Multiple sources are suggesting that Intel is planning to launch more LGA1700 processors in the first half of 2027, capable of using either DDR4 or DDR5 RAM. Rumours of these Raptor Lake Next CPUs follow prior chatter of a refresh for the nearly four-year-old architecture, and claim to have insight into potential specifications and more.
During Computex 2026, the good folks at Tom’s Hardware heard that Intel’s new LGA1700 processors are in the works under the codename Raptor Lake Next. The outlet was also able to confirm that two motherboard manufacturers are working on new motherboards for the platform, but neither would comment on the alleged processors.
Spurred by Tom’s Hardware’s findings, fellow tech site Videocardz went further down the Raptor Lake Next rabbit hole, corroborating the codename. It also claims that production of these processors will begin in late January 2027, meaning the chips should hit store shelves during the first half of 2027, presumably alongside or following the launch of Nova Lake.
According to Videocardz, Raptor Lake Next CPUs will arrive under Core 200 series branding, rather than the old i-series naming scheme. Intel has already offered embedded and mobile processors in this family, based on its existing Bartlett Lake and Raptor Lake architectures. While these new chips seem like an obvious fit for desktop, reports indicate they’ll also arrive on mobile devices too.
There’s little word on specific model names, but prior rumours claimed that there’s no Raptor Lake Next Core i9 CPU in the works. That said, Videocardz claims to have details on four potential core configurations. These range from a 16-core (8P+8E) chip running at 125W, to a 65W 20-core (8P+12E) CPU, alongside a 10-core (6P+4E) model and a quad-core (4P+0E) option.
Importantly, these Raptor Lake Next processors will apparently boast full socket compatibility with previous LGA1700 boards. This means they’ll support both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, making them welcomingly versatile in the face of the ongoing RAM crisis. We’ve even seen motherboard makers release some unique designs to complement this advantage, with both DDR4 and DDR5 DIMM slots on the same PCB.
– Raptor Lake silicon, not Bartlett Lake
– Early next year
– Desktop and mobile (125W, 65W; HX)
– Coexists with 14th generation availability
– No fresh features from RPL-R. For comparison, RPL-R had many from RPL, such as WiFi 7, Fast Throttle, APO, etc.Specs soon.
— Jaykihn (@jaykihn0) June 13, 2026
Throwing another voice into the mix, regular Intel leaker jaykihn0 echoed much of the information that Tom’s Hardware and Videocardz have shared. However, the X user states that Raptor Lake Next will apparently coexist with 14th-gen CPU availability, and won’t feature any fresh features.
Should Raptor Lake Next be just around the corner, it’s all too clear what Intel’s Robert Hallock meant when he told us that Raptor Lake wasn’t going anywhere during our interview with him earlier this year. We’re curious to see how these new processors will stack up against existing 14th-en models, as it seems like the Core i9-14900K could remain the fastest chip on the platform based on the information above.
Of course, Intel isn’t alone in actively reviving older architectures. There’s a 5800X3D relaunch due later this year from AMD, with our Ben thinking we could see more AM4 X3D rereleases materialise in the near future. I feel like I’m back in 2023 all over again.
If you’re after processor recommendations for chips you can buy today, check out our best CPU guide for our top picks.
