Intel has not announced the Core Ultra 9 4970K BFC. In leaked Nova Lake-S desktop tables, it is presented as a cache-enhanced processor with up to 28 cores and a rumored 144 MB bLLC cache pool—not 144 MB of native L3. One reproduced table instead labels it a 24-core chip, so even the core count remains unsettled.
What the Core Ultra 9 4970K BFC rumor says
The Core Ultra 9 4970K BFC is a rumored member of Intel’s next desktop processor family, Nova Lake-S, which some reports also call Core Ultra 4000. The name and specifications come from leaked tables described by ComputerBase and Tom’s Hardware; Intel has not confirmed them.
The leading specification is 28 cores: 8 P-cores, 16 E-cores and 4 low-power E-cores (LPE-cores), with a reported 125 W TDP and 32 graphics execution units (EUs). The cache figure needs a qualification: the reported 144 MB is the enlarged bLLC pool, while a separate Tom’s Hardware report lists 36 MB of native L3 for the rumored 28-core configuration.
Why the core count is disputed
ComputerBase’s leaked table gives the 4970K BFC 28 cores, matching the listed mix of 8 P-cores, 16 E-cores and 4 LPE-cores. Tom’s Hardware reproduces a table row that says 24 cores while showing the same 8+16+4 breakdown, which adds up to 28. That internal mismatch means 28 is the best-supported reading of the reported configuration, not a confirmed specification.
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- Next‑Gen Platform Support: Compatible with Intel 800 Series Chipset‑based motherboards with LGA1851 Socket enabling PCIe 5.0/4.0 and high‑speed DDR5 memory (up to 7200 MT/s).
- High‑Performance Core Configuration: Features up to 24 cores (8 P‑cores + 16 E‑cores) for demanding gaming and creator
- Ultra‑Fast Boost Clocks: Reaches up to 5.5 GHz max turbo frequency for top‑tier responsiveness and performance
- Built for Enthusiasts: Unlocked for performance tuning when paired with Intel Z‑series chipsets, making it ideal for overclockers and power users.
- Robust Power & Thermal Design: Engineered with 125W base power and 250W max turbo power to sustain high‑intensity
How the three reported BFC models compare
Tom’s Hardware describes a seven-model initial desktop table with three BFC-tagged entries. The figures below are leak claims, not Intel specifications; the reports do not provide every field for every model.
| Rumored model | Reported core configuration | Reported cache | Reported TDP | Reported graphics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core Ultra 9 4970K BFC | 28 cores (8 P + 16 E + 4 LPE) in ComputerBase’s table; a Tom’s Hardware reproduced row says 24 despite listing 8+16+4 | 144 MB bLLC and 36 MB native L3 for the rumored 28-core configuration (Tom’s Hardware); ComputerBase lists 144 MB cache | 125 W (ComputerBase) | 32 EUs (ComputerBase) |
| Core Ultra 9 4900 BFC | 22 cores (6 P + 12 E + 4 LPE) in Tom’s Hardware’s cache report | 108 MB bLLC and 27 MB native L3 (Tom’s Hardware) | 65 W (ComputerBase) | Not stated in the cited tables |
| Core Ultra 7 4870K BFC | 24 cores (8 P + 12 E + 4 LPE) in Tom’s Hardware’s cache report | 132 MB bLLC and 36 MB native L3 (Tom’s Hardware); ComputerBase lists 132 MB bLLC | 125 W (ComputerBase) | Not stated in the cited tables |
The reported seven-model table also includes non-BFC counterparts, but does not list a Core Ultra 5 BFC model. That describes this particular leak only; it does not establish what Intel will ultimately announce.
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- Get ultra-efficient with Intel Core Ultra desktop processors that improve both performance and efficiency so your PC can run cooler, quieter, and quicker.
- Core and Threads 24 cores (8 P-cores plus 16 E-cores) and 24 threads. Integrated Intel Graphics included
- Performance Hybrid Architecture Integrates two core microarchitectures, prioritizing and distributing workloads to optimize performance
- Performance Unlocked Up to 5.7 GHz unlocked. 40MB Cache
- Compatibility Compatible with Intel 800 series chipset-based motherboards
What BFC and bLLC mean
The reports associate BFC-tagged processors with bLLC, or “Big Last-Level Cache”: a larger cache pool that is reportedly intended to help gaming workloads. ComputerBase notes that “Big Fucking Cache” is an unofficial reading of BFC, not an expansion confirmed by Intel. The safest interpretation is that BFC is a reported label for bLLC-equipped parts; its official meaning is unknown.
It is also important not to treat the headline 144 MB as native L3. Tom’s Hardware distinguishes the rumored 144 MB bLLC pool from 36 MB of native L3 on the 28-core configuration. The leaked figures therefore describe two cache categories, not a confirmed 144 MB of on-die L3.
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- 20 cores (8 P-cores + 12 E-cores) and 20 threads. Integrated Intel Graphics included
- Performance hybrid architecture integrates two core microarchitectures, prioritizing and distributing workloads to optimize performance
- Up to 5.3 GHz. 36 MB Cache
- Compatible with Intel 800 series chipset-based motherboards
- Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0, and PCIe 5.0 & 4.0 support. Intel Optane Memory support. No thermal solution included
Does this make Nova Lake an X3D competitor?
The cache design invites comparison with processors that use extra cache to target games, but these leaks do not establish how the 4970K BFC performs against AMD X3D chips—or against Intel’s own alternatives. A stated gaming aim is not a benchmark result. There are no confirmed performance tests or retail specifications in the reports, so a performance comparison would be premature.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When could Nova Lake-S go on sale?
The leaked tables do not confirm a launch date, price, or retail availability for Nova Lake-S or the 4970K BFC. Until Intel announces the lineup, the model names and specifications should be treated as preliminary rather than as a buying guide.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 10 cores (6 P-cores + 4 E-cores) and 14 threads. Integrated Intel Graphics included
- Performance hybrid architecture integrates two core microarchitectures, prioritizing and distributing workloads to optimize performance
- Up to 4.9 GHz. 22 MB Cache
- Compatible with Intel 800 series chipset-based motherboards
- PCIe 5.0 & 4.0 support. Intel Optane Memory support. No thermal solution included.
Rank #4
- 10 cores (6 P-cores + 4 E-cores) and 14 threads.
- Performance hybrid architecture integrates two core microarchitectures, prioritizing and distributing workloads to optimize performance
- Up to 4.9 GHz. 22 MB Cache
- Compatible with Intel 800 series chipset-based motherboards
- PCIe 5.0 & 4.0 support. Intel Optane Memory support. No thermal solution included. Discrete graphics required
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