Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more

A leaked PassMark PerformanceTest 11.1 entry attributed to an unfinished Intel Nova Lake-S sample scored 5,210 in the single-thread test, above a selected Core Ultra 9 285K baseline of 5,059. That is roughly a 3% lead in this one benchmark—not proof that a retail Nova Lake processor will be faster. Even the sample’s core count is disputed: one report calls it 28-core, while another labels the same score 24-core.

Did the leaked Nova Lake-S chip really beat the Core Ultra 9 285K?

In the reported PassMark result, yes: the unidentified Intel entry scored 5,210 single-thread points, compared with 5,059 for the Core Ultra 9 285K baseline cited by TechSpot. The difference is about 3% against that selected baseline. It describes a particular benchmark comparison, not a general performance advantage across applications or games.

TechSpot says the entries appeared in PassMark PerformanceTest 11.1 and were found through its Manage Baselines feature. It reports that submissions date back to September 2026; the top result was 5,210, with another at 5,191. The entries use the generic name “Intel 0000,” rather than a confirmed retail model name. ComputerBase also covered preliminary results around 5,200 points and cautioned that the samples are pre-series hardware.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

The core-count attribution is not settled. TechSpot describes the 5,210-point sample as 28-core, while VideoCardz’s report labels it 24-core. The evidence here does not establish which attribution is correct, so “28-core” should be treated as part of the leak’s claim, not a verified specification.

Popular on Amazon
Silkland 40Gbps USB C 90 Degree Right Angle Adapter 2 Pack, 240W USB4 | Male to Female Extender, 8K@60Hz, Thunderbolt 4/3, Steam Deck, ROG Ally, MacBook, Switch 2, iPhone 18/17/16/15, Quest 3 VR
  • 【90 Degree Full Function USB C Adapter】Supports the latest USB4 standard for up to 40Gbps of bandwidth, 8K video support, and up to 240W Fast charging; Support USB PD 3.1 Extended Power Range (EPR) including 140W, 180W and 240W. Your productivity is easily doubled. *Warm Tip: For the best fit, please make sure the USB-C port is fully exposed; thick or bulky cases may affect compatibility.
  • 【Reliable Quality】Made from high-quality, scratch-resistant aluminum alloy, delicate metal frame. get excellent wear resistance and heat dissipation. Non-Slip Design for easier insertion and removal.
  • 【Small and portable】Ultra thin size, ultra compact design, a petite physique that matches the minimalist design of your modern laptops. Coming with a slim figure that won't block the port next to the one it's plugged into.
  • 【Compatibility】Widely work with most usb c, thunderbolt 4/3 devices. Compatibilit for ROG Ally, Steam Deck, Switch, MacBook Pro, Quest 3 VR headset, Surface Book 2, iPhone 18/17/16/15, Samsung Galaxy S23/S22/S21, Note 20/10, Google Pixel, ChromeBook, etc.
  • 【Excellence Customer Support】If you experience any issues or cable failure, simply reach out to our dedicated customer service team. We provide a prompt response within 18 hours, providing you with the necessary technical support to resolve any concerns.

How do the reported results compare across tests?

The single-thread result is ahead of the selected comparison baselines, but the broader PassMark CPU Mark result points the other way. These are separate scores: a higher single-thread result does not mean the sample leads in overall CPU performance.

PassMark result Reported sample Selected baseline What the comparison shows
Single-thread 5,210 Core Ultra 9 285K: 5,059 Sample is about 3% higher
Single-thread 5,210 Ryzen 9 9950X3D: 4,805 Sample is about 8.4% higher
Single-thread 5,210 Core i9-14900KF: 4,635 Sample is about 12.4% higher
Overall CPU Mark 61,509 Core Ultra 9 285K: 67,274 Sample is lower
Overall CPU Mark 61,509 Ryzen 9 9950X3D: 72,066 Sample is lower

The figures and percentage comparisons above are those reported in TechSpot’s coverage; they are not results from controlled retail review systems. The data therefore supports a narrow statement: this entry’s single-thread score is higher than the selected baselines in that comparison, while its overall CPU Mark score is lower than the cited 285K and Ryzen 9 9950X3D scores.

Also popular on Amazon
Sale
Anker USB C Hub, 5-in-1 USBC to HDMI Splitter with 4K Display | 85W Max PD, 1 Powered USB-C 5Gbps & 2 Powered USB-A 3.0 5Gbps Data Ports, for MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Dell and More (Black)
  • 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
  • Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
  • Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
  • HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
  • What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.

What is known about the Core Ultra 9 285K?

The 285K is the documented retail comparator, not the leaked Nova Lake processor. Intel’s Core Ultra Desktop Processors Series 2 product brief lists it as a 24-core chip with 8 performance cores and 16 efficiency cores, a maximum Thermal Velocity Boost frequency of 5.7 GHz, and processor base power of 125 W. Those official specifications do not confirm the leaked sample’s identity, score, or core count.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Why should the leak be treated cautiously?

The benchmark entries are attributed to unidentified, unfinished samples. The cited reports do not fully establish the exact CPU model, firmware, memory configuration, system setup, or test conditions. TechSpot warns that unfinished hardware or firmware and unknown conditions can make results unrepresentative of retail performance; ComputerBase likewise notes that these are pre-series results.

Also popular on Amazon
Sale
Anker USB C Hub, 7in1 Multi-Port USB Adapter, 4K@60Hz USBC to HDMI Splitter | 85W Max PD, 2 USB 3.0 & 1 USBC Data Ports, SD/TF Card Reader, for Laptops/Mac and Other Type C Devices (Charger Not Included)
  • Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
  • Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
  • Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
  • Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
  • What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.

TechSpot also reports approximately 16 GB of RAM, a CPU speed near 3.3 GHz, and turbo readings near 4.8 GHz for the entries. These are details shown in the leak, not verified Nova Lake-S retail specifications. ComputerBase discusses a rough points-per-GHz analysis, but that is its derived comparison—not a standardized performance measure. The reported turbo speeds vary, and its AMD comparison uses maximum manufacturer turbo specifications where the benchmark did not show a turbo speed. It should not be read as an apples-to-apples efficiency result.

What does the result confirm about Nova Lake-S?

It confirms only that benchmark entries presented as Intel samples have been reported and that one scored 5,210 in PassMark’s single-thread test. Intel’s Series 2 brief documents the 285K, but does not confirm Nova Lake-S model names, final specifications, pricing, launch timing, or motherboard compatibility. Until Intel publishes those details, the leak cannot establish what a retail Nova Lake-S CPU will be called, when it will arrive, or how it will perform.

Also popular on Amazon
Sale
BENFEI USB C Hub 5-in-1 with 4K HDMI(Certified), 100W Power Delivery, 3 USB-A, Silicone Cable, Aluminum Case Compatible with MacBook Pro/Air, iPad Pro, iMac, iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max, XPS, Thinkpad
  • Portable and powerful USB-C HUB: BENFEI USB Type-C HUB, with super-soft and knot-free silicone woven design cable, meets most mobile office needs. Compact, lightweight, stylish, and powerful portable USB C Hub equipped with 1 x HDMI port, 1 x 100W charging, and 3 x USB ports. 18-month warranty, 24-hour response, to ensure you feel at ease when using our product.
  • Design centered on comfort and reliability: Thanks to BENFEI's end-to-end in-house cable production capability, in-house PCBA and assembly capability, using the industry's most advanced silicone woven design and process, 20cm cable in length, no knots, super-soft, the HUB is easy to use in all scenarios: laptop, tablet, stand etc. Super-soft, 25000+ life cycles, to meet your daily carrying and office needs.
  • 100W Charging: Support up to 90W USB C pass-through charging via Type-C port to keep your laptop powered. 10W is reserved for other interface operations. No data and video function on the Type-C port.
  • 4K HDMI Display: The HDMI port supports media display at resolutions up to 4K 30Hz, keeping every incredible moment detailed and ultra vivid. Please note that the C port of the Host device needs to support video output.
  • Transfer Files in Seconds: Transfer files and from your laptop at speeds up to 10 Gbps with USB A 3.2 port. Extra 2 USB A 2.0 ports are perfectly for your keyboards and mouse.

For readers comparing processors today, the useful distinction is between a leaked benchmark result and an official product specification. The 285K’s core configuration and power figures are documented by Intel; the Nova Lake sample’s reported score and attributes remain preliminary and disputed.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Frequently Asked Questions

What is PassMark PerformanceTest 11.1?

It is the benchmark software named in the reports that surfaced these entries. A score from one benchmark is not a substitute for results across a wider set of real applications, games, and systems.

Also popular on Amazon
Sale
𝟒𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐔𝐩𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐝 USB to USB C Adapter,Type-C Female to A Male Charger Converter for iPhone 18 Charger,iWatch Ultra SE 9 10,iPhone 17 Pro Max 16 15 14,Samsung S25,AirPods,iPad,Car,Xbox
  • 【Read before You Buy】 Note: This adapter is USB 2.0 version and cannot transmit HDM, VGA, or other video signals. Nevertheless, they are fully capable of charging devices,duplicating files, and can be seamlessly integrated with USB-C earphones, wireless network adapters, and SD card adapters.
  • 【Easy to Use and Safe】Thanks to modern manufacturing techniques, we've made these adapters sufficiently compact so that they can remain inserted in your device without noticeable protrusion or inconvenience. This means you don't have to constantly plug and unplug them, reducing the likelihood of wear and misalignment, and making them more convenient to carry around.
  • 【Reliable Quality】Engineered for enhanced durability, durable aluminum alloy shell material,get excellent wear resistance and heat dissipation,the male USB C and female USB connectors & the male USB and female USB C connectors are designed to be plugged and unplugged up to 20000 times. Provides data transfer, device charging, memory space expansion, and additional computer peripherals.
  • 【Think more for you】Do you need to connect a USB-C-enabled device to an odd device that only has USB-A ports? Then these USB-A male to USB-C female adapters are made for you.Simply insert the adapter into the USB-A port on the device, and you can instantly connect your USB-C device to the device that originally didn't have the correct connection port.
  • 【Trusted xiwxi Quality and Service】As a responsible brand seller, you will receive xiwxi's 12-month Quality assurance and lifetime friendly customer service, you're not just buying a product,you're investing in peace of mind with all-round quality and exceptional customer service.

Does a higher single-thread score mean Nova Lake will be faster in games?

Not by itself. The leak provides a PassMark single-thread score, but the cited reports do not establish gaming performance or show a controlled retail comparison in games.

Has Intel announced a Nova Lake-S release date or price?

The official Intel product brief cited here covers Series 2 desktop processors and the Core Ultra 9 285K; it does not confirm a Nova Lake-S retail date or price. The benchmark leak alone cannot establish either.

Can I tell whether my motherboard will support Nova Lake-S from this leak?

No. The cited reporting does not establish final Nova Lake-S specifications or motherboard compatibility, so it is not a reliable basis for choosing or upgrading a motherboard.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply. Prices as of November 12, 2026 4:32 pm GMT.