Intel’s Next-Gen Desktop Lineup Takes Shape in New Leak
A fresh leak has given us our most detailed look yet at Intel Nova Lake-S desktop processors. The information, shared by reliable hardware leaker Jaykihn and reported by VideoCardz, reveals seven new SKUs with model numbers that suggest Intel is moving to a four-digit naming scheme for its next-generation Core Ultra desktop chips.
The star of the leak is the Core Ultra 9 4970K BFC, which sits above the previously rumored Core Ultra 9 4950K. According to the leak, the 4970K BFC features a 28-core configuration: 8 Performance cores, 16 Efficiency cores, and 4 Low-Power E-cores. It also carries the “bLLC” designation, which stands for Big Last Level Cache—a larger cache pool designed to boost gaming performance, similar in concept to AMD’s 3D V-Cache. The chip is listed with a 125W TDP and a 32-EU integrated GPU.
Below it, the standard Core Ultra 9 4950K is listed with 8 P-cores and 16 E-cores for a total of 24 cores. Notably, the leak does not show LP-E cores or bLLC for this model, though leaker Jaykihn notes that the LP-E cores are still present. Both chips share the same 125W TDP and 32-EU iGPU.
A Full Stack of Nova Lake-S Processors
The leak also details several other models that will fill out the Nova Lake-S lineup. The Core Ultra 9 4900 BFC is a 65W part with 6 P-cores, 12 E-cores, and 4 LP-E cores, totaling 22 cores with bLLC. Moving down, the Core Ultra 7 4870K BFC offers 8 P-cores, 12 E-cores, and 4 LP-E cores (24 total) with bLLC and a 125W TDP, while the non-bLLC Core Ultra 7 4850K has the same core configuration but without the extra cache.
At the entry level, the Core Ultra 5 4650K and 4650KF both feature 6 P-cores, 12 E-cores, and 4 LP-E cores for a total of 18 cores. The KF variant lacks integrated graphics, while the standard K model includes a 32-EU iGPU. Both are rated at 125W.
What Is bLLC, and Why Does It Matter?
The “bLLC” suffix appears on several of the leaked SKUs, indicating the presence of Intel’s Big Last Level Cache. Earlier rumors suggested that bLLC could reach up to 144MB on some models, a massive increase over typical desktop CPU caches. This extra cache is expected to benefit gaming workloads, where fast access to frequently used data can reduce bottlenecks and improve frame rates. It’s Intel’s answer to AMD’s highly successful 3D V-Cache technology.
New Socket and Platform
Nova Lake-S is expected to debut on Intel’s new LGA 1954 socket, paired with 900-series chipsets. This marks a shift away from the LGA 1851 platform used by Arrow Lake. The new socket is rumored to support multiple future CPU generations, which would be a welcome change for enthusiasts who have criticized Intel’s short platform lifespans in recent years.
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The Bottom Line
As with all pre-release leaks, this information should be treated with caution. Intel has not officially announced Nova Lake-S, and the final specifications, model names, and pricing could change before launch. However, the leak paints a picture of a lineup that is heavily focused on cache capacity and core counts, with bLLC variants positioned at the top of each tier. If accurate, Nova Lake-S could be Intel’s most competitive desktop platform in years. We’ll have to wait for official word from Intel to know for sure.
Source: laurentschoice