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[QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 34834, member: 636"]
Intel seems ready for a major desktop update with its upcoming Nova Lake-S processors. Shipping documents show they're sending test hardware like mechanical interposers and re-balling jigs for an 888-ball BGA chip. These tools help check voltage regulation during assembly for what might be the future 900-series PCH. Desktop users currently use the LGA-1700 socket, but Nova Lake-S will likely switch to LGA 1954 with 1,954 active lands. This change could improve power delivery and input/output capabilities.

Anyone excited about Nova Lake-S needs patience. Intel plans to release Arrow Lake Refresh later this year, with Nova Lake-S coming in 2026. The new processor might feature two clusters of eight high-performance Coyote Cove P-cores alongside 16 Arctic Wolf E-cores, with four extra low-power LPE cores on a separate SoC tile. This creates a possible 52-core hybrid chip, though engineers are still deciding the final mix.

The updated south-bridge package measures about 25 × 24 mm, smaller than the current 800-series chipsets. Test labs worldwide are using different fixture sizes ranging from 38 × 28 × 6.97 mm to 50 × 50 × 6.32 mm. The move to LGA-1954 suggests a more future-proof socket, though Intel typically changes platforms every two generations. Experts continue monitoring for more details before the 2026 launch.
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