Intel Introduces 5th Generation Broadwell and 6th Generation Skylake

For Intel, 2015 would be a major update regarding the processor architecture and technology with the simultaneous launch of Broadwell and Skylake, also known as Tick and Tock, respectively. Intel updated its 2015-2016 processor roadmap showcasing 6^th generation Skylake and 5^th generation Broadwell. Intel will also launch two desktop parts, Broadwell-K and Skylake-S. Broadwell-K will be congruent with the LGA 1150 socketed motherboards featuring the 9-Series Chipsets (Z97/H97). It will be a part of Intel’s 5^th Generation Core family featuring the Core i5-5000 and Core i5-5000 series processors.

Intel 5^th Generation Broadwell- Core i7-5000 and Core i5-5000 Series Processors

The desktop chip features Intel’s 8^th generation Iris Pro graphics chips. Intel Iris Pro graphics chips present 40 execution units and come with own 128 MB of on-package eDRAM codenamed ‘CrystalWell’. The LLC superb speed helps deliver the Iris Pro graphics chip with 25.6GB/s + 50GB/s eDRAM (bidirectional) fulfilling its bandwith requirement. The Crystalwell eDRAM locates on a separate package on the CPU die. On the 8^th generation Broadwell, the CPU is going to feature a total of 48 execution units with support for DirectX 12 API, VP8 Codec, 2xMSAA Support, Improved Tessellation and Low CPU Overhead. Broadwell will also have a Voltage Regulator on chip and a power controller on chip, allowing as much as C10 level of low power state computing. The U and H variants will both have a Extreme Utility allowing easy overclocking of both the CPU and GPU. Improvements in better performance will be expected from the Broadwell line of Core processors.

Intel 6^th Generation Skylake- Core i7-6700K and Core i5-6600K Series processors

Skylake-S, the second update on desktop, is based on a 14nm architecture but it’s a microarchitecture that is built from the ground up. The Sky-lake-S processors are the mainstream line and will be branded as the 6^th Generation Core i5-6600K and Core i7-6700K parts. The Core i5-6600K has a base clock speed of 3.5GHz and a max Turbo speed of 3.9GHz, supporting four threads. The Core i7-6700K has a base clock speed of 4GHz and a max Turbo speed of 4.2GHz, supporting eight threads. Skylake processors would have both DDR3 and DDR4 memory controllers so the different SKUs can be configured to use with of the memory type. The chips support DDR4 memory at up to 2133MHz, or DDR3 at 1600MHz in two memory channels, with two DIMMS per channel. These both can be fitted with up to 54DB of DDR4 memory. Z170 is a new chipset introduced and will be compatible with the LGA 1151 motherboard socket. The chipset features up to 20 PCIe Gen 3 lanes, 6 SATA Gen 3 ports, 10 USB 3.0 ports and a total of 14 USB ports (USB 3.0 and USB 2.0), up to 3 SATA Express capable ports, up to 3 Intel RST capable PCI-e storage ports which may include x2 SATA Express or M.2 SSD port with Enhanced SPI and x4/x8/x16 capable Gen 3 PCI-Express support from the processor.