With its Core i7-6700K processor ($350), Intel has finally rolled out the first of its sixth-generation Core CPUs. Built on Intel's 14nm "Sky Lake" architecture, the newest chip offers the best performance to date over most CPUs on the market. However, it's the Z170 chipset that comes along with it that has people buzzing. That's because the chipset supports both DDR3 and DDR4 memory, and adds more PCI Express (PCIe) lanes for multiple-video-card systems and speedy PCIe-based storage.

The Core i7-6700K and every sixth-generation Core CPU requires a new motherboard. That's because the chips have an extra pin, and so use a socket called LGA 1151. The Z170 chipset supports up to three PCIe-based drives in a system, as well as up to six SATA 6Gbps ports. For external storage, Z170 now supports up to 10 native USB 3.0 ports (up from six in Z97 boards) and 14 USB 2.0 ports. There's no express mention of USB 3.1, either type A or C, so support for that will likely continue to depend on supplemental chips added to specific board models.

Intel has wisely carried over support for DDR3 RAM, along with DDR4. So, if you have an existing system and you're looking to upgrade, you may be able to bring over your old memory if the motherboard you're looking at supports DDR3.

If your system has a recent, high-end Intel Core CPU, it might not be worth it to make the jump to Intel's latest chip, particularly since you'll likely have to buy a new motherboard as well. If your system has a Core i7-3770K or older CPU or an AMD FX chip, the Core i7-6700K will give your PC a noticeable performance boost in both CPU-intensive tasks and those that can make use of both the CPU and the chip's HD 530 graphics.

For more details, check out the Intel Core i7-6700K review on our sister site, Computer Shopper.