Intel Nova Lake-AX Specs Exposed: Up to 24 Xe3 GPU Cores

According to reports, Intel is gearing up to introduce its first true "Halo-class" mobile processor, codenamed Nova Lake-AX, slated for release in 2027. Designed for premium laptops and mobile devices, Nova Lake-AX will integrate powerful CPU and GPU cores onto a unified platform, marking a significant step forward in mobile computing architecture.

The "AX" designation emphasizes the processor's advanced integrated GPU capabilities, coupled with formidable compute performance. Nova Lake-AX builds on lessons from the now-canceled Arrow Lake-Halo project. Although Arrow Lake-Halo was shelved during development, its engineering advancements have been carried forward, optimizing the Nova Lake architecture for next-generation applications.

Intel's roadmap indicates that Nova Lake will succeed the Arrow Lake series in the mobile computing space. Despite previous project cancellations, Intel remains committed to developing Halo-grade mobile processors, reaffirmed by recent industry insights.

Technically, Nova Lake-AX shares its CPU architecture with Nova Lake-HX, utilizing Intel's second-generation Foveros packaging technology. This enables a stacked configuration of two compute modules supporting up to 16 Performance cores (P-cores), 32 Efficiency cores (E-cores), and 4 Low-Power Efficiency cores (LPE-cores). The GPU side is equally robust, featuring 20 to 24 Xe3 cores. A dedicated cache module exceeding 100MB of L3 cache will also be included, drawing parallels to AMD's 3D V-Cache technology to enhance both computation and graphics performance.

This all-in-one architecture allows Nova Lake-AX to deliver exceptional experiences in 3D rendering, AI acceleration, and high-resolution gaming, areas traditionally reliant on discrete GPUs. By optimizing power efficiency alongside performance, Nova Lake-AX is poised to redefine what's expected from ultraportable laptops, enabling a new class of devices that balance thin-and-light design with workstation-level capabilities.

Intel plans to unveil Nova Lake-AX in 2027, positioning it to compete directly with AMD's upcoming Medusa Halo, which will leverage the Zen 6 architecture. The launch aligns with Intel’s biennial cadence for major platform updates, a strategy crucial to maintaining competitiveness as AMD continues gaining market share.

Industry expectations suggest that major PC brands like Lenovo, Dell, and HP will likely incorporate Nova Lake-AX into their flagship devices. These systems are expected to emerge as ultraportable workstations and gaming laptops, paving the way for a new generation of compact yet powerful mobile computing solutions.