Intel 14th Gen Core “Raptor Lake Refresh” Reportedly Launching Between October 17th and 23rd

Intel 14th Gen Core desktop launches in mid-October

A Chinese media called Enthusiastic citizen (ECSM), which has a track record of leaking CPU manufacturers’ plans before they are made public, claims that Intel plans to launch its 14th Gen Core series in mid-October.

ECSM even specifies that the launch will happen in the 42nd week of this year, which falls between October 17th and October 23rd. This is reportedly based on Intel roadmaps that have not been released yet.

The launch schedule will follow the usual pattern of splitting Core-K and non-K models, which has been the norm for Intel’s desktop CPUs for the past few years. The latter is expected to launch in the first week of 2024, so one can probably anticipate another CES launch.

In terms of platform support, Refresh will of course work with all existing LGA1700 motherboards that have the latest BIOS, except for one processor. The upcoming Core i7-14700K is said to use a new configuration of 8 performance and 12 efficient cores, which may need a new firmware.

Intel Core 14/15 series rumours, Source: ECSM/Bilibili

ECSM also mentions the next-generation desktop platform called Arrow Lake. This architecture will bring a real update to Intel’s desktop line with completely new designs and a different socket (probably LGA-1851). The report lists Intel Z890, B860 and H810 motherboard chipsets as possible options, with no plans for the H870 chipset this time. This would mean that Intel has matched its consumer Core product name and platform with AMD: Core 3/5/7/9 vs. Ryzen 3/5/7/9 and Z890/B860/H810 vs. X670/B650/B620.

Interestingly, the same media reported last year that the 13th Gen Core “Raptor Lake” would be launched in mid-October, after a planned reveal in September. This turned out to be true, and enthusiasts can now feel a sense of familiarity as Intel appears to be following an almost identical annual update cycle with Refresh.

Source: ECSM