Intel Finally Unveils a Countermeasure Against 3D Cache: 288MB bLLC Large Flat-Layer Cache Overwhelmingly Beats AMD
Thanks to the advantages of 3D V-Cache, AMD's desktop CPUs have consistently outperformed Intel in gaming performance in recent years. However, Intel will inevitably not remain behind for long and has finally unveiled its ultimate weapon against X3D – bLLC (Big Last-Level Cache, Large Last-Level Cache).
As an enhanced cache technology developed by Intel for its next-generation Nova Lake-S (Core Ultra 400 Series) desktop processors, bLLC can be said to be specifically designed to counter AMD's 3D V-Cache.
Well-known leaker Jaykihn released the complete configuration details of the Nova Lake-S desktop processor's large last-level cache bLLC, reaching a maximum capacity of 288MB, a full 80MB more than AMD's recently released Ryzen 9 9950X3D.
Completely different from AMD's 3D stacked cache approach, Intel's bLLC adopts a pure planar "large flat-layer" design. It does not use stacked packaging, but directly integrates the large-capacity cache into the Compute Tile, relying on chip area to directly increase performance.
Because it is integrated on the same layer, bLLC theoretically has lower latency and is expected to solve the shortcomings of Intel's current processors in gaming scenarios, such as high latency and weak cache structure.
According to leaks, the area of a standard compute tile is 98mm², and the version equipped with bLLC is directly increased to 154mm², a 36% increase in area. The bLLC cache of a single compute tile can reach up to 144MB, and doubles to 288MB for the 52-core model with dual compute tiles.
It is understood that the entire Core Ultra 400 series desktop CPU plans at least 13 SKUs, covering the entire range from Ultra 3 to Ultra 9.
In terms of power consumption, the flagship model has a maximum TDP of 175W, while the TDP of other models ranges from 35W to 125W. The TDP of entry-level Ultra 3 and Ultra 5 is 35W, and the unlocked version can reach up to 65W. The standard version has a TDP of 125W, and some models also offer a 65W energy-saving version.
The entire series offers F models without integrated graphics, with integrated graphics standardly equipped with 2 Xe3 GPUs, and special models with higher-specification integrated graphics will be released later.
Jaykihn released cache details for five SKUs:
Core Ultra X (52 cores) - 288 MB
Core Ultra X (44 cores) - 264 MB
Core Ultra 9 (28 cores) - 144 MB
Core Ultra 7 (24 cores) - 132 MB
Core Ultra 9 (22 cores) - 108 MB
The 2026 x86 desktop market is destined to be a head-to-head cache battle. AMD is maximizing 3D V-Cache to dual CCDs, while Intel is directly using the surprising power of planar large cache to confront it head-on.
For DIY players, the more intense the competition between Intel and AMD, the more performance and cost-effectiveness will ultimately be delivered.