Intel's upcoming "Nova Lake-S" series of desktop processors is set to bring some exciting changes. As previous rumors suggested, the company is incorporating the AVX-512 and APX instruction sets into this new processor lineup. Late last year, Intel published its 60th Architecture Instruction Set Extensions and Future Features manual, indicating that ultra-fast vector processing with 512-bit width is returning to desktops after years of absence from this sector. Thanks to @InstLatX64 on X, we have learned that the company is testing two SKUs—a 24-core model running at 3.4 GHz and a 28-core model running at 3.2 GHz—both featuring AVX-512 and APX instruction support. This further supports the claim that Intel's desktop processors are returning to their full potential.

Powered by "Coyote Cove" P-Cores and "Arctic Wolf" E-Cores, both models will support AVX-512 and APX, aligning software optimization and support with the HEDT and Xeon server segments that already use these vector and advanced accelerators. Initially, Intel chose to disable AVX-512 for the "Alder Lake" and "Raptor Lake" client-oriented CPU lineups, meaning only server-grade Xeon CPUs benefited from the accelerated 512-bit data paths. This decision was due to differences in P-Core and E-Core designs, which complicated software optimization on the consumer side. However, with "Nova Lake," these features are finally making a comeback.

The Core Ultra 400 "Nova Lake-S" desktop processors will undergo a basic branding overhaul. Intel is reportedly planning different launch dates for various SKUs. The company is preparing SKUs with either one or two compute dies, featuring up to 8 "Coyote Cove" P-Cores, 16 "Arctic Wolf" E-Cores, and 4 LPE-Cores as part of the I/O die. It seems the single compute die version will arrive first, followed by the dual compute die variants. The 28-core "Nova Lake-S" DS version, a new SKU segment, is expected to launch in Q1 of 2027. For the regular overclocking-focused "K" SKUs, Intel reportedly plans an early Q2 launch between March and April, while 52-core flagship SKU will appear in late May.