Upcoming Intel Nova Lake-S processors have been spotted on the PassMark benchmark database. Chief among them is a 28-core chip, possibly related to the rumoured Core Ultra 9 4970K, providing a glimpse at how the CPU will stack up against current top dogs.
The PassMark benchmarks show the 28-core CPU scoring as high as 5,210 in the single-threaded test. This result is a head of both the ntel Core Ultra 9 285K and AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D, which score 5,059 and 4,805, respectively.
However, switching to multi-threaded tests, the Nova Lake-S chip’s lead collapses, scoring 61,509 to its rivals’ 67,274 and 72,065. This is all the more surprising considering its 28-core design.
However, these results likely aren’t indicative of retail performance, likey lacking final optimisations rather than illustrating inherent design limitations. After all, the CPU appears under the generic designation Genuine Intel(R) 0000, rather than a model name.
In parallel to this 28-core unit, the PassMark database also lists an 8-core model. This CPU scored 5,085 points in the single-threaded test and 23,478 points in the multi-threaded one.
In other words, it also boasts higher single-threaded performance compared to current-gen flagships, but doesn’t have as strong a multi-threaded pace. In fact, it barely delivered half the multi-threaded performance of an Ryzen 7 9850X3D, which gives further credence to the previous assumption regarding poor optimisation.
Again, though, these are early benchmarks, and we expect better results whenever Nova Lake-S hits shelves. We shouldn’t have long to wait since Intel Nova Lake-S processors are expected to launch in Q1 2027, starting with the 28-core model shown here.
