Nova Lake Lineup Overview
A rumored SKU table for Intel's upcoming Nova Lake desktop CPUs has surfaced, showcasing seven models that will presumably make up Intel's initial NVL-S lineup. The list includes three models with the BFC tag, which seems to be Intel's branding for bLLC, or big last level cache, countering AMD's assault on the best CPUs for gaming with its X3D chips.
As previously rumored, the table tops out at the flagship Core Ultra 9 4970K BFC, which the spec list suggests is a 28-core chip with 8 P-cores, 16 E-cores, and 4 LPE-cores. It also lists a 125W TDP and an integrated GPU with 32 Execution Units. This integrated GPU is apparently a staple across the range, short of the Core Ultra 5 4650KF, which lacks integrated graphics.
Intel retired the use of EUs in favor of its Xe cores several years ago. Rumors suggest Intel isn't releasing a large, 12-Xe core model of Nova Lake. The 32-EU count here likely comes out to 4 Xe cores, with each core having eight matrix and vector ALUs.
The table does not include the heavily rumored 52-core Nova Lake model. However, as the Nova Lake launch approaches, it has become clear that the 52-core model, as well as other potential models with a dual-tile configuration, will arrive after the main range of chips to target the HEDT crowd.
Names and specifications rumored, unconfirmed by Intel.
SKU Naming and Specifications
There are several interesting details when looking at the range broadly. Most notably is the four-number model identifier, which Intel didn't use with Arrow Lake chips like the Core Ultra 7 270K Plus. This larger identifier has been previously rumored, and it makes sense if the lineup above is indeed real.
Regardless of naming, the SKU table shows three models with BFC, two of which fall under the Core Ultra 9 umbrella. There isn't a Core Ultra 5 BFC option. The most interesting model is the Core Ultra 9 4900 BFC, which matches the 22-core count of the Core Ultra 5 models, though with the addition of BFC and a lower 65W TDP, suggesting a specialized, low-power gaming chip for small form factor desktops.
In addition, the Core Ultra 5 model is the only one with an F suffix, denoting that it lacks integrated graphics.
According to the table, Intel could use BFC to denote chips with a larger L3 cache, something that's been heavily rumored for Nova Lake as AMD's X3D chips dominate gaming benchmarks. This is the first time we've heard it referred to as BFC, with previous rumors referring to the additional cache as bLLC.
As for what BFC stands for, there are a few possible candidates, leaving room for interpretation regarding the exact terminology.
Expected Launch Timeline
Although Intel's Nova Lake chips have been the topic of rumors for well over a year, the launch is approaching. At the beginning of the year, Intel's CEO confirmed Nova Lake would arrive before the end of the year, meaning more details are expected soon.
Signs point to a launch happening soon. Nova Lake platforms have passed compliance at USB and PCIe standard bodies, two Z990 motherboards were showcased at Computex, and a leaked slide from an Intel partner provided a recent tease of the platform.
Hopefully we'll have more details soon regarding Intel's next-generation desktop architecture.
