9th gen Intel processors launching October 1

Intel is set to launch its 9th generation Core processors on October 1, according to WCCF Tech. The new processors will be fabricated on an improved version of Intel’s 14nm process and will bring Intel’s first 8-core consumer chip to market. The first wave of 9th gen chips will feature unlocked overclockable CPUs, with more 9th gen chips to follow into early 2019. The timing aligns with a previous rumor tipping an October launch window.

The most powerful of the new 9th gen chips will be a flagship Core i9-9900K model that will feature 8-cores as well as support for 16 simultaneous threads, which will put Intel on par with AMD’s 8-core Ryzen 2 range (at least from a core count perspective). As a desktop class chip, it will incorporate 16 MB of L3 cache and will include Intel’s UHD 620 iGPU and have a base clock of 3.6 GHz that can boost to 5.0 GHz.

The Core i9 will be joined by a Core i7-9700K model that will also incorporate 8-cores for the first time, up from 6. However, it will not support hyperthreading. Similarly, the Core i5-9600K 6-core chip will also only support as many threads as cores, but at least picks up 'K' branding for enthusiasts. Details about the forthcoming chips can be found in the graphic below, along with estimated pricing. Intel still has a single-core lead over AMD, but the increased core count should help fend off the multi-core threat from team Red.

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