GoKawiilIntel reportedly drops 12 Xe3P GPU option from Nova Lake-S, pushes it to Razor Lake
Leaker Jaykihn reports that Intel has cancelled a Nova Lake-S desktop chip variant pairing 4 P-cores, 8 E-cores, 4 LPE-cores with a 12 Xe3P integrated GPU. Instead, that high-graphics APU configuration is said to be delayed and reintroduced with Razor Lake, the architecture succeeding Nova Lake.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
A 12 Xe3P core iGPU would have needed roughly 65-80W of dedicated power, an unusually large thermal and power budget for an integrated graphics block on a desktop chip, which likely made it hard to fit into Intel's broader Nova Lake lineup topping out near 175W TDP. Delaying this design suggests Intel is still refining how to balance a discrete-GPU-rivaling iGPU against its desktop power and product stack constraints, especially as it also eyes competing with AMD's Halo-series APUs.
- Intel reportedly cancels a 12 Xe3P Nova Lake-S SKU aimed at GPU-less gaming desktops.
- The design is expected to resurface with Razor Lake, the generation after Nova Lake.
- Xe3P architecture, also used in Intel's Crescent Island accelerator, demands high power (65-80W), complicating its integration into desktop chips.
MSI Claw 8 AI+ Handheld — Since the article references the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ as a real-world example of Intel's Arc B390 (12 Xe3-core) graphics in action, it's a great way to see this integrated GPU technology in a purchasable device today. It's a solid pick for anyone curious about Intel's iGPU gaming performance mentioned in the piece while waiting for Nova Lake or Razor Lake desktop chips to arrive.
See MSI Claw 8 AI+ Handheld on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: tomshardware.com — Jake Roach, 2026-09-15
Published there as: “Intel reportedly cans 12Xe option for Nova Lake-S desktop — gaming APU design said to resurface with Razor Lake”
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