Intel confirms Nova Lake uses 18A-P node, shifts capacity to data center CPUs

Intel's CEO confirmed on the Q3 2026 earnings call that Nova Lake desktop processors will be the first client product on the enhanced 18A-P node. Intel is also taking Panther Lake capacity offline to build more Granite Rapids data center CPUs.

Why it matters: Trading client capacity for server CPUs shows AI data center demand reshaping Intel's fab allocation. It also lines up with Nvidia's Vera CPU rollout, indicating CPUs are becoming a contested part of AI infrastructure.