Intel Nova Lake Desktop CPU Leak Reveals Core Ultra 9 4970K, LGA 1954 Platform, and Up to 28 Cores
Intel’s next-generation Nova Lake desktop CPU family is starting to take shape, and a new leak has revealed details for seven upcoming Core Ultra Series 4 processors. The lineup reportedly includes Core Ultra 9, Core Ultra 7, and Core Ultra 5 models, with the flagship Core Ultra 9 4970K BFC appearing as the most powerful single-compute-tile chip in the early stack.
According to the leaked information, these Nova Lake-S desktop processors are designed for Intel’s upcoming LGA 1954 platform. That means buyers will need new motherboards, with Z990 and Z970 boards expected to arrive first for enthusiasts and high-performance PC builders.
The biggest highlight is the rumored Intel Core Ultra 9 4970K BFC. This unlocked desktop CPU is said to feature 28 cores arranged in an 8 P-core, 16 E-core, and 4 low-power E-core configuration. It reportedly carries a 125W base power rating and includes integrated graphics with 32 execution units. The chip is also expected to feature bLLC, a large cache design that could help improve gaming and productivity performance, depending on final implementation.
The “BFC” label appears on select leaked models, but its official meaning has not been confirmed. For now, it seems to identify versions with the expanded cache configuration, though Intel has not announced the branding or technical details yet.
The Core Ultra 9 family reportedly includes three models. The Core Ultra 9 4970K BFC sits at the top with 28 cores, a 125W power rating, integrated graphics, and the special cache configuration. The Core Ultra 9 4950K is also listed with 28 cores and the same 8+16+4 layout, but without the BFC tag. This could mean it is a lower-bin version with different clock speeds or cache behavior. A third model, the Core Ultra 9 4900 BFC, is listed with 22 cores in a 6+12+4 layout and a lower 65W base power target. Details around its cache configuration remain unclear due to conflicting leaked information.
Intel’s Core Ultra 7 Nova Lake chips also appear in the leak. The Core Ultra 7 4870K BFC and Core Ultra 7 4850K are both expected to offer 24 cores with a 125W power rating. The BFC version is expected to include the larger cache design, while the standard 4850K may use a more conventional configuration. Both chips should target high-end gaming PCs and content creation systems, sitting below the Core Ultra 9 options while still offering strong multi-core performance.
For the mainstream desktop market, Intel is reportedly preparing the Core Ultra 5 4650K and Core Ultra 5 4650KF. Both are listed with 22 cores in a 6+12+4 configuration and a 125W base power rating. The key difference is that the KF model is expected to ship without integrated graphics, while the standard K version should include Intel’s 32-EU iGPU.
Based on the leaked specifications, the preliminary Nova Lake desktop lineup looks like this:
Core Ultra 9 4970K BFC: 28 cores, 8+16+4 configuration, 125W base power, 32-EU integrated graphics, bLLC support expected
Core Ultra 9 4950K: 28 cores, 8+16+4 configuration, 125W base power, 32-EU integrated graphics, no BFC label
Core Ultra 9 4900 BFC: 22 cores, 6+12+4 configuration, 65W base power, 32-EU integrated graphics, cache details not fully confirmed
Core Ultra 7 4870K BFC: 24 cores, 125W base power, 32-EU integrated graphics, bLLC support expected
Core Ultra 7 4850K: 24 cores, 125W base power, 32-EU integrated graphics, no BFC label
Core Ultra 5 4650KF: 22 cores, 6+12+4 configuration, 125W base power, no integrated graphics
One of the most interesting parts of the leak is the cache. These single-compute-tile Nova Lake desktop chips may support up to 144 MB of cache on certain models. Intel could still adjust cache sizes depending on the final product tier, so the exact amount may vary between Core Ultra 9, Core Ultra 7, and Core Ultra 5 processors.
The leak also suggests Intel will use a four-digit naming scheme for Nova Lake-S desktop CPUs, such as Core Ultra 9 4970K. Laptop-focused Nova Lake-HX processors are also expected to follow the four-number format, while other mobile categories may continue using a three-digit naming structure.
Intel is expected to introduce Nova Lake-S desktop CPUs in early 2027, likely after a formal reveal around CES 2027. The first wave should focus on enthusiast-class processors and premium motherboards based on Z990 and Z970 chipsets. More affordable mainstream motherboard options are expected to follow later.
The Nova Lake story may not end with these seven models. Intel is also rumored to be preparing dual-compute-tile desktop CPUs with up to 52 cores, potentially arriving around Computex 2027. If that happens, Intel could significantly expand its high-end desktop performance offering next year.
Competition will also be intense. AMD is expected to bring its Zen 7-based Ryzen “Olympic Ridge” processors in a similar timeframe, setting up a major CPU battle across gaming, workstation, and enthusiast desktop markets.
For now, Intel has not officially confirmed these Nova Lake Core Ultra Series 4 specifications. Still, if the leaked details are accurate, the Core Ultra 9 4970K BFC could become one of Intel’s most important desktop launches in years, combining a new platform, higher core counts, expanded cache, and a fresh naming strategy for the next era of PC processors.
