It looks like Intel is going all out with their upcoming HEDT line of processors that are part of the Skylake X and Kaby Lake X family. The latest leak from Videocardz (via Anandtech Forums) alleges that the chips will feature a brand new naming scheme and also details their specifications.
Intel Skylake X Flagship Core i9-7920X Specifications Supposedly Leaked, Family To Feature Core i9-7900X, Core i9-7820X and Core i9-7800X
The latest specifications aren't confirmed by Intel as of yet but they are very juicy in terms of details. The first most interesting detail is that Intel is finally going to stop using the age-old Core i7 branding on their high-end processors and go straight for Core i9 branding. The new Skylake X processor family is targeted at very high end enthusiasts and multi-tasking geared desktop PCs that require top notch performance in various tasks.
While the Skylake X family will be entirely composed of Core i9 series processors, the Kaby Lake X family will feature the Core i7 branding as they still are processors (although entry level) for the HEDT X299 PCH. There are a total of four Skylake X processors which come with the new 14nm Skylake architecture while the two Kaby Lake X processors features the latest 14nm revision to Skylake, known as the Kaby Lake uArch.
The Skylake X family houses the flagship chip of the lineup, the Core i9-7920X which as the specifications suggest is a beast of a chip. So let's get on with the specifications of these HEDT Skylake X and entry-level HEDT Kaby Lake X processors.
Intel Core i9-7920X - Intel's Flagship Skylake X Processor Featuring 12 Cores, 24 Threads
Starting with the flagship, we have the Core i9-7920X processor. This chip is a juggernaut featuring a total of 12 cores and 24 threads. The total cache on this behemoth is 16.5 MB (L3). Although lower than whole cache featured on previous HEDT processors, the new cache runs more efficiently and reduces chip size and cost while delivering better performance. The chip will ship with a TDP of 160W and will feature a quad channel IMC allowing for up to eight DDR4 DIMMs (two per channel) clocked at 2666 MHz (native).
The chip will also feature a total 44 PCIe Gen 3.0 lanes which are enough for running a range of multiple discrete GPUs and fast NVMe storage devices. The chip is expected to launch in August, a whole month after the initial lineup hits the market and will cost close to $1500 US as we have seen already with the 10 Core, 20 thread pricing of Broadwell-E Core i7-6950X flagship CPU.
Intel Core i9-7900X - Intel's Massive Multi-Tasking Processor Featuring 10 Cores, 20 Threads
The Intel Core i9-7900X is the 10 Core, 20 thread replacement to the Core i7-6950X. This chip will come with 10 cores, 20 threads but on a new Skylake architecture. The chip would feature a total of 13.75 MB cache, that's 1.375 MB per core. The core clocks are maintained at 3.3 GHz base, 4.3 GHz boost with Intel Turbo 2.0 and 4.5 GHz boost with Intel Turbo 3.0. That's a vast improvement over the current models and the chip will supposedly feature good overclocking capabilities with its TDP of 160W. The chip will have 44 PCIe Gen 3.0 lanes.
The chip will be aimed as a fast multi-threaded option for users who cannot afford the Core i9-7920X. It is expected to launch on June 26th for a price close $999 US or beyond. There's a chance that Intel may give Skylake X more competitive pricing based on the fact that Ryzen 7 is already out in the market and AMD is soon going to launch their HEDT X399 processors featuring 8, 12, 16 core processors.
Intel Core i9-7820X - Intel's More Cost Optimized 8 Core, 16 Thread Chip Replacing the Core i7-6900K
The Core i9-7820X will be Intel's cost optimized, under $1000 US variant. It will ship with 8 cores, 16 threads. The chip will be clocked at 3.6 GHz base, 4.3 GHz boost with Turbo 2.0 and 4.5 GHz base with Turbo 3.0. The chip carries 11 MB of L3 cache and will feature 28 PCI-e Gen 3.0 lanes. This processor is going to feature a TDP of 140W.
The chip will be a replacement to the Core i7-6900K which has been a very popular chip on Intel's current X99 enthusiast platform. The chip will also launch in June and will directly tackle the Ryzen 7 1800X. Although, price wise, it could sell for higher versus 1800X's $499 US market price.
Intel Core i9-7800X - Intel's Most Affordable 6 Core, 12 Thread Option in The Skylake X Family
Lastly, we have the most affordable Skylake X option of the four. Do note that I say Skylake X and not the entire X299 family as there are also Kaby Lake X chips coming to the X299 platform. The Core i9-7800X is going to feature 6 cores, 12 threads and will carry a total of 8.25 MB of L3 cache. Clock speeds for this chip will be maintained at 3.5 GHz base and 4.0 GHz with Turbo Boost 2.0.
There's no Turbo Boost 3.0 on this chip but Skylake X has one significant advantage on all chips. The L2 cache has been increased from 256 KB per core to 1 MB per core and that will lead to improvements in overall performance of the system. The chip will feature a TDP of 140W and will be available in June. This part will directly tackle the Ryzen 5 1600X with 6 cores and 12 threads but would likely come at a higher price tag since the AMD part costs $249 US and the Core i7-6800K which the Core i9-7800X was close to $400 US in pricing.
Intel Core X Series Processor Family Specifications:
| CPU Name | i9-7980XE | i9-7960X | i9-7940X | i9-7920X | i9-7900X | i7-7820X | i7-7800X | i7-7740X | i5-7640X |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPU Process | 14nm+ | 14nm+ | 14nm+ | 14nm+ | 14nm+ | 14nm+ | 14nm+ | 14nm+ | 14nm+ |
| Architecture | SKL-X | SKL-X | SKL-X | SKL-X | SKL-X | SKL-X | SKL-X | KBL-X | KBL-X |
| Cores/Threads | 18/36 | 16/32 | 14/28 | 12/24 | 10/20 | 8/16 | 6/12 | 4/8 | 4/4 |
| Base Clock | 2.6 GHz | 2.8 GHz | 3.1 GHz | 2.9 GHz | 3.3 GHz | 3.6 GHz | 3.5 GHz | 4.3 GHz | 4.0 GHz |
| (Turbo Boost 2.0) | 4.2 GHz | 4.2 GHz | 4.3 GHz | 4.3 GHz | 4.3 GHz | 4.3 GHz | 4.0 GHz | 4.5 GHz | 4.2 GHz |
| (Turbo Boost Max 3.0) | 4.4 GHz | 4.4 GHz | 4.4 GHz | 4.4 GHz | 4.5 GHz | 4.5 GHz | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| L3 Cache | 24.75 MB | 22 MB | 19.25 MB | 16.5 MB | 13.75 MB | 11 MB | 8.25 MB | 6 MB | 6 MB |
| L2 Cache | 18 MB | 16 MB | 14 MB | 12 MB | 10 MB | 8 MB | 6 MB | 4 MB | 4 MB |
| Memory | Quad DDR4 | Quad DDR4 | Quad DDR4 | Quad DDR4 | Quad DDR4 | Quad DDR4 | Quad DDR4 | Dual DDR4 | Dual DDR4 |
| PCIe Lanes | 44 | 44 | 44 | 44 | 44 | 28 | 28 | 16 | 16 |
| Socket Type | LGA 2066 | LGA 2066 | LGA 2066 | LGA 2066 | LGA 2066 | LGA 2066 | LGA 2066 | LGA 2066 | LGA 2066 |
| TDP | 165W | 165W | 165W | 140W | 140W | 140W | 140W | 112W | 112W |
| Price | $1999 US | $1699 US | $1399 US | $1189 US | $999 US | $599 US | $389 US | $349 | $242 |
Intel Core i7 7740K Processor Specifications – The Fastest Quad Core Chip
The Intel Core i7 7740K processor will become the fastest Core i7 chip in the Kaby Lake lineup. It will replace the Core i7 7700K with slightly better specs. This chip features a quad core, hyper-threaded design. The chip is based on the latest 14nm+ process node which delivers improved efficiency and performance on the existing 14nm FinFET technology.
The clock speeds are rated 4.2 GHz base and 4.5 GHz boost. The processor packs 8 MB of L3 cache and has a TDP of 112W. There’s no word on the retail price but it should be a bit higher, or if Intel does feel like offering real competition to the Ryzen chips, they could price it the same as the Core i7 7700K while dropping the former in price.
Intel Core i7 7640K Processor Specifications – The Entry Level, Under $300 US HEDT Chip
The Intel Core i7 7640K is also surprisingly now listed as a Core i7 chip rather than Core i5 as previously indicated. This chip features a quad core design along with four threads. The chip is based on the latest 14nm+ process node which delivers improved efficiency and performance on the existing 14nm FinFET technology. The clock speeds are rated at 4.0 GHz base, but boost would be beyond 4 GHz. The processor packs 6 MB of L3 cache. The TDP is rated at 112W, just like the Core i7 processor in the Kaby Lake-X family.
Other updates will include support for quad channel memory which will be a good bump over dual channel. The new X299 platform will offer more PCIe lanes from the CPU and PCH. Both quad cores will be pitted against entry level 6 core Ryzen chips as current Intel quad cores provide good productivity and gaming performance against the competition.
Intel Kaby Lake-X Lineup
| CPU Name | Intel Core i5-7600K | Intel Core i5-7640X | Intel Core i7-7700K | Intel Core i7-7740X |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPU Process | 14nm+ | 14nm+ | 14nm+ | 14nm+ |
| Cores/Threads | 4/4 | 4/4 | 4/8 | 4/8 |
| Base Clock | 3.8 GHz | 4.0 GHz | 4.3 GHz | 4.2 GHz |
| Boost Clock | 4.2 GHz | 4.2 GHz | 4.5 GHz | 4.5 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB L3 | 6 MB L3 | 8 MB L3 | 8 MB L3 |
| Memory Support | DDR4 Dual Channel | DDR4 Dual Channel | DDR4 Dual Channel | DDR4 Dual Channel |
| Socket Type | LGA 1151 | LGA 2066 | LGA 1151 | LGA 2066 |
| TDP | 91W | 112W | 91W | 112W |
| Price | $242 | $242 | $339 | $339 |
Intel Skylake X Processor Family For Intel X299 Platform Details
The Skylake X family in particular will feature five SKUs that include a 12 core, 10 core, 8 core and a 6 core model. The 10, 8 and 6 core models will be based on the Skylake architecture. All Skylake-X chips will feature a rated TDP of 140W and we can expect clock speeds north of the 3.0 GHz range and boosts of 4.0 GHz+ on the 6 core and 8 core chips. The 12 core chip will be the new flagship and will come with more PCIe lanes with faster memory support.
Intel’s new X299 chipset will be the latest PCH to support the enthusiast processors. The X299 platform will be centered around the LGA 2066 socket which will be compatible with at least two generations of processors. In specs, the X299 chipset offers up to 24 PCIe Gen 3.0 lanes. The chip also offers up to quad channel memory with speeds up to DDR4-2667 MHz (native). Kaby Lake X series processors will only support dual channel RAM but will stick to the native speeds of 2667 MHz.
The Basin Falls PCH also offers 10 USB 3.0, 8 USB 2.0 ports, SATA 3.0, and Intel LAN (Jacksonville PHY) controllers. Additional features include Enhanced SPI, SPI, LPC, SMBus and HD audio which are integrated underneath its hood.
The Skylake X and Kaby Lake X are meant to make a formal debut on 30th May followed by market availability by the end of June. This marks the announcement at PC Gaming Show which is in line with what we have recently been hearing so expect to see lots of motherboards being shown off at the event floor.
Intel HEDT Processor Families:
| Intel HEDT Family | Sapphire Rapids-X? (Sapphire Rapids Expert) | Alder Lake-X? (Sapphire Rapids Mainstream) | Cascade Lake-X | Skylake-X | Skylake-X | Skylake-X | Broadwell-E | Haswell-E | Ivy Bridge-E | Sandy Bridge-E | Gulftown |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Process Node | 10nm ESF | 10nm ESF | 14nm++ | 14nm+ | 14nm+ | 14nm+ | 14nm | 22nm | 22nm | 32nm | 32nm |
| Flagship SKU | TBA | TBA | Core i9-10980XE | Xeon W-3175X | Core i9-9980XE | Core i9-7980XE | Core i7-6950X | Core i7-5960X | Core i7-4960X | Core i7-3960X | Core i7-980X |
| Max Cores/Threads | 56/112? | 24/48 | 18/36 | 28/56 | 18/36 | 18/36 | 10/20 | 8/16 | 6/12 | 6/12 | 6/12 |
| Clock Speeds | ~4.5 GHz | ~5.0 GHz | 3.00 / 4.80 GHz | 3.10/4.30 GHz | 3.00/4.50 GHz | 2.60/4.20 GHz | 3.00/3.50 GHz | 3.00/3.50 GHz | 3.60/4.00 GHz | 3.30/3.90 GHz | 3.33/3,60 GHz |
| Max Cache | 105 MB L3 | 45 MB L3 | 24.75 MB L3 | 38.5 MB L3 | 24.75 MB L3 | 24.75 MB L3 | 25 MB L3 | 20 MB L3 | 15 MB L3 | 15 MB L3 | 12 MB L3 |
| Max PCI-Express Lanes (CPU) | 112 Gen 5 | 65 Gen 5 | 44 Gen3 | 44 Gen3 | 44 Gen3 | 44 Gen3 | 40 Gen3 | 40 Gen3 | 40 Gen3 | 40 Gen2 | 32 Gen2 |
| Chipset Compatiblity | W790? | W790? | X299 | C612E | X299 | X299 | X99 Chipset | X99 Chipset | X79 Chipset | X79 Chipset | X58 Chipset |
| Socket Compatiblity | LGA 4677? | LGA 4677? | LGA 2066 | LGA 3647 | LGA 2066 | LGA 2066 | LGA 2011-3 | LGA 2011-3 | LGA 2011 | LGA 2011 | LGA 1366 |
| Memory Compatiblity | DDR5-4800? | DDR5-5200? | DDR4-2933 | DDR4-2666 | DDR4-2800 | DDR4-2666 | DDR4-2400 | DDR4-2133 | DDR3-1866 | DDR3-1600 | DDR3-1066 |
| Max TDP | ~500W | ~400W | 165W | 255W | 165W | 165W | 140W | 140W | 130W | 130W | 130W |
| Launch | Q4 2022? | Q4 2022? | Q4 2019 | Q4 2018 | Q4 2018 | Q3 2017 | Q2 2016 | Q3 2014 | Q3 2013 | Q4 2011 | Q1 2010 |
| Launch Price | TBA | TBA | $979 US | ~$4000 US | $1979 US | $1999 US | $1700 US | $1059 US | $999 US | $999 US | $999 US |
