Wednesday, August 19th 2026
Intel Core Ultra 9 4950K Could Signal New Naming Scheme for "Nova Lake-S"
Intel's upcoming desktop CPU generation, part of the "Nova Lake-S" processor family, might adopt a new naming convention that returns to a four-digit format, unlike the current three-digit format used in the "Arrow Lake" family. According to a leaked CPU-Z submission, Intel's Core Ultra 9 4950K has been identified as a 28-core "Nova Lake-S" desktop chip. It features 8 "Coyote Cove" P-Cores, 16 "Arctic Wolf" E-Cores, and 4 LPE-Cores. This chip was tested on an unknown Z990 high-end overclocking platform, where it achieved over 1,000 points in single-core CPU-Z rankings and exceeded 20,000 points in multicore performance. This performance surpasses any consumer-focused desktop CPU currently available.
Despite this information, it's still uncertain if the naming convention is final. Intel is testing many SKUs for "Nova Lake-S," and a four-digit naming could be necessary due to the numerous SKUs and configurations. Some leakers, like Golden Pig Upgrade and Gotou_3rd, have suggested that the four-digit naming is a possibility, leaving room for speculation. Interestingly, qualification samples for NVL-S have not yet started shipping, but we can expect these shipments in the coming weeks, before manufacturers and motherboard makers begin integrating the latest CPU generation into their products.
Just days ago, Intel was spotted testing two SKUs—a 24-core model running at 3.4 GHz and a 28-core model running at 3.2 GHz—both featuring AVX-512 and APX instruction support. This aligns with the 28-core model we are seeing today. The 28-core "Nova Lake-S" DS version, a new SKU segment, is expected to launch in Q1 of 2027. For the regular overclocking-focused "K" SKUs, Intel reportedly plans an early Q2 launch between March and April, while the 52-core flagship SKU is expected to appear in late May.
Sources:
LC Tech Leaks, via VideoCardz
Despite this information, it's still uncertain if the naming convention is final. Intel is testing many SKUs for "Nova Lake-S," and a four-digit naming could be necessary due to the numerous SKUs and configurations. Some leakers, like Golden Pig Upgrade and Gotou_3rd, have suggested that the four-digit naming is a possibility, leaving room for speculation. Interestingly, qualification samples for NVL-S have not yet started shipping, but we can expect these shipments in the coming weeks, before manufacturers and motherboard makers begin integrating the latest CPU generation into their products.
58 Comments on Intel Core Ultra 9 4950K Could Signal New Naming Scheme for "Nova Lake-S"
Intel with the Ultra tried to copy Apple's naming. Now with the 4950 tries to copy Nvidia's or AMD's naming. With AMD in the past coping Intel's 3,5,7,9 numbers.
is this now 17 or 18th generation of intel core?
performance wise they are stuck most likely in the 14th generation
I will see at the product relesae and after 2 yeras if intel has full aVX 512 wiht big register support, or only the half baked one.
Pre Release statements of intel are worthless as intel is changing the specs on the fly silently.
Years after Years since the 12th intel core generation, there is sitll no proper support in any operating system for htose mixed cores. And if, that software was written for two different cpu types, now we have 3 different cpu cores wiht different instruciton sets. for windows it does not matter as those usual binaries are stuck in year 2006 in regards of cpu instrucitons.
most ohter software is stuck, which is not windows, around 4 - 8 years ago.
A hard fact, see the pre release or release notes for e.g. linux kernel version 7.2 and the upcoming in development 7.3
I always see code in regards of scheduler and those mixed intel cores.
Remember Intel Core i 1st Gen was the successor of Intel Core 2. So technically Core i 1st Gen was 4th gen Intel Core: Core Duo, Core 2 Duo 65nm, Core 2 Duo 45nm, Core i7,
And let’s not forget those Intel core before Core branding. There was multiple generations of Pentium.
I also wonder what AMD is going to do now that they are out of 4 digit options. I think we assumed they’d move to 3 digits to match Intel, but now that might go out the window.
You would think these big pulsing brains could think of a cool name instead of reaching into a box of recyclables.
Intel - 16420 (18 cores)
16 - gen
4 - 8P cores
2 - 8E cores
0 - 2LE cores
Intel - 17651 (36 cores)
17 - gen
6 - 12P cores
5 - 20E cores
1 - 4LE cores
Intel - 18820 (26 cores)
18 - gen
8 - 16P cores
2 - 8E cores
0 - 2LE cores
I solved the problem. Problem solved. I will be billing my consultation fee to Intel.
The Core i5-4590K would like to have a word about your naming scheme..
What the actual eff is this naming scheme... daffy crap.
In the end naming does not matter much, and this performance is very good. Just need more information on if this is stock or overclocked and what speeds it is running. My bets are this is stock frequencies.
Edit : 881, that could work
4 consumer chips