Gigabyte BIOS Update Points to Intel's Raptor Lake Next Processors Arriving in Early 2027
A new firmware release from Gigabyte signals Intel's plan to extend the LGA 1700 socket with fresh processors launching in early 2027, supporting both DDR4 and DDR5 memory on existing B760 and H610 boards.
Gigabyte's latest BIOS rollout confirms that Intel intends to bring additional processors to the LGA 1700 platform, with an anticipated debut in early 2027. The motherboard maker announced it is distributing updated firmware to enable compatibility across its B760 and H610 lineup with these forthcoming chips. Users holding compatible boards will be able to update their BIOS and move to the new processors without purchasing replacement motherboards.
The update extends to both DDR4 and DDR5 variants of these motherboard families, preserving backward compatibility for systems using either memory standard. The preservation of DDR4 support carries particular weight given current memory cost pressures, which have made PC building and upgrades more expensive overall. Notably absent from the announcement are certain higher-end models including the Z690, Z790, and B660 series, which share the same LGA 1700 socket.
Gigabyte has refrained from revealing part numbers, technical details, or cost information for the upcoming chips. The early 2027 timeframe aligns with earlier speculation surrounding Intel's Raptor Lake Next family. Prior reporting indicated that Intel is developing a third iteration of its Raptor Lake design using the LGA 1700 socket, which first appeared with 13th-generation Core processors and was followed by the 14th-generation generation.
Intel's Robert Hallock, vice president and general manager of Intel's enthusiast channel business, stated in an August interview with Tom's Hardware Premium: "LGA 1700 is still a good socket. Lots of people are still interested in DDR4, so we'll keep offering, and you'll see pricing smooth out over time. It'll come back to normal. That's the plan." Through continued LGA 1700 support, Intel may offer budget-focused builders a pathway to retain their current memory and motherboard investments rather than transitioning to an entirely new platform.
Industry sources have suggested that Raptor Lake Next might carry Intel's Core 200 designation, spanning Core 3, Core 5, and Core 7 variants. Specifications circulated by leaker Jaykihn point to a lineup that could feature a 20-core Core 7 with 8 Performance and 12 Efficient cores at 65W; a 16-core Core 5 with 8 P-cores and 8 E-cores at 125W; a 10-core Core 5 with 6 P-cores and 4 E-cores at 65W and 24MB L3 cache; and a basic four-core Core 3 with P-cores only, also rated at 65W.