A blast from the past to 2018! Intel's next-gen CPUs return to four-digit naming: 4950K already leaked

According to @laurentschoice, Intel is currently testing a Nova Lake-S desktop processor under the codename Core Ultra 9 4950K. If this naming scheme is finalized, it would mark the first time Intel uses a four-digit CPU naming convention since the ninth-generation Core series released in 2018, a gap of eight years.

The four-digit naming scheme has also been confirmed by leakers @Gotou_kai3 and @金猪升级包.

Based on leaked images, the Nova Lake-S processor is built on Intel's 18A process node, featuring a 28-core/28-thread configuration, and was tested on the Z990 desktop platform. Its CPU-Z single-core score approaches 1000 points, while the multi-core score approaches 20000 points.

However, the benchmark results lack key information such as frequency, power constraints, and chip debugging status. As an early sample, the score has limited reference value and does not represent retail performance levels.

According to previous reports, the 28-core Nova Lake-S adopts a three-cluster architecture with 8 Coyote Cove performance cores, 16 Arctic Wolf efficiency cores, and 4 low-power efficiency cores. The Ultra 9 4950K has a rated TDP of 65W and will not include a large bLLC cache.

In terms of process, Nova Lake-S uses a hybrid foundry strategy. Early reports leaned toward heavy use of TSMC's N2 process for compute tiles, but recent supply chain reports indicate that as Intel's 18A yield improves, more Nova Lake compute tiles are shifting to Intel's own 18A node.

Regarding launch timeline, Nova Lake-S has been delayed from the originally planned second half of 2026 to early 2027. The 28-core model will debut first, with other 28-core K-series, 16-core, and 8-core mainstream models following in Q2 2027. The flagship 52-core model is slated for a launch window between May and September 2027.

The entire product line will be released under the Core Ultra 400 series, featuring the new Coyote Cove performance core and Arctic Wolf efficiency core architectures, paired with the new LGA1954 socket and Z990 chipset.