Nova Lake Leak
Intel Nova Lake leak reveals 28-core flagship and massive cache design
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Key Points
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A second leaker, Jaykihn, reportedly corroborated the lineup and added that all seven processors support Intel’s vPro security technology.
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The leak reportedly assigns four low-power efficiency cores to every listed model. Club386 notes that, in other recent Intel designs, these cores can form a “low-power island” that handles tasks while avoiding the main performance and efficiency cores.
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The Core Ultra 9 4950K is reportedly a 28-core model without bLLC, with 36 MiB of L3 cache, distinguishing it from the cache-equipped 4970K BFC.
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The leaked 32-EU integrated graphics configuration may translate to four Xe cores, rather than a larger 12-Xe-core design, according to Tom’s Hardware.
Intel's next-generation Nova Lake processors are shaping up with unprecedented core counts, according to leaked specifications. PCMag reports that the flagship Core Ultra 9 4970K BFC will pack 28 cores—8 performance, 16 efficiency, and 4 low-power cores—while keeping power consumption at just 125 watts. The chips will use a new Core Ultra 4000 naming scheme, with at least seven desktop models in the initial lineup.
The real differentiator is cache. Tom's Hardware notes that three Nova Lake models will feature up to 144 MB of last-level cache—nearly matching AMD's canceled 5900X3D prototype, which Yahoo reports had 128 MB. Intel's massive cache is designed to compete directly with AMD's X3D gaming processors. However, all specifications remain unconfirmed, and production models may differ from the leak.
The New Four-Digit Naming Scheme Takes Shape
Intel is abandoning its previous naming convention in favor of a four-digit Core Ultra 4000 series. PCMag reports the leaked lineup includes seven processors, from the Core Ultra 9 4970K BFC down through lower-tier models. The Core Ultra 5 4650KF appears to be the only model without integrated graphics. Every listed processor reportedly supports Intel's vPro security technology, according to a second source cited by tech outlets.
28-Core Flagship Balances Power and Performance
The Core Ultra 9 4970K BFC stands out with its hybrid architecture and massive cache. It combines 8 performance cores, 16 efficiency cores, and 4 low-power efficiency cores—all within a 125-watt thermal design power (TDP). Tom's Hardware explains that the four low-power cores can form a "low-power island" that handles background tasks while the main cores sleep, improving battery life and efficiency.
A second flagship model, the Core Ultra 9 4950K, offers the same 28-core count but without the big cache upgrade. Shattered reports the 4950K includes only 36 MB of L3 cache, compared to the 144 MB in the 4970K BFC. This suggests Intel will segment high-end gaming chips (with cache) from more general-purpose variants. Most models share the 125-watt TDP, though one 22-core variant drops to 65 watts.
Cache War With AMD Heats Up
Intel's 144 MB cache strategy mirrors AMD's canceled effort. Tom's Hardware reports AMD built a Ryzen 9 5900X3D prototype with 128 MB of L3 cache for Zen 3, but never released it. That engineering sample recently surfaced online. Intel now appears to be pursuing a similar philosophy: massive cache to boost gaming frame rates without raising clock speeds.
Tom's Hardware notes that Nova Lake's integrated graphics may use a 32-EU configuration—potentially four Xe cores rather than a larger 12-core design. This modest graphics power keeps costs and power draw down. Three Nova Lake models will carry the "BFC" suffix, indicating Intel's big-cache gaming focus.
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