Surprising comeback: Intel is apparently planning new Raptor Lake CPUs

Intel is probably planning a return to proven technology in 2027. With Raptor Lake Next, a fresh generation of processors for the LGA 1700 socket is to come and bring an unexpected renaissance to inexpensive DDR4 RAM.

DDR4 comeback with Raptor Lake Next

Actually, Nova Lake, the next processor generation from Intel, has been known for some time. The desktop CPUs are said to have up to 52 cores and draw over 700 watts. However, there could be a delayed release due to the AI ​​boom. However, according to current reports, other new Intel processors will appear before Nova Lake. The chip manufacturer is not only planning to continue with its Raptor Lake processors, which were first released in 2022, but is also reportedly preparing the market launch of new variants under the code name Raptor Lake Next for the beginning of 2027. These CPUs reportedly use the established LGA 1700 socket, allowing users to continue using inexpensive DDR4 memory. The company is probably reacting to ongoing supply bottlenecks and high prices on the storage market.

Originally, DDR4 systems were considered obsolete, as newer platforms almost exclusively rely on the faster DDR5 standard. However, the current market situation is forcing hardware manufacturers to rethink. Mainboard producers are currently increasing production of older generation boards again. Intel is copying a strategy from competitor AMD, which recently reissued older AM4 processors to serve price-sensitive buyers. As Tom’s Hardware reports, the upcoming models will appear under the name Core 200. Gradations into classes Core 3, Core 5 and Core 7 are planned. The top model will have eight performance cores and twelve efficiency cores, which corresponds to a total of 20 computing cores with a power loss of 65 watts. A Core 9 model is currently not planned.

Core 200 brings asynchronous cache

A technical special feature of the new series is the asynchronous cache usage. For certain processors, such as a planned ten-core model, the L3 cache of physically present but disabled core clusters can still be used. This means that 24 megabytes of buffer memory are available, while comparable predecessors only offered 20 megabytes. The architecture continues to rely on the well-known Raptor Cove and Gracemont cores. The approach offers clear financial advantages for end users, as existing systems can be upgraded without expensive mainboard replacement. In addition, Intel’s manufacturing processes are now considered mature after initial difficulties with previous generations. Users benefit from the high stability of the platform. One disadvantage, however, is the lack of support for more modern technologies such as PCIe 5.0.

Newer systems are left out

However, buyers of the newer LGA 1851 socket will come away completely empty-handed with Raptor Lake Next, as the processors are designed exclusively for the LGA 1700 socket. In the past, Intel usually only offered two CPU generations per platform. With Alder Lake, Raptor Lake, the Refresh and now Raptor Lake Next, the company is breaking its pattern. This gives DDR4 an unexpectedly long lifespan.