Gigabyte says new Intel processors for LGA1700 socket expected in early 2027
In short
Gigabyte said new processors built on Intel's LGA1700 socket are expected to launch in early 2027 and that a BIOS update will let its B760 and H610 motherboards, in both DDR4 and DDR5 versions, support them. Outlets linked the move to high memory prices, with DDR4 kits costing far less than DDR5. Intel has not confirmed the chips, and Gigabyte has not disclosed models, specifications or pricing.
Read the full story 2 min read
Gigabyte said new processors built on Intel's LGA1700 socket are expected to launch in early 2027, and that it is rolling out a BIOS update so its B760 and H610 motherboards can support them. Tom's Hardware reported that the update covers both DDR4 and DDR5 versions of those boards, so owners will be able to flash the latest BIOS and move to the new CPUs without replacing their motherboards. [ 1 , 2 ]
Tom's Hardware reported that Gigabyte has not disclosed SKUs, specifications or pricing, and that the announcement does not include the Z690, Z790 and B660 series, which use the same socket. The Verge said Intel did not immediately respond to a request for comment, and Engadget said Intel had not confirmed the theory that the chips are meant to work with DDR4 memory. [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]
PC Gamer described the chips as new spins on Raptor Lake and Alder Lake, whose last major launch was in 2023. Tom's Hardware said the early 2027 window aligns with earlier reports of a rumoured Raptor Lake Next lineup, a third refresh of the Raptor Lake architecture. [ 1 , 2 ]
The outlets linked the move to memory prices. PC Gamer cited around $210 for a 32GB DDR4-3600 kit against $480 for a 32GB DDR5-6000 kit, while The Verge cited $620 for a 32GB DDR5 Corsair Vengeance kit and $260 for the corresponding DDR4 kit. Engadget attributed the rise in memory prices to AI and said testing has shown DDR5 delivers a 1 to 10 percent frame-rate improvement over DDR4, depending on resolution and graphics card. [ 1 , 3 , 4 ]
In August, Robert Hallock, Intel's vice president and general manager for its enthusiast channel business, said Raptor Lake chips would remain in Intel's portfolio for "years to come" and pointed to DDR4: "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." [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
The Verge reported that LGA 1700 debuted in 2021 with 12th-gen Alder Lake CPUs and supported both DDR4 and DDR5, before Intel moved to a DDR5-only approach in 2024. It said AMD is doing something similar: in August, Gigabyte announced new motherboards for AMD's DDR4-compatible AM4 platform alongside the 10th-anniversary relaunch of the Ryzen 7 5800X3D. [ 4 ]
Why it matters
Tom's Hardware said extending the LGA1700 platform could give budget-conscious PC builders a way to reuse existing memory and motherboards instead of moving to a new platform. The outlets tie the plan to rising memory prices, under which DDR4 has become much cheaper than DDR5.
Key facts
- Gigabyte said new processors built on socket LGA1700 are expected to launch in early 2027. [ 1 , 2 , 4 ]
- Gigabyte's latest BIOS lets owners of existing B760 and H610 motherboards, DDR5 and DDR4 models alike, move to the upcoming processors. [ 1 , 2 ]
- The announcement does not include the Z690, Z790 and B660 motherboard series, which use the same LGA 1700 socket. [ 2 ]
- Gigabyte has not disclosed SKUs, specifications or pricing of the upcoming processors. [ 2 ]
- PC Gamer cited around $210 for a 32GB DDR4-3600 kit and $480 for a 32GB DDR5-6000 kit. [ 1 ]
- Intel's Robert Hallock said in August that Raptor Lake chips would stay in Intel's portfolio for "years to come", citing interest in DDR4. [ 1 , 3 ]
- Intel did not immediately respond to a request for comment, The Verge reported. [ 4 ]
Confirmed by several sources
- Gigabyte said new LGA1700 processors are expected to launch in early 2027. [ 1 , 2 , 4 ]
- Gigabyte's BIOS update extends support for the upcoming processors to its B760 and H610 motherboards, including DDR4 and DDR5 models. [ 1 , 2 ]
- Intel's Robert Hallock said in August: "LGA 1700 is still a good socket. Lots of people are still interested in DDR4, so we'll keep offering." [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- DDR4 memory currently costs much less than DDR5 memory. [ 1 , 3 , 4 ]
Still unclear
- Which chips the new LGA1700 processors will be. PC Gamer described them as new spins on Raptor Lake and Alder Lake, while Tom's Hardware linked them to a rumoured Raptor Lake Next lineup; neither Gigabyte nor Intel has named them.
- Whether Intel will confirm the processors and their DDR4 focus. Engadget said Intel has not confirmed the theory, and The Verge said Intel did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
- Whether Gigabyte's Z690, Z790 and B660 boards will gain support. Tom's Hardware reported these LGA 1700 series are not included in the announcement, without giving a reason.
- Models, specifications and pricing of the new processors. Tom's Hardware reported Gigabyte has not disclosed them.
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- PC Gamer reports Gigabyte's post saying new LGA1700 processors are expected in early 2027. [ 1 ]
- Tom's Hardware reports Gigabyte's BIOS update for B760 and H610 boards and links the launch window to the rumoured Raptor Lake Next lineup. [ 2 ]
- Engadget reports Intel is said to be launching new CPUs on LGA 1700, noting Intel has not confirmed it. [ 3 ]
- The Verge reports Intel did not immediately respond to a request for comment. [ 4 ]