Intel Core Ultra 9 4970K BFC Leads Unreleased Nova Lake-S Lineup
Intel’s upcoming Nova Lake-S desktop processor lineup will reportedly be anchored by the Core Ultra 9 4970K BFC, according to a leaked SKU list published by videocardz.com. The newly surfaced specification sheet details seven desktop processor identifiers utilizing Intel’s four-digit Core Ultra 4000 naming convention, sitting above previously leaked hardware samples like the Core Ultra 9 4950K.
Videocardz.com reported that the flagship Core Ultra 9 4970K BFC features 28 total CPU cores, combining 8 Performance-cores, 16 Efficient-cores, and 4 Low-Power Efficient-cores.
Core Configurations and Power Ratings Across the Nova Lake-S Range
The leaked lineup highlights architectural differences between standard models and the newly identified BFC variants. While the standard Core Ultra 9 4950K also packs 28 cores total according to earlier engineering sample leaks, the new SKU list shows it with 24 cores (8 P-cores and 16 E-cores) lacking both the four LP-E cores and the bLLC designation. However, hardware leaker Jaykihn maintains that the 4950K engineering sample retains those additional hardware features despite their omission from this specific table.
TechPowerUp outlined the rest of the leaked stack, including the Core Ultra 7 4870K BFC with 24 cores and bLLC, and the Core Ultra 7 4850K with 20 cores without the larger cache. A 65W Core Ultra 9 4900 BFC appears with 22 cores and bLLC. The precise meaning of the “BFC” suffix remains unconfirmed by Intel, though the identifier consistently aligns with models featuring the expanded last-level cache configuration.
Platform Transition to LGA 1954 and Expected Release Timelines
Nova Lake-S processors will transition to Intel’s new LGA 1954 socket and accompanying 900-series desktop chipsets. Recent hardware certification entries and tracking programs like HWiNFO have already begun referencing the upcoming platform hardware, indicating development progress.
Earlier industry roadmap reports indicate a tentative Q1 2027 launch window for the initial wave of single-compute-tile Nova Lake-S CPUs. TechPowerUp noted that while these 28-core processors are expected to arrive first, a larger dual-compute-tile flagship featuring 52 cores will debut at a later date, and early reports suggested the 28-core bLLC chip could pull up to 296W at PL2 despite its nominal 125W rating.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nova Lake-S Processors
What socket do Intel Nova Lake-S desktop processors use?
Nova Lake-S processors are expected to use Intel’s new LGA 1954 socket paired with 900-series desktop chipsets, according to platform hardware leaks and certification entries.
What does the BFC suffix mean on the Core Ultra 9 4970K?
The exact definition of the BFC suffix is not yet confirmed, but it consistently appears on models that incorporate Intel’s bLLC (Big Last Level Cache) configuration.
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