This is Intel’s new processors – Skylake impresses – M3

Skylake is a major update of Intel’s processors. The performance has jumped up a noticeable snap and the platform around it comes with several innovations, with support for DDR4 memory is probably the most important. The integrated graphics also peppats up and they have enhanced features for overclocking.

To begin with released only two models, the Core i7-6700K and Core i5-6600K. K-character in the model name indicates that this case of special unlocked models that are easy to overclock, and that they therefore primarily aimed at enthusiasts. A widespread launch of Skylake processors for both desktop and laptop, we therefore wait.

Intel has not revealed much information about these processors, it waits now with its large developer conference beginning August 18 .

processors use a new type of base, it means that you will not be able to stop these few existing PCs. But it had still not worked because you will want to use DDR4 memories, that is not backward compatible. Skylake also supports a type of memory called ddr3l but it is mainly for laptops and servers.

That said, it is not only processors that have been updated. The chipset Z170 which supports Skylake comes with a number of innovations. The processors handle previously 16 PCI Express lanes of generation 3, but the chipset extends this by a further 20 twines in the same generation. The link between the processor and the chipset has also received twice the speed.

Motherboard manufacturer Asus has tried to overclock a variety of specimens of these processors and their experience is that it gives good results. But really good cooling will most Core i7-6700K in 4.6-4.7 GHz and single copies reaches 4.8.

Intel Core i7-6700K with Skylake nucleus in place of the test system.

Sharper performance labeled

Our colleagues at PC World has tested Skylake and performance seems good. The new Core i7 model strikes a Core i7-4790K, with Haswell core, with between five and ten percent in most measurements. This is despite the older model has a higher maximum frequency in turbo mode, 4.4 GHz instead of 4.2. If you have a processor with Sandy Bridge core or older, this will be a really big upgrade.

Core i5-6600K spinning in the 3.5 GHz with turbo up to 3.9, has four cores and six megabyte Level 3 cache. Core i7-6700K instead uses 4 GHz with turbo 4.2, also has four cores but offers hyper-threading so it can handle eight threads simultaneously and has eight megabytes of level 3 cache. They are both buying today in Sweden with several online retailers, the Core i5 model costs around 2,800 kronor without coolers and Core i7 3800 SEK including VAT.

These processors will probably mainly end up in more extreme game-cans and home construction targeted to enthusiasts. However, performance differences from previous generations should continue even when it starts to show up models for the broader mass and laptops.