Until then, we have some high-level information about the new Z590 chipset and the motherboards that go along with it to tide you over.
When the time comes, we’ll have a full CPU review as well as an updated product list. As with previous launches, Intel will certainly fill out the product stack with other variants such as 6-core/12-thread processors down to 4-core/8-thread parts. Helping to make up for the core count deficit, the new CPU architecture is supposed to bring significant IPC improvements as well as AVX-512 support, faster base memory speed (up to 3200 MHz), 20 CPU-connected PCIe 4.0 lanes, Intel Xe integrated graphics and more. And if your work needs more, you can step up to the HEDT platform or buy an AMD Ryzen 5000 series/X570 combination. At this time, there aren’t many (possibly any) games that show a marked performance improvement above an 8-core/16-thread setup. But the reality is, that change won’t affect a lot of users.
On the CPU front, the Rocket Lake CPUs took a step backward on core count at the top end, with the flagship Core i9-11900K set at 8-core/16-threads (like the i9-9900K had in 2018), while the Core i9-10900K was a 10-core/20-thread part.
