrelevant in modern Games. I guess you are not banned for entertainment purposes though.
Tyler-98-W68Intel had to respond to the 1700x, when their existing 4 core cpus were better in almost eveything due to the superior IPC?
IPC had nothing to do with Copying DVDs and more cores meant faster copying. There is a reason the DVD rental industry died. Especially when it came to Games and Anime. 2017 also does not matter in 2025. IPC was gained with the 2700X and the 3000 chips were so good that they slowed down 5000 sales until the 5800X3D was launched and 5900 chips fell in price. There is no doubt that EUV from TSMC vs what Intel was using, as their hubris made them feel they did not need EUV has meant that in 2025, combined with AMD's socket support make them objectively better than Intel to the point where Distributors charge a premium to retailers for those parts and MB makers charge super premiums for MBs to the point where the most expensive AM5 MB is double a decent TRX50 and has 1/4 the bandwidth.
Posted on Reply
#113
JustBenching
Just so we clear, intel had been offering 6 core parts for 390$ since 2013. Just so we are more clear, amd has been offering 6 and 8 core parts for the last 7 years in the <450$ range. Pretending that amd killed intel with core counts is completely delusional, as delusional as getting 150 fps in spiderman maxed out :D

I don't get how teh same people complaining about intel's 4 core 10 years ago are fine with 6 core and 8 core parts from amd when their competition offers 20. Brand fanboyism is the death of reason
Posted on Reply
#114
Tyler-98-W68
IPC doesn't matter, cope harder. So IPC didn't matter during the bulldozer days? Ok let me rephrase that. Fast single core performance doesn't matter?

A game might be slightly multithreaded, but it doesn't want 16 cores of POS slow cores. Tell me who has the fastest single threaded performance right now?

But im sure you will tell me that doesn't matter either right?
Posted on Reply
#115
A Computer Guy
JustBenchingIs there any cb score that the 9700x wins? Let's say at 20k, do you reckon it stands any kind of a chance?
I hate to continue commenting on this but disable the ecores so you are comparing 8c vs 8c then have a go at it if you really want to know how things land.
JustBenchingExactly. That's why the intel chips are stupidly more efficient. Cause they are not on a core deficiency diet like their amd counterparts.
Given both CPU's are modern the 20 cores will get more work done in a given time but also consumes more power than 8. 9700x is more power efficient overall while the 265k gets more done overall (where more cores count) but is less power efficient in doing so (because more cores more power draw). I'll leave the mental exercise to you. If you doubt me then just look at all the benchmark charts doing the comparisons and explain why they are wrong.
Posted on Reply
#116
JustBenching
A Computer GuyI hate to continue commenting on this but disable the ecores so you are comparing 8c vs 8c then have a go at it if you really want to know how things land.
Why would you do that?
A Computer GuyGiven both CPU's are modern the 20 cores will get more work done in a given time but also consumes more power than 8.
They will consume more power if you allow them to consume more power. If you allow them to consume the same power they will sitll get more work done and end up with less overall power usage since they will finish faster. Hence, they are more efficient.

And i followed your advice, looked at the reviews. The 265k at 95w scores 28k in CBR23. Explain to me how the 9700x is more efficient than that

www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/cooling/intel-core-ultra-7-265k-cooling-testing-how-much-does-it-take-to-keep-arrow-lake-cool-in-msis-mpg-velox-100r-pc-case/2
Posted on Reply
#117
Tyler-98-W68
Now we are talking about disabling e-cores to make it fair? Can we disable 3dcache too?
Posted on Reply
#118
Panther_Seraphin
A Computer GuyIt would be interesting if Intel reentered HEDT with their version of 3D v-cache. Threadripper needs some competition to balance pricing. And this makes me question where the heck is X3D for Threadripper?
I doubt it will come as it will eat into EPYC sales unfortunately for us consumers.
Posted on Reply
#119
A Computer Guy
JustBenchingWhy would you do that?
You know why.
JustBenchingThey will consume more power if you allow them to consume more power. If you allow them to consume the same power they will sitll get more work done and end up with less overall power usage since they will finish faster. Hence, they are more efficient.
Then prove it and post back here (in different thread called "Ha Ha, I told you so...")
Posted on Reply
#121
Panther_Seraphin
JustBenchingJust so we clear, intel had been offering 6 core parts for 390$ since 2013. Just so we are more clear, amd has been offering 6 and 8 core parts for the last 7 years in the <450$ range. Pretending that amd killed intel with core counts is completely delusional, as delusional as getting 150 fps in spiderman maxed out :D

I don't get how teh same people complaining about intel's 4 core 10 years ago are fine with 6 core and 8 core parts from amd when their competition offers 20. Brand fanboyism is the death of reason
AMD was offering 6 core processors for <$300 back in 2010.


AMD killed Intel with a processor with limited compromises. It could keep up/beat HEDT offerings in productivity without the HEDT Tax while being within single digit percentages of the desktop class processors in gaming without requiring a nuclear power stations cooling or output to keep up.
Posted on Reply
#122
Hecate91
Tyler-98-W68Intel had to respond to the 1700x, when their existing 4 core cpus were better in almost eveything due to the superior IPC?
Intel responded with a 6 core right after AMD launched Ryzen, after years of stagnating the market with 4 cores. And no Intel HEDT doesn't count as pricing was out of reach for the average person building a gaming pc.
Tyler-98-W68IPC doesn't matter, cope harder. So IPC didn't matter during the bulldozer days? Ok let me rephrase that. Fast single core performance doesn't matter?

A game might be slightly multithreaded, but it doesn't want 16 cores of POS slow cores. Tell me who has the fastest single threaded performance right now?

But im sure you will tell me that doesn't matter either right?
IPC doesn't matter as much as multicore and performance per watt does. Arrow lake has less IPC and is less efficient than Raptor lake. But it's interesting how the Intel fans claimed multithread didn't matter because it made their 4 cores look bad, now thanks to AMD making 8 cores mainstream, multithread performance is important.
Posted on Reply
#123
JustBenching
Panther_SeraphinAMD was offering 6 core processors for <$300 back in 2010.


AMD killed Intel with a processor with limited compromises. It could keep up/beat HEDT offerings in productivity without the HEDT Tax while being within single digit percentages of the desktop class processors in gaming without requiring a nuclear power stations cooling or output to keep up.
Delusional take. Until 2022 with thr first x3d chips amd was behind not just in gaming performance but also in gaming power draw. Amd fans....
Posted on Reply
#124
Hecate91
blinnbanirI can see this thread getting locked again. Intel is in the rear view in DIY already. As teenagers who have been with AMD since 2017 will lead to an increase in AMD market share. People who are ragging on AMD can thank them for 6 and 8 core CPUs. If Intel were in the lead you would still be getting 4 core CPUs in the Consumer market. Then there is the truth. By the time Nova Lake launches AMD will have something to respond. I am amazed at how much faster the 9900X3D is vs the 7900X3D and that was already a fast chip. One thing it proves is Intel have to respond to X3D as it was them that started the narrative in DIY when the 1700X launched with 8 cores all those years ago. The best though I won't need to change my MB.
Intel being in the rear view is well deserved for them after years of stagnation and market manipulation through oem's. It isn't surprising the Intel fans still want to bash on X3D even though it has been very successful, so successful Intel wants to copy the tech.
If Intel were in the lead we would probably have 6 cores at most and they'd still be on 10nm, with ridiculous segmentation on high end desktop.
By the time Intel responds with Nova lake, it will require a new motherboard, while anyone with a b650 or x670 motherboard can have a drop in upgrade from Zen 4.
Posted on Reply
#125
A Computer Guy
JustBenchingSure, here you go. 28k at 95w, the 9700x barely scores 22

www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/cooling/intel-core-ultra-7-265k-cooling-testing-how-much-does-it-take-to-keep-arrow-lake-cool-in-msis-mpg-velox-100r-pc-case/2
What you posted shows about a 22% reduction in performance for the 265k at 95w per the article that was about cooling using CB23 as a metric and not discussing 9700x at all.

For the sake of argument if I apply that % to TPU's scores CB2024 and make some assumptions then for 265k that is about 1630pts (from 2090pts) compared to 9700x's 1208pts.

If I apply TPU's points per watt efficiency formula I get
1630pts/95w = 17.2 points per watt
1208pts/80w = 15.1 points per watt (TPU said 15.7)

Before you celebrate your victory let me state my errata
- My assumption in CB scaling between CB23 and CB2024 may be completely wrong.
- How CB stresses the chips power draw between CB23 and CB2024 may be different.
- Comparing power measurements between TOM's and TPU's reviews may not be compatible.
- TPU ppw I calculated suggests CB2024 pulled 76w-77w not 80w which I got from a different part of the review.
- 3pt spread might be within a margin of error.
- Maybe a messed up a calculation.

Final Thoughts
If you want to run a 256k daily at 22% reduced performance you might as well get a 9700x and enjoy one last socket upgrade when AM5 goes EOL.
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