An MSI overclocker has claimed that the next Intel Arrow Lake processor could arrive in Q3 2024, which would be significantly ahead of what we previously thought.
As reported by KitGuru, an MSI overclocker named Toppc has dropped hints about the MSI Dragon event in Wuhan, China, which is rumored to include information on the “next” platform that is highly speculated to be socketed desktop processors. LGA 1851, Arrow Lake. S (via Chiphell).
Previously, it was rumored that we wouldn't see Intel Arrow Lake until 2025, so the news that the chipset generation could arrive in just a few months is certainly good news. This source also corroborates that the Core Ultra 9, Core Ultra 7 and Core Ultra 5 models will be exclusive to DDR5 RAM, as is the case with AMD's AM5 socket.
In terms of what we can expect from the Intel Core Ultra 200 line, the flagship of the next generation of CPUs is believed to be the Ultra 9 285K. According to Wccftech, this high-end chipset is alleged to max out at 5.5 GHz, which is significantly lower than the 6 GHz of the Intel Core i9-14900K and 6.2 GHz of the 14900KS.
For reference, that's the same speed out of the box as Alder Lake's flagship model, the 12900KS, which debuted more than three years ago. With architectural changes moving from socket 1700 (hybrid) to socket 1851 (disaggregated), it appears that Intel is prioritizing efficiency over raw power with its next generation of CPUs.
A Q3 release date is possible, but unlikely
The third quarter of 2024 is between July and September, which means Intel Arrow Lake could debut within two or three months. Considering rumors circulating that point to a release date at the end of the year or early 2025, we're leaning more towards a later release date than earlier, but the K variants could come first.
Toppc has been on point with leaks and rumors in the past, most notably with pre-release information about AMD CPUs with socket AM5 in 2022 (via Chiphell). That lends credence to the fact that we may not be waiting that long, as MSI's internal events could suggest an earlier launch, but we're not sold on a summer release date at the moment.
It's fair to say things have been turbulent for Arrow Lake. Recently, pre-release silicon became available for sale illegally in China. Engineering samples sell for as little as $14, however, even if the hardware is in the manufacturing process, that doesn't necessarily mean it will be ready for prime time within the next three months. We'll keep you posted on all things Arrow Lake as it happens.
