Gaming aficionados and graphics content creators have a new processor to look for in their spec sheets. At the Gamescom show in Germany today, Intel introduced new sixth-generation Core processors along with the new Z170 chipset.
Coming only months after the introduction of Intel's fifth-generation "Broadwell" Core processors, the sixth generation (known as Skylake) continues to use 14nm manufacturing processes, but is a new architecture using a new LGA 1151 socket. If you're following at home, that makes it a "tock" in Intel's tick-tock release schedule.
The new Intel Core i7-6700K and i5-6600K processors are sold unlocked, so they're made for the gaming enthusiast crowd that expects to push their system's performance beyond that of the mainstream user.
Both are quad-core processors, while the Core i7-6700K supports Hyper-Threading for 8-thread processing capabilities. The processors also feature easy overclocking in the BIOS screen when used with the K170 chipset. Even if you don't turn on overclocking, the Core i7-6700K will boost itself up to 4.2GHz in Turbo mode with no tweaking necessary.
In addition to DDR4-2133 memory support, the processors feature new Intel HD Graphics 530, with built-in support for up to three monitors and 4K displays. PCIe 3.0 support is expanded up to 20 lanes in the Z170 chipset, along with native support for SATA Express (SATA 3.2) and other technology updates like Thunderbolt 3.0.
Look for the new K170 chipset and Skylake processors in gaming desktops from system builders like Acer, CyberPower, CybertronPC, OriginPC, Xotic PC, and Velocity Micro in the coming weeks.