Top 5 Performance Improvements of Intel’s Skylake Processors

Today, Intel announced the immediate availability of the unlocked version of their 6th Gen Core processors, formerly codenamed Skylake. Now known as the Core i7-6700k and Core i5-6600k, these new CPUs are a new architecture based on the 14 nm die shrink introduced recently with the 5^th Gen Intel Core processors (aka Broadwell). But what does that mean from a performance and features standpoint and how will these new processors benefit your gaming and enthusiast/workstation applications? Here are the top performance improvements and new features to be found in Intel’s new Skylake processors:

Better performance with less power

With each new architecture, Intel processors typically produce additional processing performance because of Inter Process Communication (IPC) improvements, essentially improvements to how the CPU talks to the remaining PC components. With Skylake, this performance increase equates to an 11% overall improvement over previous generation CPUs. Not only that, but Skylake processors bring that extra sauce using 22% less power (65W vs 84W) than ever before. In summary, if you’re looking for the highest performing quad core processors available, it’s the new Skylake Intel Core i7-6700k.

Full support for DDR4

Intel rolled out support for DDR4 Memory to Hexa and Octo core processors which utilize the LGA 2011 socket last year. Now, DDR4 comes to quad core Skylake, a boon to heavy multitaskers, enthusiasts, media creators, and hard core gamers.

USB 3.1 Type C and Thunderbolt 3

We’ve discussed USB 3.1 and the speed benefits that it offers in previous posts. Now, Intel CPUs fully support the new Type C port as well as Thunderbolt 3 for even more speed, power, and convenience.

Wireless support

Wireless is the way of the future. With the new i7-6700k and i5-6600k, Intel processors make going wireless even easier by supporting WiGig for wireless docking and Intel WiDi 6.0 for wireless video up to 4K in resolution.

Integrated Graphics

Intel’s 5^th Gen Processors, aka Broadwell, introduced their newest integrated graphics knows as Iris Pro. With the integrated graphics of 6^th Gen CPUs, you’ll see a reported 28% graphic performance bump, which even rivals some low/mid-range discrete GPUs.

Bonus! – Designed for Windows 10

Intel’s Skylake processors were specifically designed to work hand in glove with Microsoft’s Windows 10. That means less waiting, better multitasking, improved biometric security, more responsiveness, better power management, faster wake, smoother 4K playback, and full support of DX12. What’s not to like?

6^th Gen Intel Core (Skylake) processors are now available on our Raptor Z55 and Promagix HD60. Configure yours now!

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Josh Covington

Josh has been with Velocity Micro since 2007 in various Marketing, PR, and Sales related roles. As the Director of Sales & Marketing, he is responsible for all Direct and Retail sales as well as Marketing activities. He enjoys Seinfeld reruns, the Atlanta Braves, and Beatles songs written by John, Paul, or George. Sorry, Ringo.

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