Intel prepares another Raptor Lake refresh for 2027, Gigabyte confirms

Gigabyte has formally confirmed that Intel is preparing another generation of desktop processors for its older LGA 1700 platform, with support for older DDR4 memory. The motherboard manufacturer has released BIOS update for part of its Intel-based boards to prepare them for a new batch of processors expected to launch in early 2027.

The updates cover Gigabyte’s entire B760 and H610 lineup, including models that use older DDR4 memory as well as newer DDR5. Gigabyte says owners of supported motherboards will only need to install a BIOS update to use the upcoming processors. The updates are already available through its official support website.

The company claims to be the first motherboard manufacturer to provide support for upcoming CPUs across its entire B760 and H610 lineup. The announcement does not mention support for other chipsets, compatible with the LGA 1700 socket, including Z690, Z790 and B660.

Gigabyte did not name the processors, but the timing matches Intel’s Core 2000 “Raptor Lake Next” lineup. Earlier reports suggest that Intel is planning another refresh of its Raptor Lake chips, with a launch expected in late January 2027.

The new desktop processors are expected to belong to Intel's Core 2000 series. According to previous reports, the lineup could include a 125 W, 16-core model with eight Performance cores and eight Efficient cores, as well as a 65 W, 20-core version with eight Performance cores and 12 Efficient cores. These specifications have not been confirmed by Intel.

Intel has previously said it plans to keep selling LGA 1700 chips for years to come. In August, company executive Robert Hallock cited demand for DDR4-compatible systems as one reason. Rising DDR5 prices have made DDR4 systems an attractive option for buyers who want to upgrade their processors without replacing their motherboards and memory.