Intel Nova Lake-S iGPU leaks with Xe3 "Celestial" and Xe4 "Druid" architectures
The Intel Nova Lake-S desktop CPU architecture is the next big thing from Intel for the client desktop segment of the market. Leaks have suggested that the Nova Lake-S CPUs could have as many as 52 total cores. Moreover, when the CPUs land next year, possibly in H2 2026, it is reported that the Nova Lake-S chips will feature a unique iGPU setup with both Xe3 and Xe4 architectural components.
According to Jaykihn on X, the Nova Lake-S desktop CPUs will utilize both the Xe3 and Xe4 GPU architectures for their iGPUs. The main GPU tile will be Xe3, while the Xe4 architecture will be used for display and media encoding/decoding.
In simpler terms, the Xe3 “Celestial” architecture is the one responsible for providing graphics horsepower, while some Xe4 is utilized for other things.
Adding to this, leaker Bionic_Squash claims that “the media is very nice, professional codec support”. The leaker also suggests that Xe3 used for the Nova Lake-S iGPU isn’t “vanilla” and has “several changes”. The “vanilla” Xe3 might be reserved for the Arc Celestial desktop GPUs and possibly the high-end Panther Lake laptop parts.
Nova Lake-S specifications
Based on the leaks so far, Intel Nova Lake-S is segmented into four SKUs:
- A 52-core flagship with 16 Coyote Cove P-cores, 32 Arctic Wolf E-cores, and 4 LP E-cores
- A 28-core high-end laptop SKU with 8 P-cores, 16 E-cores, and 4 LP E-cores
- A 16-core mid-range desktop and laptop SKU with 4 P-cores, 8 E-cores, and 4 LP E-cores
- An 8-core entry-level version with only 4 P-cores and, possibly, 4 LP E-cores.
We don’t know if all these variants will feature the Xe3+Xe4 iGPU or have different combinations. Since we are talking about tile-based CPUs here, it is really simple for Intel to change the configs with different architectures. So, nothing can be said for certain regarding the final graphics solution.
Finally, there are reports around the use of Intel 18A and TSMC 2 nm process for Nova Lake-S.
With the Panther Lake laptop CPUs expected for H2 2025, followed by Arrow Lake Refresh for desktops, and, finally, Nova Lake in 2026, Intel has a pretty exciting CPU roadmap. The company just needs to deliver solid products to get back on track.
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