As Intel’s next-generation Nova Lake-S desktop processor release draws closer, leaks are starting to surface! Not only have possible benchmark scores appeared, but the naming has also changed to something different. Earlier, foreign leaker LC Tech Leaks shared a CPU-Z screenshot showing the model name “Core Ultra 9 4950K.” If the leak is accurate, this would mark Intel’s first four-digit product model number since adopting the Core Ultra brand. Even more noteworthy is that although this chip is still in the engineering sample stage, the leaked benchmark scores already surpass the current flagship Core Ultra 9 285K and Ryzen 9 9950X3D processors, making it quite exciting to anticipate.
Image source: Wccftech
Intel Core Ultra 9 4950K Leak Surfaces! Nova Lake-S Said to Switch to Four-Digit Naming, 28-Core Engineering Sample Benchmark Already Surpasses Current Flagship
According to a report by foreign media WccftechLC Tech Leaks has mainly been known for leaking Intel’s next-generation motherboards, particularly the Z990 chipset, and is a fairly frequent source of news. This time, the content they released has two parts: one is the model name shown in a CPU-Z screenshot, and the other is the benchmark scores for this chip.
The model numbers for current Intel Core Ultra processors are mostly three digits. For example, the desktop flagship is called the Core Ultra 9 285K. Breaking down the number: “2” represents the Core Ultra Series 2 generation, “85” indicates the performance tier, and the trailing “K” means the multiplier is unlocked, allowing overclocking.
However, this time the leaked Core Ultra 9 4950K has a four-digit number. Using the same logic to break it down, based on the current Core Ultra naming convention, the leading “4” likely represents Core Ultra Series 4, meaning the Nova Lake generation; the following “950” is probably used to distinguish product tier and performance positioning, and the K again denotes an unlocked multiplier. In other words, Intel has expanded the middle tier field from two digits to three digits.
Image source: LC Tech Leaks
So why add an extra digit? One current speculation is that Nova Lake will have a much larger number of SKUs than in the past. Based on information leaked so far, Nova Lake-S not only has single Compute Tile and dual Compute Tile versions, but will also include bLLC large cache models, with high-end versions potentially offering up to 144MB of cache for a single tile and 288MB for dual tiles. With more product permutations, Intel may therefore readjust its model numbering scheme.
Next are the benchmark scores. According to LC Tech Leaks, this Core Ultra 9 4950K is expected to feature a 28-core design, consisting of 8 P-Cores (Performance cores) plus 20 E-Cores (Efficient cores). The latter 20 cores are further divided into 16 standard E-Cores and 4 more power-efficient LPE cores. CPU-Z single-core is close to 1,000 points, and multi-core is close to 20,000 points:
Below is a table comparing it with other processors. As you can see, even though it’s still an engineering sample, both single-core and multi-core scores are higher than the Ultra 9 285K and Ryzen 9950X3D2.
| Processor | Single core | multi-core |
|---|---|---|
| Core Ultra 9 4950K (Nova Lake 28-core ES, leaked) | About 1000 | Approximately 20,000 |
| Core Ultra 9 285K (Arrow Lake 24 cores) | 890 | 18,428 |
| Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 (Zen 5 16-core) | 870 | 17,294 |
| Ryzen 9 9950X3D (Zen 5 16-core) | 869 | 17,005 |
However, this leak still has quite a few questionable points.
First, the process node field in the CPU-Z screenshot reads “18A.” Wccftech notes this could be a misreading, as early leaks generally suggested that the main Compute Tile for Nova Lake-S would be manufactured by TSMC on N2/N2P. However, reports from July this year indicated that as Intel 18A yields improved, Intel may have pulled most of the Nova Lake Compute Tile production originally planned for TSMC back in-house, with some sources even suggesting the figure could reach 80–90%. As such, it’s currently impossible to rule out that the 18A shown by CPU-Z is accurate.
Next, for chips in the engineering sample (ES) stage, CPU-Z typically doesn’t show the final retail model name — instead, it displays a code like “GenuineIntel 0000.” However, this screenshot directly shows the full “Core Ultra 9 4950K,” which doesn’t match typical ES sample behavior. On top of that, Nova Lake hasn’t even started shipping QS (qualification samples) yet, so the timing seems a bit early. Intel also frequently uses tentative SKU names during internal testing, so whether the final name will actually be “4950K” remains an open question.
There is still some time before Nova Lake’s possible launch in early 2027, so just take this leak with a grain of salt — by then, there could be major changes.
Source: KOCPC Chinese