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.
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).
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.
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 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 |
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.
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 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 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 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.
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 Series | Cores | Threads | L3 Cache | Integrated Graphics | Socket | Chipset |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Intel Core i7 | 6 Cores | 12 Threads | 12 MB L3 | Intel GT2 | LGA 1151 V2 | Z370 (300 Series) |
Intel Core i5 | 6 Cores | 6 Threads | 8 MB L3 | Intel GT2 | LGA 1151 V2 | Z370 (300 Series) |
Intel Core i3 | 4 Cores 4 Cores | 8 Threads 4 Threads | 4 MB L3 | Intel GT2 | LGA 1151 V2 | Z370 (300 Series) |
Intel Pentium | 4 Cores 2 Cores | 4 Cores 4 Threads | 4/3 MB L3 | Intel GT2/GT1 | LGA 1151 V2 | 300 Series (CFL-PCH) |
Intel Celeron | 2 Cores | 2 Threads | 2 MB L3 | Intel GT1 | LGA 1151 V2 | 300 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.