Full Intel X299 HEDT Skylake X, Kaby Lake X and Coffee Lake S Mainstream Platform Details Unveiled – Core i9-7920X Skylake X Flagship, Core i7 7740X Kaby Lake X Flagship, Coffee Lake To Get 6 Core and 4 Core CPUs

Hassan Mujtaba

UPDATE: Intel has officially announced the Core-X series processors. More details on them here!

The most updated platform details on the Intel X299 platform that supports Skylake X and Kaby Lake X CPUs have just leaked out. Along with the HEDT platform, details concerning Intel's Coffee Lake S (mainstream) family of processors have also been revealed from Intel's Partner conference.

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Intel X299 Skylake X and Kaby Lake X "Core X Series" Platform Details Unveiled Ahead of Launch

There are a ton of details shared on the new Intel CPU families, most of which we already know but some are new. During the conference, Intel mentioned that the new HEDT lineup would be called " Core X Series" so it's not known whether they will use the Core i7, Core i9 or Core X branding on the new processors. There will be a total of four Skylake X processors and two Kaby Lake X processors.

The Intel Skylake X HEDT family would feature a 6, 8, 10 and 12 core model. The 12 core model will be the flagship product of the family but unlike the other three, it would launch later in August and the remaining models would be available earlier in June. Intel's Kaby Lake X family would launch in June too, alongside the Skylake X parts and will feature two processors, both of which are based on quad core dies (More on these below).

Intel's Skylake-X platform promises to introduce the first ever 12-core SKU for the Mainstream/HEDT segment.

So before we get on to detail the specific models of the X299 HEDT family, let's take a look at what the chipset itself has to offer as there are a couple of major changes.

Intel X299 High-End Desktop Platform Full Details Revealed

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.

Intel X299 Enthusiast chipset features fully disclosed. (via DrMola)

The main difference is that while X99 allowed for 2 DIMMs per channel, X299 supports only single DIMM per channel with DDR4-2667 as opposed to DDR4-2400 which can still allow 2 DIMMS per channel. So while you were able to use all eight DIMM slots on the X99 boards, the same cannot be done with X299 when using DDR4-2667 memory.

Aside from that, Intel X299 has full support for CPU overclocking which is a bonus, we just hope that the CPUs are running cooler compared to the Kaby Lake S parts where Intel had to ask users to refrain from overclocking to avoid overheating issues.

The Basin Falls PCH also offers maximum of 14 USB ports (10 USB 3.0 Max), 8 SATA 3.0, and Intel LAN (Jacksonville PHY) controllers. The chipset can also drive three M.2 drives with Intel RST tech. Additional features include Enhanced SPI, SPI, LPC, SMBus and HD audio which are integrated underneath its hood.

Intel HEDT Processor Families:

Intel HEDT FamilySapphire Rapids-X? (Sapphire Rapids Expert)Alder Lake-X? (Sapphire Rapids Mainstream)Cascade Lake-XSkylake-XSkylake-XSkylake-XBroadwell-EHaswell-EIvy Bridge-ESandy Bridge-EGulftown
Process Node10nm ESF10nm ESF14nm++14nm+14nm+14nm+14nm22nm22nm32nm32nm
Flagship SKUTBATBACore i9-10980XEXeon W-3175XCore i9-9980XECore i9-7980XECore i7-6950XCore i7-5960XCore i7-4960XCore i7-3960XCore i7-980X
Max Cores/Threads56/112?24/4818/3628/5618/3618/3610/208/166/126/126/12
Clock Speeds~4.5 GHz~5.0 GHz3.00 / 4.80 GHz3.10/4.30 GHz3.00/4.50 GHz2.60/4.20 GHz3.00/3.50 GHz3.00/3.50 GHz3.60/4.00 GHz3.30/3.90 GHz3.33/3,60 GHz
Max Cache105 MB L345 MB L324.75 MB L338.5 MB L324.75 MB L324.75 MB L325 MB L320 MB L315 MB L315 MB L312 MB L3
Max PCI-Express Lanes (CPU)112 Gen 565 Gen 544 Gen344 Gen344 Gen344 Gen340 Gen340 Gen340 Gen340 Gen232 Gen2
Chipset CompatiblityW790?W790?X299C612EX299X299X99 ChipsetX99 ChipsetX79 ChipsetX79 ChipsetX58 Chipset
Socket CompatiblityLGA 4677?LGA 4677?LGA 2066LGA 3647LGA 2066LGA 2066LGA 2011-3LGA 2011-3LGA 2011LGA 2011LGA 1366
Memory CompatiblityDDR5-4800?DDR5-5200?DDR4-2933DDR4-2666DDR4-2800DDR4-2666DDR4-2400DDR4-2133DDR3-1866DDR3-1600DDR3-1066
Max TDP~500W~400W165W255W165W165W140W140W130W130W130W
LaunchQ4 2022?Q4 2022?Q4 2019Q4 2018Q4 2018Q3 2017Q2 2016Q3 2014Q3 2013Q4 2011Q1 2010
Launch PriceTBATBA$979 US~$4000 US$1979 US$1999 US$1700 US$1059 US$999 US$999 US$999 US

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). Skylake X CPUs will feature a LLC (Last Level Cache) of 1.375 MB (L3) per core and MLC (Mid Level Cache) of 1 MB (L2) per core. So the total cache each core will be able to access is 2.375 MB. So theoretically, we are looking at 28.5 MB of total cache available on the chip which is part of Intel's rebalanced cache hierarchy that not only going to save space but also deliver faster performance to improve IPC.

The chip will ship with a TDP of 140W (not 160W as previously indicated) 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 might 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.

It is also stated that Intel is working on a custom integrated water cooling solution for overclockers which will be either sold with the HEDT chips or separately.

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 140W. 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.

Boards such as the MSI X299A Gaming Pro will provide tons of features and up to triple NVMe PCI-e storage device support out of box.

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 Namei9-7980XEi9-7960Xi9-7940Xi9-7920Xi9-7900Xi7-7820Xi7-7800Xi7-7740Xi5-7640X
CPU Process14nm+14nm+14nm+14nm+14nm+14nm+14nm+14nm+14nm+
ArchitectureSKL-XSKL-XSKL-XSKL-XSKL-XSKL-XSKL-XKBL-XKBL-X
Cores/Threads18/3616/3214/2812/2410/208/166/124/84/4
Base Clock2.6 GHz2.8 GHz3.1 GHz2.9 GHz3.3 GHz3.6 GHz3.5 GHz4.3 GHz4.0 GHz
(Turbo Boost 2.0)4.2 GHz4.2 GHz4.3 GHz4.3 GHz4.3 GHz4.3 GHz4.0 GHz4.5 GHz4.2 GHz
(Turbo Boost Max 3.0)4.4 GHz4.4 GHz4.4 GHz4.4 GHz4.5 GHz4.5 GHzN/AN/AN/A
L3 Cache24.75 MB22 MB19.25 MB16.5 MB13.75 MB11 MB8.25 MB6 MB6 MB
L2 Cache18 MB16 MB14 MB12 MB10 MB8 MB6 MB4 MB4 MB
Memory Quad DDR4Quad DDR4Quad DDR4Quad DDR4Quad DDR4Quad DDR4Quad DDR4Dual DDR4Dual DDR4
PCIe Lanes444444444428281616
Socket TypeLGA 2066LGA 2066LGA 2066LGA 2066LGA 2066LGA 2066LGA 2066LGA 2066LGA 2066
TDP165W165W165W140W140W140W140W112W112W
Price$1999 US$1699 US$1399 US$1189 US$999 US$599 US$389 US$349$242

Intel Core i7 7740X Processor Specifications – The Fastest Quad Core Chip

The Intel Core i7 7740X 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 7640X Processor Specifications – The Entry Level, Under $300 US HEDT Chip

The Intel Core i7 7640X 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 overall productivity and gaming performance against the competition.

Intel Kaby Lake-X Lineup

CPU NameIntel Core i5-7600KIntel Core i5-7640XIntel Core i7-7700KIntel Core i7-7740X
CPU Process14nm+14nm+14nm+14nm+
Cores/Threads4/44/44/84/8
Base Clock3.8 GHz4.0 GHz4.3 GHz4.2 GHz
Boost Clock4.2 GHz4.2 GHz4.5 GHz4.5 GHz
L3 Cache6 MB L36 MB L38 MB L38 MB L3
Memory SupportDDR4 Dual ChannelDDR4 Dual ChannelDDR4 Dual ChannelDDR4 Dual Channel
Socket TypeLGA 1151LGA 2066LGA 1151LGA 2066
TDP91W112W91W112W
Price$242 $242$339 $339

Intel Coffee Lake S CPU Lineup To Feature Hyperthreaded Core i7 and Core i5 Models With Up To 6 Cores, Core i3 To Boast 4 Cores - Support Recommended on Z370 Platform With LGA 1151 V2 Socket

The conference also detailed a bunch of new information on the upcoming Coffee Lake CPUs. The Coffee Lake S family which is the codename for the mainstream desktop platform is already known to feature the first 6 core mainstream processor from Intel. The processor lineup will launch in the third quarter with a release focused around August at Gamescom 2017. The release will include a series of 6 and 4 core models. There will also be dual core models added to the lineup but later in first quarter of 2018.

Coffee Lake S will be launching alongside the brand new Z370 chipset which is known as CFL-PCH (Coffee Lake PCH). The platform will feature the LGA 1151 V2 socket so while it will have the same number of pins as the current LGA 1151 socket, it seems like Intel is moving to ditch support of the Coffee Lake CPUs on older LGA 1151 socketed motherboards such as Z270 series. It is stated that Intel will clearly be differentiating the socket with the use of "V2" moniker so consumers don't end up buying the wrong board for their Coffee Lake desktop processor.

Intel's Coffee Lake S CPUs are based on the company's most advanced and refined 14nm++ process node to date.

The new 6 core parts will feature 50% more cores, threads and cache compared to current offering. So we are looking at next-generation Core i7 mainstream SKUs with 6 cores, 12 threads and 12 MB of L3 cache. Similarly, the Core i5 models will be the first Intel mainstream models with full support for hyperthreading support. The Core i5 models will ship with 4 cores, 8 threads and 8 MB of L3 LLC (Last Level Cache). This is up from 4 cores, 4 threads and 6 MB of LLC on the current Core i5 model.

All models in the Coffee Lake S family will feature the next generation Intel GT2 tier graphics chip. The Pentium series would include 2 cores, 4 threads and up to 4 MB of L3 cache. There will also be some models with 3 MB L3 cache while featuring GT1 tier graphics chips.

Intel Coffee Lake S Mainstream Desktop Lineup Details (Preliminary):

Coffee Lake S SeriesCoresThreadsL3 CacheIntegrated GraphicsSocketChipset
Intel Core i76 Cores12 Threads12 MB L3Intel GT2LGA 1151 V2Z370 (300 Series)
Intel Core i56 Cores6 Threads8 MB L3Intel GT2LGA 1151 V2Z370 (300 Series)
Intel Core i34 Cores
4 Cores
8 Threads
4 Threads
4 MB L3Intel GT2LGA 1151 V2Z370 (300 Series)
Intel Pentium4 Cores
2 Cores
4 Cores
4 Threads
4/3 MB L3Intel GT2/GT1LGA 1151 V2300 Series (CFL-PCH)
Intel Celeron2 Cores2 Threads2 MB L3Intel GT1LGA 1151 V2300 Series (CFL-PCH)

Intel 10nm CPUs To Launch in 2018 - Feature Support on Z390 Chipset

Finally, it's mentioned that 10nm CPUs will be arriving to the consumer family on a new chipset known as Z390 which Intel is actively working on for 1H of 2018. This chipset will be called CNL-PCH (Cannonlake PCH) so it's quite evident that Intel is developing the new chipset for their upcoming 10nm Cannonlake CPUs. No information aside from this is shared on Cannonlake as of yet.

The Skylake X and Kaby Lake X are meant to make a formal debut on 30th May followed by pre-orders starting on 12th June. Intel will also give the green light for media reviews and marketing material to be published on the same day. 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. Finally, you will be able to redeem your brand new HEDT CPU when it launches on 30th June.

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