Intel’s next-generation desktop processors, Nova Lake-S, are expected to debut at CES 2027, only about three months from now. As the time gets closer, leaks are becoming more frequent. In addition to recent chip configurations, power limits, and parts for the new LGA 1954 socket appearing on online auction sites, LC Tech Leaks, which has long leaked news about Intel 900-series motherboards, earlier revealed the possible official product names of 7 Nova Lake desktop processors.
The flagship Core Ultra 9 4970K BFC has 28 cores and is equipped with up to 144MB of bLLC large cache. The model naming has also changed from the current Core Ultra 9 285K’s three digits to a four-digit naming scheme.
Image source: Wccftech
Intel Nova Lake desktop CPU models fully leaked, 7 specs at a glance
According to a report by foreign media Wccftech, LC Tech Leaks earlier leaked the first batch list of Nova Lake-S desktop processors, namely the Core Ultra Series 4. The first 7 exposed models are divided into three tiers: Core Ultra 9, Core Ultra 7, and Core Ultra 5. All use a single compute tile design, with up to 28 cores. The entire series lacks hyper-threading, so the core count and thread count are the same. The integrated graphics are all 32 EU, and model names equipped with bLLC large cache will have “BFC” added to the end.
There are three Core Ultra 9 models this time:
- The flagship Core Ultra 9 4970K BFC is an unlocked K-series version with 28 cores and 28 threads, a base power (PL1) rating of 125W, and comes with 32 EU integrated graphics and a large bLLC cache.
- The Core Ultra 9 4950K’s core configuration is exactly the same as the 4970K’s; the difference is that it lacks bLLC. Wccftech speculates that it is a lower-binned version, with lower clock speeds as well.
- The third model, the Core Ultra 9 4900 BFC, drops to 22 cores (6+12+4), with power consumption now 65W.
There are two Core Ultra 7 models: Core Ultra 7 4870K BFC and Core Ultra 7 4850K. Both have 24 cores, configured as 8+12+4, and PL1 is also 125W. The only difference between them is whether they have bLLC large cache.
Core Ultra 5 also comes in two models: Core Ultra 5 4650K and Core Ultra 5 4650KF, both with 22 cores (6+12+4) and 125W, positioned as the mainstream models of this generation. There is no BFC large-cache version at this tier, and the KF is the version without integrated graphics.
For details, please refer to the table below:
| Model number | Core/Thread | Configuration (P/E/LPE) | bLLC large cache | PL1 power consumption | Integrated graphics |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core Ultra 9 4970K BFC | 28／28 | 8+16+4 | Available (up to 144MB) | 125W | 32 EU |
| Core Ultra 9 4950K | 28／28 | 8+16+4 | Nothing | 125W | 32 EU |
| Core Ultra 9 4900 BFC | 22／22 | 6+12+4 | Available (up to 144MB) | 65W | 32 EU |
| Core Ultra 7 4870K BFC | 24／24 | 8+12+4 | Available (up to 144MB) | 125W | 32 EU |
| Core Ultra 7 4850K | 24／24 | 8+12+4 | Nothing | 125W | 32 EU |
| Core Ultra 5 4650K | 22／22 | 6+12+4 | None | 125W | 32 EU |
| Core Ultra 5 4650KF | 22／22 | 6+12+4 | None | 125W | Nothing |
※ Specifications are preliminary leaked information; official specifications are subject to Intel’s announcement.
Some people may not be familiar with what bLLC is. bLLC stands for Big Last Level Cache. Simply put, it is similar to AMD’s X3D series design, using a large cache to improve gaming performance.
This time, Nova Lake-S introduces bLLC, which is also seen by external observers as an important design for boosting gaming performance and competing with AMD 3D V-Cache. Compared with the 36MB L3 cache on the current Core Ultra 9 285K, Nova Lake-S is rumored to reach up to 144MB, a clear and significant increase in capacity.
Image source: Wccftech
Notably, earlier rumors suggested that bLLC would only appear on unlocked K-series chips, but this list includes a 65W Core Ultra 9 4900 BFC. If true, this means Intel is bringing bLLC to non-K versions, which would be a good option for builders of small-form-factor, low-power gaming systems.
As for the platform, this time you’ll definitely have to change motherboards. Nova Lake-S will switch to the new LGA 1954 socket, initially paired with Z990 and Z970 high-end motherboards, with mainstream chipsets arriving later. There are also reports from inside Intel that it is researching how to make LGA 1954 support more processor generations.
Intel is expected to announce the first Nova Lake-S desktop processors at CES 2027, followed by a dual compute tile version around Computex 2027, with up to 52 cores (16+32+4), and bLLC cache will also double to 288MB.
Source: KOCPC Chinese