It looks like the first salvo of new Intel Core 9th gen series processors (Coffee Lake Refresh) will be the high-end unlocked processors as follows; the Core i9-9900K, Core i7-9700K, and Core i5-9600K. This falls precisely in line with earlier rumours. There is confirmation provided for base and boost clock speeds, core counts, TDPs and more. The slide confirms that at least the top end Intel Core i9-9900K will arrive with a new Solder Thermal Interface Material (STIM). However, as Intel writes that "not all features are available on all SKUs" we don't know if the Core i7-9700K or Core i5-9600K will come with STIM (reminds me of StarCraft). Earlier rumours, that appear to be now confirmed, contained the detail that octa-core parts would come with a STIM while lower-end fewer-core parts will make do with the less thermally efficient but cheaper paste.

Some key features of the new 8 core processors are listed below:

• First performance Intel Core i9 desktop s-series processor
• Up to 8 cores
• Intel Z390 chipset compatible
• Solder Thermal Interface Material (STIM)
• Integrated USB 3.1 Gen 2 and Integrated Intel Wireless-AC
• Up to 16 threads, 5.0 GHz, 16 MB cache, and 40 platform PCIe lanes (16 CPU + 24 PCH)
• Compatible with all Intel 300 series chipsets
• Intel Optane memory and Intel Optane SSD support
• Thunderbolt 3 support