Intel 14th Gen Core “Raptor Lake Refresh” reportedly launches between October 17 to 23

Intel 14th Gen Core desktop launch mid-October

A Chinese media outlet called Enthusiastic Citizen (ECSM), which has a track record of leaking CPU makers’ plans before they go public, claims that Intel is planning 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 17 and October 23. This is supposedly 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 desktop CPUs for the past few years. The latter are expected to launch in the first week of 2024, so one can probably anticipate another CES launch.

As for platform support, the Refresh will obviously 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 might need a new firmware.

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

ECSM also mentions the next-gen desktop platform called Arrow Lake. This architecture will bring a real update for the Intel desktop series with entirely new designs and a different socket (likely 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 naming 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 launch in mid-October, after a planned September reveal. This turned out to be true, and enthusiasts may now feel a sense of familiarity, as Intel seems to follow a nearly identical yearly update cycle with the Refresh.

Source: ECSM