The rumored lineup of Intel's upcoming 14th Gen Core "Raptor Lake Refresh" series indicates significant improvements in core count and clock speeds. This refresh serves as Intel's final attempt to market its LGA1700 CPUs successfully.
Let's delve into the first rumored specifications for Intel's forthcoming desktop lineup.
Higher Core Count, Clock Speeds, and DDR5 Memory Support:
The key enhancements in the Raptor Lake Refresh series revolve around increased core counts for the entry to mid-range segment, higher clock speeds, and compatibility with faster DDR5 memory modules, potentially reaching 6400 MT/s. As the anticipated October launch draws near, early leaks and rumors regarding the next Intel platform are emerging from reliable sources.
Updated Series Rather Than a New Generation:
It is essential to note that the Raptor Lake Refresh is not an entirely new "generation" but rather an updated series that incorporates the aforementioned features. Convincing gamers to upgrade from the 13th Gen Core series might pose a challenge for Intel. However, users currently utilizing the 12th Gen series may find it easier to be swayed.
Core i7 Series with 20 Cores and 28 Threads:
Notably, the Core i7 series is receiving special attention, now expected to offer an impressive 20 cores and 28 threads. While mobile Core i7-13850HX processors have employed a similar configuration of 8 Performance and 12 Efficient cores, this setup has not been utilized in desktop variants until now. RedGamingTech has compiled the full specifications for the Raptor Lake Refresh in their latest video.
Sub $300 SKUs: Core i5 Series with 16 Cores and 24 Threads:
Customers seeking sub $300 SKUs will also be pleased to know that the Core i5 series is expected to include 16 cores and 24 threads. This configuration echoes the first-generation LGA1700 CPUs from the Core i9 tier, which logically aligns with the approaching $300 pricing of the Core i9-12900K series.
Increased Clock Speeds for Core i9 Lineup:
While Intel will not be augmenting the core count in its Core i9 lineup, higher clock speeds are anticipated. According to rumors, the 14900K is expected to reach a maximum boost of 6.0 GHz, while the potential highly binned variant, 14900KS, might achieve an even higher clock speed of 6.2 GHz, as suggested by Moore's Law is Dead.
Intel LGA1700 Core Series Specifications:
Please refer to the table below for the expected specifications of the 14th Gen Core desktop series:
*The table includes details from the 12th Gen, 13th Gen, and 14th Gen Core lineups.
DLVR Support for Improved Power Efficiency:
Although support for DLVR (Dynamic Load Voltage Regulation) has not been officially confirmed, ASUS has hinted at its potential enablement in future CPUs. DLVR is a power delivery technology that can enhance power efficiency by 20%. This improvement could result in lower operating temperatures or higher clock speeds, both of which Intel may find beneficial for the Raptor Lake Refresh.
Intel's Raptor Lake Refresh series aims to captivate users with its improved core counts, clock speeds, and DDR5 memory support. While the challenge of enticing gamers to upgrade from the 13th Gen remains, users currently utilizing the 12th Gen series may find the transition more appealing. With the speculated specifications now circulating, anticipation is building for the official October launch.
