If you’ve tried buying a Windows laptop recently, you’ve probably noticed just how confusing processor names have become. Between different Intel Core and Core Ultra chips, figuring out which one is actually newer or faster isn’t always straightforward. And judging by the latest leaks, things might get even more complicated next year.
Intel is reportedly preparing two new laptop processor families for 2027, called Moon Lake and Wildcat Lake Refresh. According to hardware leaker Jaykihn, Wildcat Lake Refresh could arrive in the second quarter of 2027, while Moon Lake is expected to follow sometime in the fourth quarter. Interestingly, despite launching later, Moon Lake might not necessarily be the more powerful option. That’s because Intel appears to be designing these processors for two very different types of laptops.
Two new chips, but two very different priorities
Let’s start with Moon Lake, which could be interesting for anyone who values battery life over raw performance. The processors are reportedly being designed for affordable, low-power laptops, including devices that don’t need cooling fans. Previous leaks suggest Moon Lake could feature up to four Darkmont low-power efficiency cores, without any traditional performance cores. Its rumored 6W power rating also suggests Intel is prioritizing efficiency over squeezing out the highest benchmark scores.
Wildcat Lake Refresh, on the other hand, could offer considerably more processing power. It’s rumored to feature up to four performance cores alongside four low-power efficiency cores, doubling the performance-core count of the existing Wildcat Lake lineup. There’s also talk of Intel vPro support and configurable power limits reaching 35W, which could make these chips suitable for a wider range of laptops. Another interesting difference is how they’re manufactured. Wildcat Lake Refresh will reportedly use Intel’s improved 18A-P process for its compute tile, while Moon Lake is expected to stick with the standard 18A technology.
Intel’s processor lineup is about to get crowded
And these aren’t the only processors Intel has in development. The company is also working on Nova Lake, which is expected to power its next generation of desktop and high-performance laptop chips. Some desktop models could feature larger caches to compete with AMD’s Ryzen X3D processors, while Nova Lake-HX is rumored to arrive under the Core Ultra 4000-series branding. There’s also Razor Lake-AX, a project focused on powerful integrated graphics, although its future in consumer laptops remains unclear.
To make matters even more interesting, Intel could bring back its older Raptor Lake-HX architecture under the Core 2000 HX branding. Of course, these details are based largely on leaks, and Intel hasn’t officially confirmed the Moon Lake or Wildcat Lake Refresh launch schedules. Still, if these plans materialize, choosing your next laptop may require a closer look at what’s actually inside. After all, a newer processor name doesn’t always mean you’re getting newer technology.