A new leak outlines seven processors in Intel’s rumored Nova Lake-S desktop lineup, led by the 28-core Core Ultra 9 4970K BFC. The list also points to cache-equipped Core Ultra 7 and Core Ultra 9 models, a four-digit naming scheme, and a potential launch window in early 2027. Intel has not confirmed the details.
Key takeaways
The leaked lineup suggests Intel is preparing several desktop configurations, but names and specifications remain unconfirmed. Reports also differ on some models’ core counts, so these details should be treated as preliminary.
- The Core Ultra 9 4970K BFC is listed with 28 cores and a 125W rating.
- Three listed models carry the BFC suffix, apparently indicating a larger last-level cache.
- Nova Lake-S is expected to use the LGA 1954 socket and 900-series motherboards.
A 28-core flagship leads the leaked lineup
The Core Ultra 9 4970K BFC is listed with eight P-cores, 16 E-cores, and four low-power E-cores (LPE), for 28 cores total. The leak assigns it a 125W base power rating and a 32-EU integrated GPU. A reported seven-model lineup is summarized below; Intel has not verified these specifications.
| Processor | Reported core configuration | bLLC | Rating | iGPU |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core Ultra 9 4970K BFC | 8P + 16E + 4LPE (28) | Yes | 125W | 32 EUs |
| Core Ultra 9 4950K | 8P + 16E (24) | No | 125W | 32 EUs |
| Core Ultra 9 4900 BFC | 6P + 12E + 4LPE (22) | Yes | 65W | 32 EUs |
| Core Ultra 7 4870K BFC | 8P + 12E + 4LPE (24) | Yes | 125W | 32 EUs |
| Core Ultra 7 4850K | 8P + 12E (20) | No | 125W | 32 EUs |
| Core Ultra 5 4650K | 6P + 12E (18) | No | 125W | 32 EUs |
| Core Ultra 5 4650KF | 6P + 12E (18) | No | 125W | None |
The 4970K BFC would sit above the previously reported 4950K, adding four LPE cores and bLLC. However, leaked tables do not consistently agree on the 4950K and Core Ultra 5 core configurations, underscoring that the lineup could change—or that some entries are inaccurate.
BFC points to a larger cache option
The BFC suffix appears on three listed processors: the 4970K, 4900, and Core Ultra 7 4870K. Reports associate these models with bLLC, or big last-level cache, and have described configurations with up to 144MB. The suffix’s official meaning and the cache amount for each chip are unknown. The technology is viewed as Intel’s potential answer to cache-focused gaming CPUs, but no performance comparisons are available.
Nova Lake-S platform and timing remain unconfirmed
Nova Lake-S is rumored to use Intel’s LGA 1954 socket and 900-series desktop chipsets. Reports point to an early-2027 launch for the initial single-compute-tile processors, with a higher-core-count, dual-tile model reportedly planned later. For PC builders, the socket change means these chips would require a new motherboard; Intel has yet to announce compatibility, pricing, or release dates.