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| HP’s current EliteBook X G2i laptop. |
It hasn't even been a full year since HP introduced its EliteBook X G2 lineup, and yet the rumor mill is already churning out details about what comes next. According to a freshly surfaced benchmark entry, HP appears to be developing the EliteBook X G3i, a 14-inch business notebook that could mark the debut of Intel's yet-to-be-announced Nova Lake platform.
The discovery comes courtesy of SiSoftware's official benchmark database, which lists a device identified as the "HP EliteBook X G3i 14 inch Notebook AI PC" with the model designation 103C_5336AN HP EliteBook (HP 8FF4). The entry was created on September 15, 2026, and was quickly flagged by well-known hardware leaker @momomo_us on X, giving the rumor considerable traction among tech enthusiasts.
Benchmark Listing Reveals Intriguing Processor Details
The SiSoftware entry offers a tantalizing glimpse at what HP might be cooking up. The listing describes a processor configuration of "2x Genuine Intel(R) 0000 (5M 20c 3GHz/4.6GHz + 3GHz, 2x 4MB + 2x 4MB L2, 18MB L3)." For those who follow Intel's naming conventions, that string of numbers and letters tells a compelling story.
The 20-core count represents a meaningful jump from the 16 cores found in current Panther Lake-based systems. The benchmark results themselves—recorded under virtualized conditions with Windows 11 Pro—show a processor multi-media score of 198,979 Mpix/s and a cryptography score of 3,698 GB/s across 40 compute units. While these figures come with the usual caveats about pre-release hardware, they suggest HP is preparing something substantial for its next-generation business flagship.
You can view the full SiSoftware benchmark listing for yourself to examine the raw data.
What Is Intel Nova Lake?
The EliteBook X G3i's benchmark entry points to Intel's Nova Lake architecture, which the chipmaker has not officially announced. This isn't entirely surprising—Intel typically maintains a tight lid on future processor generations until it's ready for a formal launch event.
Nova Lake is expected to succeed Panther Lake, which itself represents Intel's current generation of mobile processors built on advanced process technology. If the benchmark data holds up, Nova Lake could bring meaningful core count increases to premium business laptops, potentially giving professionals significantly more multi-threaded performance for demanding workloads like video editing, data analysis, and software development.
The 20-core configuration mentioned in the SiSoftware entry would position the EliteBook X G3i as a serious productivity powerhouse. However, it's worth noting that pre-release benchmark entries sometimes reflect engineering samples or early test configurations that may not match retail specifications.
Timing Suggests a CES 2027 Debut
If history is any guide, HP could be preparing to unveil the EliteBook X G3 series at CES 2027 in January. The company announced the current EliteBook X G2 lineup earlier this year, and the cadence of annual refreshes in the business laptop market makes a January 2027 launch window seem plausible.
The G2 generation, which we've covered extensively, includes both traditional clamshell models and convertible variants. Our HP EliteBook X Flip G2i 14 AI review highlighted the convertible's impressive Panther Lake performance and stunning OLED display options, though we noted the premium pricing might give budget-conscious buyers pause. Similarly, our HP EliteBook X G2i review praised the lightweight clamshell model's 32GB of RAM and excellent 120Hz display.
If the G3 series follows the same pattern, we can expect HP to refresh both the standard EliteBook X and the EliteBook X Flip with the new Nova Lake processors. The "i" suffix in the leaked model name confirms that this particular variant will feature Intel silicon, though it's unclear whether HP plans to offer AMD alternatives as it did with the G2 generation.
What Else Do We Know?
Unfortunately, the benchmark leak doesn't reveal much beyond the processor configuration. Details about display options, memory, storage, battery capacity, and pricing remain unknown at this stage.
Based on the G2 series, we can make some educated guesses about what to expect. The current EliteBook X G2i offers a 14-inch 2560 x 1600 IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 32GB of LPDDR5x RAM, and a 68Wh battery. The EliteBook X Flip G2i takes things further with optional 1800p Tandem OLED panels and integrated stylus storage.
A G3 refresh would likely bring incremental improvements across the board—perhaps faster memory, improved battery life, and updated connectivity options. The jump to 20 cores would be the headline feature, offering a significant boost for professionals who need maximum processing power in a portable form factor.
The Bigger Picture: Intel's Roadmap and HP's Strategy
This leak offers a window into Intel's mobile processor roadmap. Nova Lake's appearance in a benchmark database suggests the architecture is progressing through development and could be ready for prime time by early 2027.
For HP, the EliteBook X G3 represents an opportunity to maintain its position in the premium business laptop market. The EliteBook line has long been a favorite among corporate IT departments and discerning professionals who value build quality, security features, and comfortable typing experiences above flashy consumer features.
The current generation has received generally positive reviews, particularly for its performance and display quality. However, thermal management under sustained loads and premium pricing have been recurring criticisms. If HP can address these concerns while delivering the performance benefits of Nova Lake, the EliteBook X G3 could be a compelling upgrade for businesses planning their 2027 hardware refresh cycles.
Should You Wait for the G3?
For most buyers, the answer is probably no—at least not yet. The EliteBook X G2 series is readily available and offers excellent performance for typical business workloads. The current models are available on Amazon, with the EliteBook X G2i starting at around $2,599.
That said, if you're planning a major hardware purchase for late 2027 or beyond, it might be worth keeping an eye on how the G3 develops. The rumored 20-core Nova Lake processor could offer meaningful performance gains for power users, and HP will likely introduce other improvements alongside the new chip.
We'll continue monitoring this story as more details emerge. For now, the EliteBook X G3i remains an intriguing glimpse at what's coming next in the world of premium business laptops.
SiSoftware
— 188号 (@momomo_us) September 17, 2026
HP EliteBook X G3i 14 inch Notebook AI PC 103C_5336AN HP EliteBook (HP 8FF4)
2x Genuine Intel(R) 0000 (5M 20c 3GHz/4.6GHz + 3GHz, 2x 4MB + 2x 4MB L2, 18MB L3)https://t.co/e7sNzj8XFK pic.twitter.com/uf1JaKY8zt
