Tag: Intel Nova Lake

  • AMD Zen 6 IPC Leak: Exciting 3D V-Cache Boosts Performance

    AMD Zen 6 IPC Leak: Exciting 3D V-Cache Boosts Performance

    Key Takeaways

    1. Upcoming CPU Releases: AMD Zen 6 and Intel Nova Lake are set to be the leading desktop CPU designs, expected around 2026.

    2. Performance Improvements: Intel’s Nova Lake may achieve a 10% boost in single-core performance and up to 60% in multi-core performance compared to Arrow Lake-S CPUs, while Zen 6 is expected to have a 7 to 9% uplift in Floating Point IPC.

    3. Enhanced Cache Features: Zen 6 is rumored to support increased 3D V-Cache, potentially reaching 96 MB or more, with configurations that could allow up to 240 MB of L3 cache.

    4. Gaming Focus: Zen 6 is particularly aimed at gamers, with features like boost clocks exceeding 6 GHz and improved 3D V-Cache for better gaming performance.

    5. Current Options: AMD’s existing Zen 5 processors, like the Ryzen 5 9600X, are available at good prices for those who need upgrades before Zen 6 is released.

    AMD Zen 6 and Intel Nova Lake are likely going to be the leading new desktop CPU designs set to release around 2026. Intel’s Nova Lake is said to feature as much as 56 cores, new P/E cores, a low-power core island, and additional enhancements. On the other hand, AMD is gearing up for Zen 6, which promises significant upgrades, such as possibly astonishing boost clocks, increased core counts, and a state-of-the-art TSMC fabrication process.

    Performance Expectations

    Leaked information suggests that Intel’s Nova Lake might deliver a 10% boost in single-core performance and as much as 60% improvement in multi-core performance compared to Arrow Lake-S CPUs. Unfortunately, we don’t have similar details for Zen 6 yet, as leaks on its performance have been limited.

    Early IPC Insights

    Moore’s Law Is Dead has filled this void by disclosing initial IPC (Instructions Per Cycle) figures for Zen 6. According to a source within AMD, retail Zen 6 CPUs are expected to provide a 7 to 9% uplift in Floating Point (FP) IPC compared to Zen 5.

    However, the source warned MLID that this number is “NOT the final claimed IPC that will consider gaming and other PPC uplift”. Therefore, the leaker suggests that the ultimate IPC enhancement, which includes gains from gaming and other tasks, might reach or surpass 10%.

    Cache and Gaming Focus

    We have previously noted that Zen 6 could support more than just 12-core CCDs; it is also expected to feature increased 3D V-Cache. An AMD source for MLID has confirmed that Zen 6 will include 96 MB of 3D V-Cache. The source also indicated that Zen 6 CPUs could utilize multiple layers of 3D V-Cache, allowing for configurations like 240 MB of L3 cache if AMD opts for two layers of 3D V-Cache.

    Zen 6 is said to be particularly aimed at gaming. Features like boost clocks exceeding 6 GHz and enhanced 3D V-Cache align well with AMD’s supposed strategy. Consequently, those looking to upgrade next year can anticipate notable improvements in gaming performance from generation to generation.

    Current Options

    If the wait is too long, many of AMD’s current-generation Zen 5 processors are available at attractive prices. For example, the 6-core Ryzen 5 9600X, which has shown impressive performance in our evaluations, is currently a great deal on Amazon.

    In conclusion, please keep in consideration that the information shared by MLID remains unverified until AMD officially announces Zen 6. Since Zen 6 is at least a year away, it’s unlikely that AMD will provide any definitive information in the near future.

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    AMD Zen 6 IPC Leak: Exciting 3D V-Cache Boosts Performance
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  • Intel to Introduce Higher Cache SKUs in Nova Lake Lineup

    Intel to Introduce Higher Cache SKUs in Nova Lake Lineup

    Key Takeaways

    1. Intel’s new Nova Lake Core Ultra 400 series processors will have many cores but will not support hyperthreading.
    2. At least two models in the Nova Lake series are expected to feature larger cache memory, similar to AMD’s X3D lineup.
    3. The processors may include configurations with eight P-cores and either 16 or 12 E-cores, along with four LP-E cores.
    4. Both processors are likely to have a thermal design power (TDP) of 125W, which may place them in the Core Ultra 5 range.
    5. Intel is rumored to be working on introducing 3D stacked cache technology to its mainstream consumer products, although these details remain unconfirmed.

    Intel is developing its new Nova Lake Core Ultra 400 series processors, which are anticipated to feature a high number of cores but will not include hyperthreading. Recently, Intel has been missing high cache options like AMD’s X3D lineup, but this may change soon. A recent leak suggests that at least two models in the Nova Lake series will offer larger cache memory.

    Details from the Leak

    The information was shared by Haze on X on June 16, indicating that the Nova Lake series includes two specific models equipped with bLLC, or ‘big Last Line Cache.’ This means there will be at least two types in the lineup that offer more cache memory, comparable to AMD’s X3D CPUs. One of these processors is reported to have an eight P-core and 16 E-core setup, while the other is predicted to come with an eight P-core and 12 E-core arrangement.

    Processor Specifications

    Both processors are expected to include four LP-E cores and a thermal design power (TDP) of 125W. Currently, the exact amount of bLLC or L3 cache in these CPUs remains uncertain. However, given the 125W TDP, they might belong to the Core Ultra 5 range. Recent leaks indicate that the Nova Lake series will incorporate the following models and core counts:

    AMD began shipping its X3D chips with the Ryzen 5000 series, which quickly became popular among gamers. The Ryzen 7 7800X3D established itself as one of the top gaming CPUs available. With its rumored bLLC processors, Intel appears to be working towards introducing 3D stacked cache to mainstream consumer products. Nevertheless, it’s important to highlight that these are merely rumors since Intel has not released any official announcements yet.

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  • Intel Nova Lake CPU to be Made on TSMC’s 2nm Process

    Intel Nova Lake CPU to be Made on TSMC’s 2nm Process

    Key Takeaways

    1. Intel’s 18A node has high expectations but is currently producing Panther Lake and Clearwater Forest chips.
    2. Intel has secured fabrication space at TSMC’s upcoming 2 nm node for Nova Lake desktop CPUs.
    3. The collaboration with TSMC raises concerns about Intel’s 18A-P node reliability or capacity limitations.
    4. Nova Lake will compete with AMD’s Zen 6, Apple’s M6, and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite 2.
    5. Detailed specifications for Nova Lake are limited, but leaks suggest a high-spec SKU could feature up to 54 CPU cores.

    As Intel Foundry’s initial external node, 18A has significant expectations attached to it. Currently, it’s producing Panther Lake and Clearwater Forest chips, but a recent article from Taiwanese source Economic Daily suggests that Intel’s future desktop architecture may still need to depend on its main rival.

    Collaboration with TSMC

    It appears that Intel has secured some fabrication space at TSMC’s advanced 2 nm node, which is expected to start mass production later this year. This space will be utilized for creating CPU tiles for the Intel Nova Lake desktop CPUs set to debut next year. This development isn’t unexpected, as previous reports hinted at potential clients for TSMC’s 2 nm technology.

    Speculation and Doubts

    Neither Intel nor TSMC have made any public statements regarding this matter, which is understandable. However, Intel’s choice to collaborate with TSMC for CPU tiles raises concerns about the reliability of its own 18A-P node. Alternatively, this could simply be a matter of capacity limitations. Regardless, it places Nova Lake in the same arena as AMD’s Zen 6, Apple’s M6, and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite 2.

    Limited Information on Nova Lake

    Since Nova Lake is still far from release, detailed information about its specifications is scarce. A previous leak from a reputable source indicated that its highest-spec SKU could feature up to 54 CPU cores, including 16 P-cores, 32 E-cores, and 4 LPE-cores. Moreover, it is expected to incorporate Coyote Cove P-cores along with Arctic Wolf E/LPE-cores.

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