Intel is preparing to launch its upcoming "Nova Lake" processors in multiple versions, and the latest leaks highlight a particularly interesting Xeon E lineup. According to well-known leaker Jaykihn, Intel will release its Xeon E-series based on "Nova Lake" silicon in two versions: big P-Core only or efficiency E-Core only SKUs.
The P-Core only lineup reportedly includes five configurations with 4, 6, 8, 12, and 16 P-Cores. The E-Core lineup is slightly smaller, featuring four SKUs with 4, 8, 16, and 32 E-Cores. At the top of the range, buyers can choose between a 16 P-Core design or a 32 E-Core configuration. There will be no hybrid SKUs mixing P-Cores and E-Cores, as those are reserved for the regular "Nova Lake-S" desktop processors.
The new Xeon E designs will be powered by the W980 chipset platform. Motherboards with W980 will support native DDR5 memory with ECC, up to 48 PCIe lanes, including 12 PCIe 5.0 lanes from the chipset alongside 12 PCIe 4.0 lanes, and Intel vPro technology. The DMI bus bandwidth is set to 128 Gbps per direction thanks to DMI 5.0 x4. The CPU also offers two 40 Gbps USB4 or Thunderbolt 4 ports, and its PCIe 5.0 x16 slot can be split into x8/x8 or other combinations using lane switches.
Intel has not confirmed pricing, launch dates, or any other details about the Xeon E update. Since the regular "Nova Lake-S" designs are expected in the first quarter of 2027, these workstation configurations will likely follow after partners finish their motherboard designs and system integrators prepare their systems.
Source: TechPowerUp News · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing