Intel to launch Raptor Lake Next CPUs in 2027 with DDR4

Intel is reportedly planning to reintroduce its Raptor Lake desktop processors in early 2027 under a new "Raptor Lake Next" branding, according to multiple industry reports. The move is seen as a strategic response to persistently high DDR5 memory prices, aiming to provide a more affordable platform for budget and mainstream PC builders.

The new processors would represent the third iteration of the Raptor Lake architecture, following the original 13th Gen and the 14th Gen refresh. Unlike Intel's newer Arrow Lake and upcoming Nova Lake platforms, which require DDR5 memory and new sockets, the Raptor Lake Next chips will retain compatibility with the existing LGA1700 socket and support both DDR4 and DDR5 memory. This backward compatibility is central to the strategy, offering consumers a lower-cost entry point amid a prolonged memory pricing crisis.

Reports suggest the lineup will be branded under a Core 200 series and will consist of multiple models. The top configuration is expected to feature 16 cores in an 8-performance-core and 8-efficiency-core layout. Other models may include a 20-core chip with 8 performance cores and 12 efficiency cores, and a 10-core model with 6...