The roadmap for Intel's next-generation Nova Lake-S desktop processors is becoming clearer. According to the latest reports, Intel has revised its Core Ultra 9 Nova Lake-S desktop configurations, bumping the core count of the 42-core dual-compute-tile SKUs to 44 cores.

According to Jaykhin (via VideoCardz), this 44-core chip consists of 16x P-cores (Coyote Cove), 24x E-cores (Arctic Wolf), and 4 LP-E cores. The 2-core increase compared to the December 2025 report is in the P-cores, which were initially reported to have 14 cores.

This 44-core SKU is expected to be part of a broader family of “Big Last Level Cache” (bLLC) processors, which serve as Intel's direct response to AMD's 3D V-Cache technology. The lineup is led by a massive 52-core flagship featuring 288MB of bLLC across dual tiles, followed by the new 44-core variant. For the more mainstream enthusiast market, Intel is apparently preparing single-tile configurations with 28 and 24 cores, each carrying 144MB of bLLC.

The leaker also mentioned that Intel is evaluating locked, non-K variants for this cache-heavy family. This would be a departure from earlier strategies that restricted premium cache features to unlocked flagship models, potentially making high-performance gaming silicon more accessible to a wider range of PC builders.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: With Zen 6 also coming up, the next year is going to be very interesting in the CPU space. 

The post Intel’s Nova Lake-S lineup may include 44-core CPU first appeared on KitGuru.

Back at CES, Intel launched its new Core Ultra Series 3 processors, based on the new Panther Lake architecture. MSI has prepared a rollout of new gaming laptops for 2026 with Intel's latest CPUs at the heart of them, alongside RTX 50 series GPUs.

We've already covered the MSI Prestige AI systems for creators, enterprise and mainstream users. Now, our attention turns to gaming with the new MSI Stealth 16 line-up. There are four versions of the Stealth 16 hitting the market – the Stealth 16 AI+ B3WI with an RTX 5080 Laptop GPU and 16GB of GDDR7, the B3WH with an RTX 5070 Ti and 12GB of GDDR7, the B3WG with an RTX 5070 and 8GB of GDDR7 and the B3WF with an RTX 5060 and 8GB of GDDR7. All models use Intel’s Core Ultra Series 3 processors, which retailers such as Currys have already begun preparing customers for through updated buying guidance.

MSI expects the Stealth 16 AI+ to be a headline product for 2026, combining a 16.6mm aluminium chassis with a 90Wh battery, expanded I/O and dual upgradeable memory and SSD slots. The updated Cooler Boost with Intra Flow design allows up to 20W more GPU power than the previous generation, improving performance across gaming and creative workloads.

For those who want as much power as possible without worrying about efficiency, the Raider 16 Max HX is a worthy contender, capable of delivering up to 300W of total system power. Under full load, this laptop can supply 175W to an RTX 5080 or RTX 5090 laptop GPU, and a full 125W to the Core Ultra 200HX CPU to achieve desktop-replacement level performance. This laptop is also pretty easy to upgrade, thanks to a handy quick-access panel on the bottom, giving you direct access to the RAM and SSD without having to disassemble the laptop.

We are still waiting on details for UK availability for MSI's new 2026 gaming laptops, but we will update this page once more information becomes available.

KitGuru Says: Are you thinking about buying a new gaming laptop in 2026? Will you be going for an MSI model? 

The post MSI rolls out new Stealth gaming laptops with Core Ultra Series 3 CPUs first appeared on KitGuru.

Earlier this week, Intel rolled out new Core Ultra 200S Plus series processors. We've already reviewed them here at KitGuru, finding that they offer compelling performance for the price tag. Now, G.Skill is confirming that its overclocked XMP 3.0 DDR5 memory kits are validated to support the new desktop CPUs.

A number of G.Skill DDR5 memory kits will now carry the Intel XMP 3.0 badge, a distinction reserved for memory products that have obtained official Intel XMP certification. G.Skill has also certified DDR5 memory kits that feature an Intel 200S Boost badge, indicating that these kits can use XMP 3.0 to reach overclocked speeds up to 8000MHz.

Using an XMP 3.0 overclock profile, end users can easily overclock their memory with just a couple of clicks in the BIOS, without having to do any manual tuning. Certified products will work out of the box, removing any of the guesswork that can be involved with manual overclocking.

In the image above you can see a Memtest validation with G.Skill DDR5 memory running at an impressive 10,000MHz on an Asus ROG Maximus Z890 Apex motherboard and paired with an Intel Core Ultra 7 270K Plus CPU.

KitGuru Says: G.Skill has some of the most impressive overclocked DDR5 memory kits around and the same was true during the DDR4 generation.

The post G.Skill’s high-speed DDR5 memory is ready for Intel Core Ultra 200S first appeared on KitGuru.

Acer has refreshed its Predator Helios Neo lineup with three new gaming laptops built around Intel’s Core Ultra 200HX Plus processors. Acer has also upgraded the gaming grunt that these laptops provide with the addition of an RTX 5080 laptop GPU. The updated 16‑inch and 18‑inch models focus on high‑end performance, while the new 16S variant offers a slimmer, more portable option.

The Predator Helios Neo 16S AI is the thinnest model, measuring in at under 18.9mm thick. It supports up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus and an RTX 5080 Laptop GPU, paired with a 240Hz WQXGA OLED HDR display with 1ms response time and 100% DCI‑P3 coverage. Cooling is handled by a Predator AeroBlade 3D fan and liquid metal thermal grease to maintain performance in the compact chassis. The standard Predator Helios Neo 16 AI offers the same CPU and GPU options but adds a more robust thermal setup with AeroBlade 3D cooling, liquid metal and vector heat pipes.

The Predator Helios Neo 18 AI is the option for those who require a larger display, offering an 18‑inch WQXGA screen with a 240Hz refresh rate and 100% DCI‑P3 coverage. It introduces Acer’s new Ambient Contrast Ratio film, designed to reduce glare and improve contrast in bright environments. Cooling again uses AeroBlade 3D fans, liquid metal and vector heat pipes to sustain top‑end performance. As for the core hardware, it offers the same Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus and RTX 5080 as its smaller sibling.

All three laptops include Acer’s AI‑driven PredatorSense controls for performance tuning, RGB lighting and fan management. Acer PurifiedVoice and PurifiedView use AI for noise reduction and improved video quality, while Acer Intelligence Space adds tools such as Game Assistant and ProCam for gameplay support and automatic clip capture.

All three of Acer's newly refreshed laptop models will be available in Europe starting in June.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Are you planning on buying a new gaming laptop this year? Will you be going with an Acer model?

The post Acer refreshes Predator Neo gaming laptops with Core Ultra 200HX Plus CPUs and RTX 5080 graphics first appeared on KitGuru.

Today Intel expanded its desktop CPU lineup with new Core Ultra 5 and Core Ultra 7 Plus processors. These new chips are supported on all existing 800-series chipset motherboards, but some models may require an update first. Today, ASRock is confirming its broad support for these new chips across its full 800-series motherboard lineup.

ASRock’s complete 800 series motherboard lineup, including Z890, B860, and H810 chipset models, all are fully compatible with the latest Intel Core Ultra 200S Plus processors, enabling users to easily upgrade.

In the table below you can see the full list of ASRock 800-series motherboards along with the optimised BIOS version that you'll want to install if running a new Core Ultra 200S Plus CPU:  

Model	Bootable BIOS version	Optimized BIOS version
Z890 Taichi AQUA		3.23
Z890 Taichi OCF	3.17	3.22
Z890 Taichi	3.15	3.24
Z890 Taichi Lite	3.15	3.24
Z890 Nova WiFi	3.15	3.24
Z890 LiveMixer WiFi	3.12	3.21
Z890 Steel Legend WiFi	3.15	3.24
Z890 Lightning WiFi	3.15	3.24
Z890 Riptide WiFi	3.12	3.21
Z890 Pro RS	3.15	3.24
Z890 Pro RS WiFi	3.15	3.24
Z890 Pro RS WiFi White	3.15	3.24
Z890 Pro-A	3.15	3.24
Z890 Pro-A WiFi	3.15	3.24
Z890M Riptide WiFi	3.15	3.24
Z890I Nova WiFi	3.14	3.20
B860 LiveMixer WiFi	2.11	3.21
B860 Steel Legend WiFi	2.11	3.21
B860 Lightning WiFi	2.11	3.21
B860 Challenger WiFi	1.10	3.21
B860 Challenger WiFi White	1.10	3.21
B860 Rock WiFi 7	1.10	3.21
B860 Pro RS	1.27	3.22
B860 Pro RS WiFi	1.27	3.22
B860 Pro-A	1.27	3.22
B860 Pro-A WiFi	1.27	3.22
B860M Steel Legend WiFi	2.06	3.21
B860M Lightning WiFi	2.06	3.21
B860M LiveMixer WiFi	2.04	3.21
B860M Rock WiFi	1.08	3.22
B860M Pro RS	1.25	3.21
B860M Pro RS WiFi	1.25	3.21
B860M Pro-A	1.25	3.21
B860M Pro-A WiFi	1.25	3.21
B860M Pro-A/TPM	1.21	1.22
B860I Lightning WiFi	2.03	3.21
B860I WiFi	3.12	3.22
B860M-X Gen5	2.12	3.22
B860M-X Gen5 WiFi
B860M-X	2.13	3.22
B860M-X WiFi
B860M-H2	2.11	3.22
B860M-HDVP	1.23	1.31
H810M-X Gen5	1.04	3.21
H810M-X Gen5 WiFi	1.04	3.21
H810M-P Gen5	1.03	3.21
H810M-X	2.11	3.21
H810M-X WiFi	2.11	3.21
H810M-HDVP	1.21	1.31

KitGuru Says: Are you thinking about upgrading to a new Intel CPU this year? 

The post ASRock’s 800-series motherboards already support Intel’s new Core Ultra 200S Plus CPUs first appeared on KitGuru.

This week CyberPowerPC is launching a new range of pre-built PCs. The VIVID line-up is built around bold and colourful case designs from companies like Hyte, Thermaltake, Tryx and more. The spectrum of chassis options are paired up with high-end CPUs and GPUs to drive games at high refresh rates and resolutions.

The new VIVID gaming PCs start at £1999, with a base spec of a Ryzen 7800X3D, an RTX 5070, 32GB of DDR5 memory, a 1TB M.2 SSD and an MSI Pro B850-S motherboard. For £100 more, you can get the same spec but with a Ryzen 7 9800X3D instead.

In the list below you can see each of the different VIVID PC options:

ViViD R77 RTX Next Day PC (£1999.00)

• Windows 11 Home (64-bit Edition)
• AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 12GB
• 32GB DDR5 5600MT/s ADATA XPG ARMAX RGB
• MSI Pro B850-S WIFI6E ATX Motherboard
• 1TB Kingston NV3 M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD

ViViD Ultra Gaming PC (£2098.80)

• Windows 11 Home (64-bit Edition)
• AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 12GB
• 32GB DDR5 5600MT/s ADATA XPG ARMAX RGB
• MSI Pro B850-S WIFI6E ATX Motherboard
• 1TB Kingston NV3 M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD

ViViD R97 XT Next Day PC (£2299.00)

• Windows 11 Home (64-bit Edition)
• AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
• AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT 16GB
• 32GB DDR5 5600MT/s ADATA XPG ARMAX RGB
• MSI B850 Gaming Plus WIFI6E ATX Motherboard
• 1TB Kingston NV3 M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD

ViViD Elite Gaming PC (£2299.20)

• Windows 11 Home (64-bit Edition)
• AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D
• AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT 16GB
• 32GB DDR5 5600MT/s ADATA XPG ARMAX RGB
• MSI B850 Gaming Plus WIFI6E ATX Motherboard
• 1TB Kingston NV3 M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD

ViViD R97 RTX Next Day PC (£2499.00)

• Windows 11 Home (64-bit Edition)
• AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti 16GB
• 32GB DDR5 5600MT/s ADATA XPG ARMAX RGB
• MSI B850 Gaming Plus WIFI6E ATX Motherboard
• 1TB Kingston NV3 M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD

ViViD Infinity Gaming PC (£2599.20)

• Windows 11 Home (64-bit Edition)
• Intel Core Ultra 9 285K
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti 16GB
• 32GB DDR5 5600MT/s ADATA XPG ARMAX RGB
• MSI MAG Z890 TOMAHAWK WIFI
• 1TB Kingston NV3 M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD

The specs are configurable, for instance the price can change by +/- up to £10 depending on the case you pick. Through the configurator you can adjust the specs to your liking and also add-on optional services like CPU overclocking or grab a peripheral bundle.

You can find CyberPowerPC's full VIVID range HERE.

KitGuru Says: Are you thinking of going for a pre-built PC for a new upgrade in 2026? 

The post CyberPowerPC launches colourful range of VIVID gaming PCs first appeared on KitGuru.

The Euler CMX ITX case is an ultra-compact chassis for Intel processors with up to 35 W of TDP, offering silent operation. Akasa Debuts Compact 4.0 Litre Euler CMX Fanless ITX Chassis, Offering Support for Intel ITX Motherboards Coupled With CPUs rated at up to 35W of TDP Popular consumer and enterprise hardware maker, Akasa, has introduced its latest compact mini ITX chassis called the "Euler CMX" for Intel platforms, offering a small footprint, but sufficient to handle older-gen and the latest Intel Core Ultra series-compatible ITX motherboards. The Euler CMX looks a lot like its other Euler Mini-ITX cases, […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/akasa-launches-fanless-euler-cmx-case-for-intel-core-ultra-compatible-mini-itx-motherboards/