Intel is reportedly expanding its next-generation desktop processor lineup with two new 22-core chips built for gamers on a budget.
According to Tom's Hardware, the company is preparing two additional 22-core SKUs for its Nova Lake-S family. Both are said to carry up to 144MB of what's called bLLC — a large pool of on-chip cache that keeps frequently used data close to the processor, which can meaningfully boost gaming performance.
Tom's Hardware reports that the two parts split along power and flexibility lines. One is a locked 65W variant, meaning it sips less power and can't be manually overclocked. The other is an unlocked 125W part aimed at enthusiasts who want to push clock speeds higher. Both are rumored to sit within Intel's Core Ultra 5 tier — the company's mid-range branding — and to use a single-tile design.
It's worth stressing that these details are unconfirmed. Tom's Hardware frames the information as a rumor, using words like "reportedly" and "apparently," so specifics such as core counts, cache size, and power figures could shift before any official launch. Intel has not publicly confirmed the chips.
Why it matters: if accurate, the report suggests Intel wants to bring the kind of cache-heavy design that has proven popular for gaming into its more affordable mid-range tier, giving mainstream buyers a stronger gaming option without stepping up to premium parts.