Generations of intel processors table. AMD processor generations

The result is banal: it is impossible to judge the performance of any central processor by only one parameter. Only a set of characteristics gives an understanding of what kind of chip it is. Narrowing down the processors to consider is very easy. AMD's modern ones include FX chips for the AM3+ platform and A10/8/6 hybrid solutions of the 6000 and 7000 series (plus Athlon X4) for FM2+. Intel has Haswell processors for the LGA1150 platform, Haswell-E (essentially one model) for LGA2011-v3 and the latest Skylake for LGA1151.

AMD processors

I repeat, the difficulty in choosing a processor lies in the fact that there are a lot of models on sale. You simply get confused in this variety of markings. AMD has hybrid processors A8 and A10. Both lines include only quad-core chips. But what's the difference? Let's talk about this.

Let's start with positioning. AMD FX processors are top chips for the AM3+ platform. Gaming system units and workstations are assembled on their basis. Hybrid processors (with built-in video) of the A-series, as well as Athlon X4 (without built-in graphics) are mid-class chips for the FM2+ platform.

The AMD FX series is divided into quad-core, six-core and eight-core models. All processors do not have a built-in graphics core. Therefore, for a full build you will need either a motherboard with built-in video or a discrete 3D accelerator.

Assembling a computer can be a very difficult task, especially if you are not experienced in such tasks. There are a huge number of components that you can use, but it is important to choose components that are compatible with each other and will provide maximum performance.

The central processing unit is one of the most important components of a computer; it is here that all calculations are performed. It controls the operation of all other components, so it is important to choose the right one. At the moment, devices from two manufacturers are available to you: AMD or Intel processor. These companies create almost all the PC processors in the world. But they are quite different from each other. In this article we will look at how these processors differ so that you can choose which processor is better amd or intel in 2016.

Before we move on to the detailed characteristics of the processor and technologies, let's go back to the roots and see how both companies started.

Intel appeared a little earlier than AMD, it was created by Robert Noyce and Gordon Moore in 1968. Initially, the company was developing integrated circuits, then began producing processors. The first processor was the Intel 8008 model. Back in the 90s, the company became the largest processor manufacturer. And he still continues to invent and implement new technologies.

Oddly enough, AMD or Advanced Micro Devices was created with the support of Intel. The company was created a year later - in 1969 and its goal was to develop microcircuits for computers. At first, Intel supported AMD, for example, by providing licenses for the use of technologies, as well as financially, but then their relationship soured and the companies became direct competitors. Now let's move closer to the processors themselves and their characteristics.

Price and performance

Both Intel and AMD offer processors in a wide price range. But AMD processors are cheaper. The cheapest are AMD Sempron and Athlon, these dual-core A-series processors sell starting at $30. The dual-core Intel Celeron G1820 is slightly more expensive at $45. But this does not mean that AMD chips are definitely better. Intel is known to give better performance for the same price. You'll get a more powerful processor if you choose a Celeron, Pentium, or Core from Intel. If you compare amd and intel 2016, the former consume less energy, generate less heat, and higher performance is confirmed by many tests.

But there are a few exceptions to this rule; AMD sells quad-core processors for much less than Intel, for example, you can get the A6-5400K for just $45. If you're running software that needs a lot of cores but can't afford an Intel Core i5, then you'll be better off with AMD. The same is true for eight-core processors from the AMD FX series, which are much cheaper than Intel Core i7.

AMD chips also provide the best integrated graphics cards. For example, the AMD A10-7870K allows you to play most games in low detail and up to 1080p resolution. Of course, this is not a gaming card, but it outperforms all Intel HD Graphics cards, so if you want to game on a budget device, then AMD is a better choice.

CPU overclocking

Most processors have a fixed clock speed and it is set at a level that ensures that the processor will operate as stable and for a long time as possible. Users who want to get more performance overclock the processor by increasing its frequency.

AMD supports overclocking much better than Intel. You can overclock both cheap processors for $45 and more expensive ones for $100. As for Intel, here you can overclock processors of only one category - Pentium, for $70. It is well suited for this task, and from a base frequency of 3.2 GHz it can be overclocked to 4.5 GHz. AMD FX series processors with a frequency of 5 GHz support overclocking up to 13 GHz, although this requires special cooling.

In fact, budget Intel processors are not designed for overclocking, but AMD ones are quite suitable. If you want to overclock, then AMD is a great choice. There are several high-end Intel chips, with eight or ten cores. They are much faster than AMD chips. But AMD has a lot of power headroom, so they dominate overclocking. You won't find anything faster for home use.

Gaming performance

Gaming is one of the most basic areas where a powerful processor is needed. AMD has several processors that come with an integrated ATI Radeon graphics card. They offer excellent value for money. Intel also has such solutions, but if you compare Intel and AMD processors, its performance is lower.

But there is one problem, AMD processors are not as fast as Intel, and if you compare AMD vs Intel, then Intel may perform better in heavy games. Intel Core i5 and i7 will perform much better in games if you use a good external graphics card. The difference between amd and intel processors is that Intel can produce 30-40 more frames per second.

Energy efficiency

The confrontation between AMD and Intel, or more precisely, AMD's attempts to keep up with Intel is much worse than it looks. Both companies are holding up well, but the processors need to consume a lot less power. Let's try to compare intel vs amd processors.

For example, the Intel Pentium G3258 consumes 53 Watts, and the A6-7400K from AMD consumes the same amount. However, in tests, Intel's chip is faster in many aspects, sometimes by a large margin. This means that the Intel chip will run faster while consuming less power, so the AMD will generate more heat and therefore produce more noise.

If the question is which processor is better amd or intel for a laptop, then energy efficiency is even more important because it directly affects battery life. Intel processors last longer, but Intel hasn't driven AMD out of the laptop market. AMD processors with integrated graphics are found on laptops over $500.

Conclusions

AMD and Intel have been battling it out for two decades, but in the last few years Intel has started to gain the upper hand. New Pentium processors have slowly replaced AMD at various price points.

If you have the budget, then Intel is obviously the best solution. This will remain true if your budget allows you to purchase an Intel Core i5. AMD can't compete with Intel on performance, at least not yet.

If your budget is small, then perhaps you should look towards AMD, here the loss in performance is compensated by an increase in the number of cores. Such processors handle some operations faster, for example, AMD encodes video faster.

If we compare Intel and Amd 2016 processors, Intel is more energy efficient and therefore produces less heat and noise. For a regular computer, these features are not so important, but for a laptop, efficiency is very important.

But all is not lost with AMD; in 2017, the company is going to release a new architecture - Zen. Based on the available information, it is very promising. If you still want to buy AMD, then you should wait for the release of Zen.

Thus, the Intel processor is better than AMD, but in some situations the latter can give excellent performance and outperform Intel. For the Linux operating system, the manufacturer of the processor does not matter much. This is exactly the component that is fully supported by the kernel. Which processor to choose AMD or Intel in 2016, in your opinion? Which is better amd or intel? Which one would you choose? Write in the comments!

To complete the video from 16 bits ago about the history of Intel vs AMD:

Let's figure out what the main differences are between the processors of the world leaders - Intel and AMD.

We will also consider their positive and negative sides.

Major CPU Manufacturers

Everyone understands perfectly well that there are two leading companies in the computing market that are engaged in the development and production of the Central Processing Unit (central processing unit), or, more simply put, processors.

These devices combine millions of transistors and other logic elements, and are electronic devices of the highest complexity.

The whole world uses computers, the heart of which is an electronic chip from either Intel or AMD, so it’s no secret that both of these companies are constantly fighting for leadership in this area.

But let's leave these companies alone and move on to the average user, who is faced with a choice dilemma - what is preferable - Intel or AMD?

Whatever you say, there is not and cannot be a definite answer to this question, since both manufacturers have enormous potential, and their CPUs are capable of meeting the current requirements.

When choosing a processor for your device, the user primarily focuses on its performance and cost - relying on these two criteria as the main ones.

The majority of users have long been divided into two opposing camps, becoming ardent supporters of Intel or AMD products.

Let's look at all the strengths and weaknesses of the devices of these leading companies, so that when choosing a particular one, we rely not on speculation, but on specific facts and characteristics.

Advantages and disadvantages of Intel processors

So, what are the advantages of Intel processors?

• First of all, this is very high performance and speed in applications and games, which are most optimized for Intel processors.
• Under the control of these processors, the system operates with maximum stability.
• It is worth noting that the second and third level memory of Intel CPUs operates at higher speeds than in similar processors from AMD.
• Multithreading, which is implemented by Intel in CPUs such as Core i7, plays a big role in performance when working with optimized applications.

Advantages and disadvantages of AMD processors

• The advantages of AMD processors include, first of all, their affordability in terms of cost, which is perfectly combined with performance.
• A huge advantage is the multi-platform, which allows you to replace one processor model with another without the need to change the motherboard.
• That is, a processor designed for socket AM3 can be installed on socket AM2+ without any negative consequences.
• One cannot fail to note multitasking, which many AMD processors cope well with, simultaneously running three applications.
• In addition, FX series processors have quite good overclocking potential, which is sometimes extremely necessary.

• The disadvantages of AMD CPUs include higher power consumption than that of Intel, as well as operation of the second and third level cache memory at lower speeds.
• It should also be noted that most processors belonging to the FX line require additional cooling, which will have to be purchased separately.
• And another disadvantage is that fewer games and applications are adapted and written for the AMD processor than for Intel.

Current connectors from Intel

Today, many leading manufacturers of central processors are equipped with two current connectors. From Intel they are as follows:

• LGA 2011 v3 is a combined connector that is aimed at quickly assembling a high-performance personal computer for both servers and the end user. The key feature of such a platform is the presence of a RAM controller that successfully operates in multi-channel mode. Thanks to this important feature, PCs with such processors are characterized by unprecedented performance. It must be said that within the framework of such a platform an integrated subsystem is not used. Unlocking the potential of such chips is only possible with the help of discrete graphics. To do this, you should use only the best video cards;
• Thanks to LGA, you can easily organize not only a high-performance computing system, but also a budget PC. For example, a socket LGA 1151 It is perfect for creating a mid-price computing station, while at the same time it will have a powerful integrated graphics core of the Intel Graphics series and support DDR4 memory.

Current AMD connectors

Today AMD is promoting the following processor sockets:

• The main computing platform for such a developer is considered AM3+. The most productive CPUs are considered to be the FX model range, which includes up to eight computing modules. In addition, such a platform supports an integrated graphics subsystem. However, here the graphics core is included in the motherboard, rather than integrated into the semiconductor crystals;
• the latest modern AMD processor socket – FM3+. AMD's new CPUs are intended to be used in desktop computers and media centers not only at entry-level, but also at mid-level. Thanks to this, the most modern integrated solution will be available to the average user for a fairly small amount.

Working possibilities

Many people first pay attention to the price of the processor. It is also important for them that he can easily solve the tasks assigned to him.

So, what can both organizations offer on this point? AMD is not known for outstanding achievements.

But this processor represents excellent value for money and good performance. If you configure it correctly, you can expect stable operation without any complaints.

It is worth noting that AMD managed to implement multitasking. Thanks to such a processor, various applications can be easily launched.

With its help, you can simultaneously install the game and surf the vast expanses of the Internet.

But Intel is known for more modest results in this area, which is confirmed by the comparison of processors.

It would not be superfluous to pay attention to the availability of overclocking, during which the performance of an AMD processor can easily be increased by twenty percent compared to standard settings.

To do this, you just need to use additional software.

Intel beats AMD in almost everything except multitasking. In addition, Intel is working with

So you should select the motherboard and power supply much more carefully to prevent freezes due to insufficient power.

Power consumption chart for Intel and AMD It's the same story with heat dissipation. It is quite high in older models. As a result, a standard cooler has difficulty coping with increased cooling.

Therefore, when purchasing a CPU from AMD, you must additionally purchase high-quality cooling from any decent company. Don't forget that high-quality fans make much less noise.

Socket type and performance

We should also say something about performance. After AMD acquired ATI, its creators were able to successfully integrate most of the graphics processing capabilities into the processor cores. Such efforts have paid off successfully.

Those who use an AMD chip for gaming should have no doubt that they are getting good performance, which is much better than the performance of equivalent chips from Intel (this is especially true for those who use a card with ATI graphics).

If it comes to heavy multitasking, then it is better to choose Intel, since it has HyperTreasing technology.

However, this advantage can only be exploited when the software application is capable of multitasking, that is, the ability to divide tasks into several small parts.

If the user needs a gaming processor, it is better to combine an AMD processor with a video card.

So, there is a big difference between intel and amd processor sockets. When choosing the right option, consider the differences between them listed in this article. This will make choosing the right option much easier.

On January 3, the birthday of the company's founding father, Gordon Moore (he was born on January 3, 1929), Intel announced a family of new 7th generation Intel Core processors and new Intel 200 series chipsets. We had the opportunity to test Intel Core i7-7700 and Core i7-7700K processors and compare them with previous generation processors.

7th generation Intel Core processors

The new family of 7th generation Intel Core processors is known by the code name Kaby Lake, and these processors are a bit of a stretch. They, like the 6th generation Core processors, are manufactured using a 14-nanometer process technology and are based on the same processor microarchitecture.

Let us recall that earlier, before the release of Kaby Lake, Intel released its processors in accordance with the “Tick-Tock” algorithm: the processor microarchitecture changed every two years and the production process changed every two years. But the change in microarchitecture and technical process were shifted relative to each other by a year, so that once a year the technical process changed, then, a year later, the microarchitecture changed, then, again a year later, the technical process changed, etc. However, it would take a long time for the company to maintain such a fast pace could not and eventually abandoned this algorithm, replacing it with a three-year cycle. The first year is the introduction of a new technical process, the second year is the introduction of a new microarchitecture based on the existing technical process, and the third year is optimization. Thus, another year of optimization was added to Tick-Tock.

The 5th generation Intel Core processors, codenamed Broadwell, marked the transition to the 14-nanometer process ("Tick"). These were processors with Haswell microarchitecture (with minor improvements), but produced using the new 14-nanometer process technology. The 6th generation Intel Core processors, codenamed Skylake (“Tock”), were manufactured on the same 14nm process as Broadwell, but had a new microarchitecture. And the 7th generation Intel Core processors, codenamed Kaby Lake, are manufactured on the same 14nm process (albeit now designated “14+”) and are based on the same Skylake microarchitecture, but it’s all optimized and improved. What exactly optimization and What exactly improved - for now it is a mystery, shrouded in darkness. This review was written before the official announcement of the new processors, and Intel was unable to provide us with any official information, so there is still very little information about the new processors.

In general, it was not by chance that we remembered the birthday of Gordon Moore, who in 1968 together with Robert Noyce founded the Intel company, at the very beginning of the article. Over the years, many things have been attributed to this legendary man that he never said. At first, his prediction was elevated to the rank of a law (“Moore’s Law”), then this law became the fundamental plan for the development of microelectronics (a kind of analogue of the five-year plan for the development of the national economy of the USSR). However, Moore's law had to be rewritten and adjusted several times, since reality, unfortunately, cannot always be planned. Now we need to either rewrite Moore’s law once again, which, in general, is already ridiculous, or simply forget about this so-called law. Actually, that’s what Intel did: since it no longer works, they decided to slowly consign it to oblivion.

However, let's return to our new processors. It is officially known that the Kaby Lake processor family will include four separate series: S, H, U and Y. In addition, there will be an Intel Xeon series for workstations. Kaby Lake-Y processors aimed at tablets and thin laptops, as well as some models of Kaby Lake-U series processors for laptops, have already been announced earlier. And in early January, Intel introduced only some models of H- and S-series processors. The S-series processors, which have an LGA design and which we will talk about in this review, are aimed at desktop systems. Kaby Lake-S has an LGA1151 socket and is compatible with motherboards based on Intel 100 series chipsets and the new Intel 200 series chipsets. We do not know the release plan for Kaby Lake-S processors, but there is information that a total of 16 new models for desktop PCs are planned, which will traditionally comprise three families (Core i7/i5/i3). All Kaby Lake-S desktop processors will only use Intel HD Graphics 630 (codenamed Kaby Lake-GT2).

The Intel Core i7 family will consist of three processors: 7700K, 7700 and 7700T. All models in this family have 4 cores, support simultaneous processing of up to 8 threads (Hyper-Threading technology) and have an 8 MB L3 cache. The difference between them is power consumption and clock speed. In addition, the top model Core i7-7700K has an unlocked multiplier. Brief specifications for the 7th generation Intel Core i7 family processors are given below.

The Intel Core i5 family will consist of seven processors: 7600K, 7600, 7500, 7400, 7600T, 7500T and 7400T. All models in this family have 4 cores, but do not support Hyper-Threading technology. Their L3 cache size is 6 MB. The top model Core i5-7600K has an unlocked multiplier and a TDP of 91 W. The "T" models have a 35W TDP, while the regular models have a 65W TDP. Brief specifications for the 7th generation Intel Core i5 family of processors are given below.

The Intel Core i3 family will consist of six processors: 7350K, 7320, 7300, 7100, 7300T and 7100T. All models in this family have 2 cores and support Hyper-Threading technology. The letter “T” in the model name indicates that its TDP is 35 W. Now in the Intel Core i3 family there is also a model (Core i3-7350K) with an unlocked multiplier, the TDP of which is 60 W. Brief specifications for the 7th generation Intel Core i3 family processors are given below.

Intel 200 series chipsets

Along with the Kaby Lake-S processors, Intel also announced new Intel 200 series chipsets. More precisely, so far only the top-end Intel Z270 chipset has been presented, and the rest will be announced a little later. In total, the Intel 200 series chipset family will include five options (Q270, Q250, B250, H270, Z270) for desktop processors and three solutions (CM238, HM175, QM175) for mobile processors.

If we compare the family of new chipsets with the family of 100-series chipsets, then everything is obvious: Z270 is a new version of Z170, H270 replaces H170, Q270 replaces Q170, and Q250 and B250 chipsets replace Q150 and B150, respectively. The only chipset that has not been replaced is the H110. The 200 series does not have the H210 chipset or its equivalent. The positioning of the 200 series chipsets is exactly the same as the 100 series chipsets: the Q270 and Q250 are aimed at the enterprise market, the Z270 and H270 are aimed at consumer PCs, and the B250 is aimed at the SMB sector of the market. However, this positioning is very arbitrary, and motherboard manufacturers often have their own vision of chipset positioning.

So, what's new in the Intel 200 series chipsets and how are they better than the Intel 100 series chipsets? This is not an idle question, because Kaby Lake-S processors are also compatible with Intel 100 series chipsets. So is it worth buying a board based on the Intel Z270 if the board, for example, based on the Intel Z170 chipset turns out to be cheaper (all other things being equal)? Alas, there is no need to say that Intel 200 series chipsets have serious advantages. Almost the only difference between the new chipsets and the old ones is a slightly increased number of HSIO ports (high-speed input/output ports) due to the addition of several PCIe 3.0 ports.

Next, we will look in detail at what and how much is added to each chipset, but for now we will briefly consider the features of the Intel 200 series chipsets as a whole, focusing on the top options, in which everything is implemented to the maximum.

Let's start with the fact that, like Intel 100-series chipsets, the new chipsets allow you to combine 16 PCIe 3.0 processor ports (PEG ports) to implement different PCIe slot options. For example, the Intel Z270 and Q270 chipsets (as well as their Intel Z170 and Q170 counterparts) allow you to combine 16 PEG processor ports in the following combinations: x16, x8/x8 or x8/x4/x4. The remaining chipsets (H270, B250 and Q250) allow only one possible combination of PEG port allocation: x16. Intel 200 series chipsets also support dual-channel DDR4 or DDR3L memory. In addition, Intel 200 series chipsets support the ability to simultaneously connect up to three monitors to the processor graphics core (just like the 100 series chipsets).

As for the SATA and USB ports, nothing has changed here. The integrated SATA controller provides up to six SATA 6 Gb/s ports. Naturally, Intel RST (Rapid Storage Technology) technology is supported, which allows you to configure a SATA controller in RAID controller mode (though not on all chipsets) with support for levels 0, 1, 5 and 10. Intel RST technology is supported not only for SATA -ports, but also for drives with a PCIe interface (x4/x2, M.2 and SATA Express connectors). Perhaps, speaking about Intel RST technology, it makes sense to mention the new technology for creating Intel Optane drives, but in practice there is nothing to talk about here yet; there are no ready-made solutions yet. The top models of Intel 200 series chipsets support up to 14 USB ports, of which up to 10 ports can be USB 3.0, and the rest can be USB 2.0.

Like the Intel 100 series chipsets, the Intel 200 series chipsets support Flexible I/O technology, which allows you to configure high-speed input/output (HSIO) ports - PCIe, SATA and USB 3.0. Flexible I/O technology allows you to configure some HSIO ports as PCIe or USB 3.0 ports, and some HSIO ports as PCIe or SATA ports. Intel 200 series chipsets can provide a total of 30 high-speed I/O ports (Intel 100 series chipsets had 26 HSIO ports).

The first six high-speed ports (Port #1 - Port #6) are strictly fixed: these are USB 3.0 ports. The next four high-speed ports of the chipset (Port #7 - Port #10) can be configured as either USB 3.0 ports or PCIe ports. Port #10 can also be used as a GbE network port, that is, a MAC controller for a gigabit network interface is built into the chipset itself, and a PHY controller (MAC controller in conjunction with a PHY controller form a full-fledged network controller) can only be connected to certain high-speed ports of the chipset. In particular, these can be Port #10, Port #11, Port #15, Port #18 and Port #19. Another 12 HSIO ports (Port #11 - Port #14, Port #17, Port #18, Port #25 - Port #30) are assigned to PCIe ports. Four more ports (Port #21 - Port #24) are configured as either PCIe ports or SATA 6 Gb/s ports. Port #15, Port #16 and Port #19, Port #20 have a special feature. They can be configured as either PCIe ports or SATA 6 Gb/s ports. The peculiarity is that one SATA 6 Gb/s port can be configured on either Port #15 or Port #19 (that is, it is the same SATA #0 port, which can be output to either Port #15 , or on Port #19). Likewise, another SATA 6 Gb/s port (SATA #1) is routed to either Port #16 or Port #20.

As a result, we get that in total the chipset can implement up to 10 USB 3.0 ports, up to 24 PCIe ports and up to 6 SATA 6 Gb/s ports. However, there is one more circumstance worth noting here. A maximum of 16 PCIe devices can be connected to these 20 PCIe ports at the same time. In this case, devices refer to controllers, connectors and slots. Connecting one PCIe device may require one, two, or four PCIe ports. For example, if we are talking about a PCI Express 3.0 x4 slot, then this is one PCIe device that requires 4 PCIe 3.0 ports to connect.

The distribution diagram of high-speed I/O ports for Intel 200 series chipsets is shown in the figure.

If we compare it with what was in the Intel 100-series chipsets, there are very few changes: four strictly fixed PCIe ports have been added (chipset HSIO ports Port #27 - Port #30), which can be used to combine Intel RST for PCIe Storage . Everything else, including the numbering of HSIO ports, remains unchanged. The distribution diagram of high-speed I/O ports for Intel 100 series chipsets is shown in the figure.

Until now, we have considered the functionality of new chipsets in general, without reference to specific models. Next, in the summary table, we provide brief characteristics of each Intel 200 series chipset.

And for comparison, here are brief characteristics of Intel 100 series chipsets.

The distribution diagram of high-speed I/O ports for five Intel 200 series chipsets is shown in the figure.

And for comparison, a similar diagram for five Intel 100 series chipsets:

And the last thing worth noting when talking about Intel 200 series chipsets: only the Intel Z270 chipset supports overclocking the processor and memory.

Now, after our express review of the new Kaby Lake-S processors and Intel 200 series chipsets, let's move on directly to testing the new products.

Performance Research

We were able to test two new products: the top-end Intel Core i7-7700K processor with an unlocked multiplier and the Intel Core i7-7700 processor. For testing we used a stand with the following configuration:

In addition, in order to be able to evaluate the performance of the new processors in relation to the performance of processors of previous generations, we also tested the Intel Core i7-6700K processor on the described bench.

Brief specifications of the tested processors are given in the table.

To evaluate performance, we used our new methodology using the iXBT Application Benchmark 2017 test package. The Intel Core i7-7700K processor was tested twice: with default settings and overclocked to 5 GHz. Overclocking was done by changing the multiplication factor.

The results are calculated from five runs of each test with a confidence level of 95%. Please note that the integral results in this case are normalized relative to the reference system, which also uses an Intel Core i7-6700K processor. However, the configuration of the reference system differs from the configuration of the test bench: the reference system uses an Asus Z170-WS motherboard based on the Intel Z170 chipset.

The test results are presented in the table and diagram.

If we compare the results of testing processors obtained at the same stand, then everything is very predictable. The Core i7-7700K processor at default settings (without overclocking) is slightly faster (7%) than the Core i7-7700, which is explained by the difference in their clock speed. Overclocking the Core i7-7700K processor to 5 GHz allows you to achieve a performance gain of up to 10% compared to the performance of this processor without overclocking. The Core i7-6700K processor (without overclocking) is slightly more powerful (by 4%) compared to the Core i7-7700 processor, which is also explained by the difference in their clock speed. At the same time, the Core i7-7700K model is 2.5% more productive than the previous generation Core i7-6700K model.

As you can see, the new 7th generation Intel Core processors do not provide any performance boost. Essentially, these are the same 6th generation Intel Core processors, but with slightly higher clock speeds. The only advantage of the new processors is that they race better (we are, of course, talking about K-series processors with unlocked multipliers). In particular, our copy of the Core i7-7700K processor, which we did not specifically select, overclocked to 5.0 GHz without any problems and worked absolutely stably when using air cooling. It was possible to run this processor at a frequency of 5.1 GHz, but the system froze in processor stress testing mode. Of course, it is incorrect to draw conclusions based on one processor instance, but information from our colleagues confirms that most Kaby Lake K-series processors race better than Skylake processors. Note that our sample Core i7-6700K processor was overclocked at best to a frequency of 4.9 GHz, but only worked stably at a frequency of 4.5 GHz.

Now let's look at the power consumption of processors. Let us remember that we connect the measuring unit to the power supply circuit between the power supply and the motherboard - to the 24-pin (ATX) and 8-pin (EPS12V) connectors of the power supply. Our measurement unit is capable of measuring voltage and current on the 12 V, 5 V and 3.3 V rails of the ATX connector, as well as supply voltage and current on the 12 V rail of the EPS12V connector.

The total power consumption during the test refers to the power transmitted through the 12 V, 5 V and 3.3 V buses of the ATX connector and the 12 V bus of the EPS12V connector. The power consumed by the processor during the test refers to the power transmitted through the 12 V bus of the EPS12V connector (this connector is used only to power the processor). However, you need to keep in mind that in this case we are talking about the power consumption of the processor together with its supply voltage converter on the board. Naturally, the processor supply voltage regulator has a certain efficiency (definitely below 100%), so that part of the electrical energy is consumed by the regulator itself, and the real power consumed by the processor is slightly lower than the values ​​we measure.

The measurement results for total power consumption in all tests, with the exception of drive performance tests, are presented below:

Similar results for measuring processor power consumption are as follows:

Of interest, first of all, is a comparison of the power consumption of the Core i7-6700K and Core i7-7700K processors in operating mode without overclocking. The Core i7-6700K processor has lower power consumption, that is, the Core i7-7700K processor is slightly more powerful, but it also has higher power consumption. Moreover, if the integrated performance of the Core i7-7700K processor is 2.5% higher in comparison with the performance of the Core i7-6700K, then the average power consumption of the Core i7-7700K processor is as much as 17% higher!

And if we introduce such an indicator as energy efficiency, determined by the ratio of the integral performance indicator to the average power consumption (in fact, performance per watt of energy consumed), then for the Core i7-7700K processor this indicator will be 1.67 W -1, and for the processor Core i7-6700K - 1.91 W -1.

However, such results are obtained only if we compare the power consumption on the 12 V bus of the EPS12V connector. But if we consider the full power (which is more logical from the user’s point of view), then the situation is somewhat different. Then the energy efficiency of a system with a Core i7-7700K processor will be 1.28 W -1 , and with a Core i7-6700K processor - 1.24 W -1 . Thus, the energy efficiency of the systems is almost the same.

Conclusions

We have no disappointments with the new processors. Nobody promised, so to speak. Let us remind you once again that we are not talking about a new microarchitecture or a new technical process, but only about optimizing the microarchitecture and technological process, that is, about optimizing Skylake processors. Of course, one should not expect that such optimization can provide a significant increase in performance. The only observable result of the optimization is that it was possible to slightly increase the clock speeds. In addition, K-series processors from the Kaby Lake family overclock better than their Skylake family counterparts.

If we talk about the new generation of Intel 200 series chipsets, the only thing that distinguishes them from the Intel 100 series chipsets is the addition of four PCIe 3.0 ports. What does this mean for the user? And it means absolutely nothing. There is no need to expect an increase in the number of connectors and ports on motherboards, since there are already too many of them. As a result, the functionality of the boards will not change, except that it will be possible to simplify them a little when designing: there will be less need to come up with ingenious separation schemes to ensure the operation of all connectors, slots and controllers in conditions of a shortage of PCIe 3.0 lines/ports. It would be logical to assume that this will lead to a reduction in the cost of motherboards based on 200 series chipsets, but this is hard to believe.

And in conclusion, a few words about whether it makes sense to exchange an awl for soap. There is no point in replacing a computer based on a Skylake processor and a board with a 100-series chipset for a new system with a Kaby Lake processor and a board with a 200-series chipset. This is simply throwing money away. But if the time has come to change your computer due to obsolescence of the hardware, then, of course, it makes sense to pay attention to Kaby Lake and a board with a 200-series chipset, and you need to look first of all at the prices. If a Kaby Lake system turns out to be comparable (with equal functionality) in cost to a Skylake system (and a board with an Intel 100 series chipset), then it makes sense. If such a system turns out to be more expensive, then there is no point in it.