Key information
Intel is preparing its next-generation Nova Lake architecture, with product naming details for the Core Ultra 4000 series emerging ahead of its anticipated launch.
Initial releases will focus on monolithic chips. The top-tier Core Ultra 9 4970K BFC features 28 total cores consisting of 8 P-cores, 16 E-cores, and 4 LP E-cores with an unlocked multiplier, where BFC designates a big Last Level Cache version.
Additional configurations include the Core Ultra 9 4950K without bLLC, and the Core Ultra 9 4900 BFC with fewer P-cores. Core Ultra 7 and mainstream Core Ultra 5 lineups scale down core counts across respective models.
The monolithic flagship Core Ultra 9 4970K BFC reportedly sports 144 MB of cache and a new LGA 1954 socket for Z990 and Z970 motherboards, expected to debut at CES 2027 in early 2027.
Meanwhile, the dual-die DS variant will feature 52 cores combining two clusters and bLLC, with sample shipments slated for December 2026 and a potential release around COMPUTEX 2027 in mid-2027.
