By the TechCure India team · Updated 27 October 2026. Prices are from our live in-stock catalogue, inclusive of GST, and change often, the product page always shows today's price.
Key facts at a glance
| who spotted the driver | (source: Tom's Hardware) |
|---|---|
| where it was found | (source: Tom's Hardware) |
| file status | The driver file is locked and shows a padlock icon. (source: Tom's Hardware) |
| access control | Clicking the file redirects to an Intel login page. (source: Tom's Hardware) |
| driver label | The driver has a "testbuild" label. (source: Tom's Hardware) |
| driver purpose | The driver package is for Smart Sound Technology (SST). (source: Tom's Hardware) |
| what SST is | SST is an audio digital signal processor integrated into Intel silicon since Alder Lake. (source: Tom's Hardware) |
| Raptor Lake Next platform | Raptor Lake Next plugs into existing LGA-1700 motherboards and targets DDR4 systems. (sources: Tom's Hardware; TechPowerUp) |
| shipping evidence | (source: Tom's Hardware) |
what was found and who first noticed it
Tom's Hardware says the file came up when someone searched Intel's software database for the driver name. The report says the package is for Smart Sound Technology, the audio digital signal processor Intel has used since Alder Lake, which offloads tasks like noise reduction, echo cancellation, low-power playback and wake-on-voice to save power and reduce CPU load.
Tom's Hardware notes the file appears locked and has a padlock icon. Clicking it redirects to an Intel login page, so the file is not openly downloadable. The driver also carried a "testbuild" label, and Tom's Hardware says it looks like an internal driver test that was not meant to be published. This suggests Intel's internal software assets briefly showed a piece of work tied to Raptor Lake Next systems, even though the file itself remains access-restricted.
what the driver is for
Smart Sound Technology (SST) is an audio digital signal processor (a small dedicated chip that handles sound tasks) that Intel has included in its silicon since Alder Lake. The driver package found in Intel's software database is for SST, the same system Realtek and other audio codecs use to move certain audio work off the main CPU. Moving work to SST means the CPU has fewer tasks to run, and that saves power during audio use.
SST offloads common audio tasks to the audio DSP. These tasks include noise reduction (removing background sounds), echo cancellation (stopping your voice from coming back in calls), low-power audio playback (playing music or notifications with less battery use), and wake-on-voice (listening for voice commands while the PC is mostly asleep). Tom's Hardware says the goal of these offloads is lower CPU load and reduced power draw, which helps on desktops that may run many apps and on systems that need to handle power cuts or long battery life.
why this hints at Raptor Lake Next
An internal Intel driver labelled as a "testbuild" appearing in the company software database ties to Raptor Lake Next because Tom's Hardware and TechPowerUp both link similar evidence. Tom's Hardware reports the locked SST (Smart Sound Technology) driver was flagged by @momomo_us and appeared during a search of Intel's software site. TechPowerUp and Tom's Hardware independently say Raptor Lake Next is an LGA-1700 refresh, so a leaked internal driver for SST is consistent with a quiet internal test for refreshed LGA-1700 systems.
TechPowerUp adds that Raptor Lake Next will target buyers who need DDR4, and Tom's Hardware says Gigabyte BIOS changes nearly confirm DDR4 support for some boards. That means some Raptor Lake Next systems will support DDR4 memory, which matters for buyers who want lower-cost RAM or to reuse older sticks. The locked, login-protected SST test file and the shipping-manifest SKUs reported by TechPowerUp fit together: the software hint matches hardware signs that Intel is preparing refreshed LGA-1700 CPUs that can work with DDR4 in certain motherboards.
- Driver had a padlock and redirected to an Intel login page (Tom's Hardware).
- TechPowerUp and Tom's Hardware describe Raptor Lake Next as LGA-1700 refresh with some DDR4-capable systems.
what leaked shipping manifests show
Club386 shipping manifests list four SKUs that TechPowerUp and Tom's Hardware identify as 99DLMV, 99DLMT, 99DLMW, and 99DLMX. TechPowerUp and Tom's Hardware say these entries line up with rumours that Intel plans Raptor Lake Next as an LGA-1700 refresh aimed at systems that can use DDR4 memory.
Only two models in the list have usable details. Tom's Hardware adds that the 99DLMV's base clock is higher than the Core i9-14900K's base clock and suggests the 99DLMT's lower TDP and base clock point to an efficiency-oriented productivity role.
- Manifests show four SKUs; only 99DLMV and 99DLMT have core counts, clocks, cache and TDPs reported.
specs reported so far
Two Raptor Lake Next SKUs have concrete specs in the leaks so far. The 99DLMV is a 16-core chip with an 8P + 8E layout (eight performance cores and eight efficiency cores). It has a 3.5 GHz base clock, 30 MB of cache (presumed L3), and a TDP listed up to 125 W. Tom's Hardware notes its base clock is higher than the current Core i9-14900K's base clock, but reviews will be needed to confirm real-world speed.
The second detailed SKU is 99DLMT. It is a 20-core design with 8P + 12E. The 99DLMT runs at a 2.1 GHz base clock, carries 33 MB of cache, and is rated at 65 W TDP. Tom's Hardware suggests the lower base clock and TDP point to an efficiency-oriented productivity role. Only these numerical details are available from the sources; no pricing or full lineup confirmation has been announced yet.
- Only 99DLMV and 99DLMT have usable details; other SKUs in manifests lack published specs.
what is still unknown
Several key details about Raptor Lake Next remain unannounced. Pricing is not announced, and Tom's Hardware says there is no word about pricing yet. The launch date is not announced. Full SKU details beyond the four shipping-manifest codes are not announced. Performance reviews are not announced, and Tom's Hardware explicitly says reviews will confirm real-world speed.
Exact availability is not announced. Which countries or retailers will get which SKUs is not announced. Which boards will officially support each SKU is not announced, beyond hints of DDR4-capable LGA-1700 boards. Warranty, bundle options, and boxed cooler details are not announced. Tom's Hardware notes they would expect prices roughly like existing models, but that is not an announcement from Intel.
- Known gaps: pricing, launch date, full confirmed SKU list, independent performance reviews, exact regional and retail availability
what it means for buyers in India
Indian buyers can keep using many LGA-1700 motherboards if Raptor Lake Next ships as reported by Tom's Hardware and TechPowerUp. LGA-1700 reuse means you may not need a new board, which saves money on the motherboard and any extra features you might not need. Tom's Hardware also notes DDR5 prices are described as "insane," so the option to use DDR4 matters for buyers who want lower-cost RAM or want to reuse old DDR4 sticks.
TechPowerUp and Tom's Hardware link some leaked SKUs to mid- and high-range parts that fit existing sockets. Budget buyers in rupees should watch for which boards officially allow DDR4 on these CPUs, since DDR4 support is the key to keeping overall system cost down. Shipping manifests suggest samples are moving from Intel's Vietnam facilities, which means retailers or reviewers may get hardware before general availability.
- Reusing an LGA-1700 board can cut upfront cost compared with a new socket.
- Choosing DDR4 over DDR5 saves on memory spend, given DDR5 is described as high priced.
- Leaked SKU movement implies hardware testing is underway, but pricing and availability remain unannounced.
should you wait or buy now
If you need a PC now, buy an existing Raptor Lake chip. Current reports say Raptor Lake Next may arrive and could be priced roughly like today's models, but Intel has not announced prices or dates. Using today’s CPUs avoids uncertainty about stock, official board support, and warranty details that Intel has not announced.
If you want potential upgrades and DDR4 support, waiting makes sense for some buyers. Multiple sources link Raptor Lake Next to LGA-1700 reuse and to DDR4-capable boards, which matters if you plan to keep DDR4 RAM to save money. Tom's Hardware and TechPowerUp report shipping manifests and driver leaks that hint at new SKUs, but they also say pricing, launch date, full SKU list, and reviews are unannounced. If you plan frequent CPU upgrades or want the option to swap in a newer chip while keeping an older DDR4 board, wait for official Intel details and confirmed motherboard lists.
- Buy now if you need a working PC today and want no waiting or unknowns.
- Wait if keeping DDR4 or future CPU upgrades matters and you can tolerate uncertainty.
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Frequently asked questions
How was Raptor Lake Next confirmed?
An internal Smart Sound Technology driver file labeled "testbuild" was found in Intel's software database after @momomo_us spotted it, and Tom's Hardware reported the file appeared to be an internal test not meant for publication.
What is Smart Sound Technology (SST)?
SST is an audio digital signal processor Intel has included since Alder Lake.
Will Raptor Lake Next work with my existing motherboard?
Tom's Hardware and TechPowerUp report Raptor Lake Next is planned for Socket LGA-1700, so it should fit current LGA-1700 motherboards.
Does Raptor Lake Next support DDR4?
Sources say Raptor Lake Next targets buyers limited to DDR4. TechPowerUp and Tom's Hardware note DDR4 support and mention DDR5 is high priced.
Are full specs and prices available?
No. Some shipping manifests and model IDs are reported. Pricing and full release details are not announced.
Which new CPU models are mentioned?
Four SKUs are listed across sources: 99DLMV, 99DLMT, 99DLMW and 99DLMX. Detailed info is available only for 99DLMV and 99DLMT.
Should I delay a PC purchase for these chips?
There is no official launch or price. Tom's Hardware says they would expect new chips to be roughly the prices of existing models. If you need a PC now, buy current options; if you can wait, watch for official Intel announcements.
Sources
- Tom's Hardware, Intel quietly confirms Raptor Lake Next CPUs through internal driver publication
- TechPowerUp, Intel "Raptor Lake Next" 16-Core and 20-Core CPUs Surface
News details can change after launch, check the brand's official page before you buy.
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