Intel has confirmed the next-generation core architecture in the newly released 59th Edition of the ISA Extended Reference, clarifying the design direction for the upcoming Nova Lake client processors and Diamond Rapids server processors. With these processors scheduled to debut in the second half of 2026, the disclosure of technical details sets the stage for future product competition.

For the first time in the client lineup, Nova Lake will introduce the new Coyote Cove P-Core and Arctic Wolf E-Core architectures, replacing the current Cougar Cove and Darkmont, respectively. The P-Core is expected to deliver significant improvements in single-threaded performance and IPC, while the E-Core continues to enhance power efficiency and multi-thread parallelism. The Nova Lake-S desktop CPUs are currently planned to be available in configurations with up to 52 cores, while the HX series for high-performance mobile platforms will feature up to 28 cores. Alongside these processors, the GPU subsystem will be updated. Nova Lake will introduce integrated graphics based on the Xe3 architecture to meet the growing demand for graphics and AI workloads. On the platform side, Nova Lake-S will transition to the new LGA 1954 socket, indicating simultaneous upgrades to memory and I/O systems.

In the server space, Diamond Rapids is strategically more significant than the client updates. This generation utilizes the Panther Cove P-Core architecture, a slightly evolved version of Cougar Cove, scaling up to 256 cores on a single chip. Notably, Diamond Rapids does not support SMT, a limitation affecting its multi-threaded throughput. However, Intel plans to restore SMT in the subsequent Coral Rapids to address this design direction deviation. Diamond Rapids is poised to compete directly with AMD's Zen 6-based EPYC processors and is expected to offer a robust matchup in terms of core count and parallelism.

It is worth mentioning that the Panther Cove architecture might also lead to a high-performance version, Panther Cove-X, targeted at the workstation market, although details remain limited. Meanwhile, Intel plans to launch an entry-level chip for Wildcat Lake, which will feature a combination of Cougar Cove P-Core and Darkmont E-Core, set to replace the current Twin Lake platform in low-cost, low-power application scenarios.

In terms of architectural evolution, Intel is synchronizing upgrades for both P-Core and E-Core across multiple product lines. On the client side, the fusion of Coyote Cove and Arctic Wolf will drive a comprehensive upgrade in Nova Lake regarding IPC, power control, and integrated GPU performance. On the server side, Diamond Rapids, supported by Panther Cove, will continue to expand in core size, paving the way for the next-generation Coral Rapids. These strategic moves demonstrate Intel's efforts to regain its competitive edge in the critical client and data center markets.

In 2026, AMD plans to release Ryzen and EPYC products based on the Zen 6 architecture, with Nova Lake set to challenge Zen 6 Ryzen in the desktop and mobile markets, and Diamond Rapids facing off against Zen 6 EPYC in the server and HPC segments. The architectural decisions, core sizes, power efficiency ratios, and platform ecosystems of both companies will shape the direction of this competitive showdown. As Nova Lake and Diamond Rapids make their debut, the CPU market is expected to enter another cycle of intense competition.