Intel prepares a Nova Lake processor with integrated graphics capable of competing with AMD’s
Intel could be preparing a new desktop processor with powerful integrated graphics based on the architecture Nova Lakeaccording to a recent leak. This supposed chip would have 12 Xe3P coreswhich would represent a significant leap in integrated graphics performance within the company’s catalog. Although it is a rumor, the information points to a gaming-oriented processor without the need for a dedicated graphics card.
The leak comes from the well-known insider Jaykihn, where a preliminary model identified as “4+8+4+12 Xe3P desktop SKU”. This design would correspond to a desktop SoC with an unusual approach, integrating a 12-core Xe3P GPU in a single package to offer a balance between performance and efficiency.
A desktop SoC with hybrid architecture and Xe3P graphics
According to the leaked data, this processor would be made up of 4 Coyote Cove cores, 8 Arctic Wolf cores, 4 low power cores and an integrated graph of 12 Xe3P cores. Additionally, it would require two VCCGT phases for the GPU, suggesting considerably more powerful graphics than Intel’s current integrated solutions.
If confirmed, this chip would represent a strategic change for the company, which has traditionally reserved the most advanced iGPUs for its portable processors. This move would allow for superior graphics performance in compact desktops and configurations without a dedicated GPU, suggesting more powerful and compact MiniPCs for gaming.
An alternative to AMD APUs for gaming without dedicated graphics
A Nova Lake processor with graphics Xe3P could come close to the concept of the series APUs AMD G-finished Ryzenknown for their powerful integrated graphics performance. These types of solutions are especially attractive for small systems, economical configurations or equipment intended for light gaming.
However, the leak should be taken with caution. The leaker himself in his post has added that it is a preliminary model and no details about frequencies, memory or performance figures have been revealed, so it is still early to evaluate its real impact on the market.
Panther Lake previews the potential of Intel’s next generation of graphics
The idea of a powerful iGPU on the desktop is not far-fetched if you take into account recent advances from Intel. The first independent tests of Panther Lake have shown significant improvements in graphical performance, with results that surpass the Radeon 890M and, in some cases, they approach the GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop low consumption.
Furthermore, it is expected that Nova Lake adopt graphical architectures Xe3 and Xe3Pruling out the use of Xe4 in this generation. This approach would consolidate the evolution of Intel’s integrated graphics solutions in the coming years, along with the great progress it has made in this section for its portable processors, and now it seems to be for desktops as well.
A rumor that fits into Intel’s future strategy
This new processor would also fit within Intel’s strategy to strengthen its integrated graphics catalog. Previous information pointed to an ambitious project called Nova Lake-AXwhich would have finally been cancelled. Instead, future leaks suggest that the company would be working on Razer Lake-AX for that category.
If this Nova Lake model is confirmed, Intel could offer a desktop processor with sufficient graphics capabilities for light gaming without the need for a dedicated GPU, aimed at compact systems and low-cost configurations. At the moment, it is a rumor, but it gives a glimpse of the future of the Intel Core Ultra 400 for desktop.
