Intel Moon Lake and Wildcat Lake Refresh get tentative 2027 launch windows

Intel's upcoming low power processor product stack roadmap for the next 2 years provides us with a better idea of what to expect in terms of UPE – ultra power efficient processors that are targeted to be available in 2027. This is important as these dictate the upper end capabilities for next year thin & light and even handheld gaming devices. At least now we can begin to tell the difference between budget oriented Moon Lake and slightly better Wildcat Lake Refresh prior to their release.

Intel splits its 2027 ultra-low-power roadmap into Moon Lake and Wildcat Lake Refresh

Moon Lake is focused on the ultra low power side and uses an ultra limited core configuration where efficiency takes precedence over performance. It makes use of Intel's mainstream 18A node. There are up to 4 Darkmont (low power efficiency cores).

Spec comparison

There are zero performance cores to keep a default TPD of 6W. This is ideal for always on and light duty type computing where battery life is more important than power burst.

Wildcat Lake Refresh is focused on higher end while also making use of advanced node. This should release earlier in Q2 2027 and use the newer 18A-P process for better thermal and performance properties. Up to 4 performance cores & 4 low power efficiency cores.

This extends the configurable power limit to 35W. This is for heavier tasks while keeping a small footprint. No heat issues thanks to more modern process node.

The release times listed above for these 2 product stacks are only tentative and could change as Intel tunes their manufacturing schedule. The timings were given by Jaykihn. Wildcat Lake Refresh in Q2 2027.

Moon Lake in Q4 2027. We've previously written about the Moon Lake development and dropping the performance cores. This would suggest the focus on efficiency at 6W. The timings here provide a framework for devs & hardware manufacturers to start doing the best thing for the upcoming product stack optimizations with both the software and chassis.

With the upcoming 2027 Intel processor roadmap we have low power computing split between 2 distinct product stacks based on core architecture and power consumption. Moon Lake as minimal power usage for low end. Wildcat Lake Refresh as a sweet spot of performance & efficiency.

Both making use of the 18A family of nodes to help with higher density and better thermals from previous generations. If you're looking forward to the super thin ultra battery lasting all day type laptops then look out for these specific launches in the 2nd half of 2027.

Source: NotebookCheck