Skylake is an Intel processor. Description, specifications, types and reviews

In August 2015, the 6th generation of Intel computing chips, Skylake, was introduced. The processor belonging to this generation received a significantly redesigned architecture, which allowed to increase the speed by 10-15% in comparison with the previous generation CPU codenamed Haswell. It is about their technical parameters, capabilities and types that will be discussed later.

Background of occurrence

Currently, every 2 years Intel updates the processor sockets. So, in 2013, the LGA1150 was released along with the Haswell CPU line. This is the 4th generation of CPUs based on the Core architecture. Then, a year later, Broadwell replaced the Haswell chips. This is the 5th generation of the CPU architecture of Core. Their key difference is an updated technological process of 14 nm. But the processor part has not changed. Then, in 2015, the 4th and 5th chip families based on the Core architecture from Intel were replaced by the 6th, code-named Skylake. The processor of any model of this generation is produced by a similar technological process - 14 nm (like Broadwell or the 5th generation of the Core architecture). But at the same time, the architecture of the computing part was redesigned, and this made it possible to obtain a certain performance increase of 10-15%. Also, the power subsystem of the semiconductor crystal has been redesigned. Now the CPU voltage regulators are on the motherboard. This engineering approach made it possible to keep the power subsystem practically unchanged, but at the same time improved the overclocking potential of the central processor.

Socket and chipsets

That socket LGA1151 is designed to install any desktop chip family Skylake. The new generation processor in this case is designed to be installed in a new socket and is incompatible with the previous generation CPU. Also, to support the new generation of central processors, a new generation of chipsets has been released. The most modest among them from the standpoint of the functional set is H110, users note. But at the same time, he has a corresponding cost. It is perfect for budget, entry-level systems. The most functional and most expensive set of logic in this case is the Z170. Its key difference from all other chipsets is the possibility of overclocking a CPU with an unlocked multiplier (it is aimed at installing such CPUs), an integrated graphics accelerator, and even RAM. This is a great solution for creating the most productive PCs. The rest of the options H170, B170, Q150 and Q170 are intermediate between the two previous sets of system logic, and their main purpose is to build a PC of an average price level and exactly the same speed.

Technical features

As noted earlier, the core of the Skylake processor has been significantly redesigned, and due to this, an additional increase in speed has been obtained. But most of it has not undergone significant changes. This is the first cache level. Its total volume for one block is 64kb, which are divided into 2 parts of 32kb for data and instructions. The second level no longer has such a separation, and its volume is 256 kb. The third cache level is common for all CPU computing resources, and its volume depends on the specific model: from 2 MB for Celeron processors and up to 8 MB for i7. The manufacturing process, as noted earlier, has not changed compared to its predecessors - 14 nm. The north bridge of the chipset, as in previous generations of processors, is part of its semiconductor crystal. That is, the CPU, in addition to the computing part and the graphics accelerator, also includes a PCI-Express controller and a dual-channel RAM controller. The latter can work already with DDR4.

Entry level solutions

Entry-level Intel Skylake processors are Celeron and Pentium chips. Physically and software on these semiconductor crystals there are only 2 computing modules and the same amount of data processing flows. The first of them have the most affordable cost, but at the same time, their speed is much lower. A higher level of performance of the Pentium chips is provided by increased clock speeds and an increased level 3 cache. Also in the latter case, the more efficient HD Graphics subsystem with the index 530 is used, while Celeron is equipped with only the solution with the designation 510. The exception in this regard is the Pentium G4400 with a shortened version of the integrated video card 510. Apart from this, the Celeron G3900T model with a thermal package of only 35W and a reduced clock frequency of 2.6 GHz. Otherwise, more detailed specifications of Celeron and Pentium 6th generation processors are given in the table.

Middle segment

In the middle segment, this generation of CPUs is represented by processors of the Core i3 line. In total, 6 chips currently belong to this niche. All of them include 2 physical computing units and 4 software threads. That is, in these processors there is support for proprietary technology from Intel, which is called HyperTrading.

It is this feature that allows you to increase by 2 times the number of information processing flows at the software level. But support for TurboBoost technology is out of the question, and the processor has a fixed frequency. Two representatives of this family with indices 6100T and 6300T have reduced clock frequencies and a reduced heat packet of 35 watts. These are energy-efficient solutions aimed at creating compact computer systems. One chip with the 6098P marking is equipped with a less efficient HD Graphics system with an index of 510. All processors in the 60XX and 61XX series have 3 MB of cache at the 3rd level, and the series 63XX have 4 MB. In all other cases, the integrated video accelerator has an index of 530. More detailed characteristics of all sixth-generation i3 processors are indicated in the table below.

The most productive quad-core solutions

The most massive semiconductor solution in this case is the Intel Core i5 processor. Skylake architecture in this case is represented immediately by 9 chip models. All have 4 cores. Two models with indexes 6685R and 6585R have an improved graphics subsystem HD Graphics model 580, one, 6402, less productive - 510. Three 6400T, 6500T and 6600T chips are energy-efficient solutions with reduced frequencies and a reduced thermal package. The rest of the processors 6400, 6500 and 6600 are standard representatives of this line of devices. The more detailed technical specifications of this generation i5 CPU are given in the table.

Eight-thread chips with maximum performance

Any Intel Core Skylake processor, which belongs to the i7 line, has a full set of various technologies (HyperTrading and TurboBoost). It can process data in 8 threads and dynamically change its frequency.

In terms of performance, these processors lose only to the most expensive solutions for computer enthusiasts who have unlocked the frequency multiplier, and due to this, a significant increase in speed can be obtained. Currently, only 3 chips are part of this line, and their specifications are shown in the table below. One of the models has an index of 6700T, and it is an energy-efficient CPU for the assembly of high-performance compact systems. The second is the 6785R. It is equipped with an improved graphics accelerator model with an index of 580. And the last, 6700, is a typical flagship with a locked multiplier and maximum speed (except for chips for enthusiasts).

Products for Computer Enthusiasts

As in previous generations of Core processors, only 2 chip models have an unlocked multiplier. The first of them is 6600K. This is a typical i5 quad-core processor. Skylake architecture has excellent overclocking potential. With a high-quality cooling system, its frequency can be increased without any problems from 3.9 GHz to 4.6-4.7 GHz by simply raising the multiplier. If you also change the voltage on the semiconductor chip of the processor, you can even get 5.0 - 5.1 GHz.

The second representative of this family is 6700K, which already belongs to the i7 line. It has parameters identical to all other chips of this model range. The key difference that experts note is the unlocked multiplier. Well, the frequencies that can be obtained during overclocking are similar to 6600K. Their technical specifications are given in table 5.

Reviews Summary

Users claim that Skylake CPUs have become a worthy continuation of previous generations of chips. The processor of this family, in their opinion, has improved both in terms of speed and in terms of energy efficiency.

The life cycle of this platform is only just beginning, and according to Intel, it will be still relevant for the next 3 years. So it's time to buy a new high-performance and energy-efficient personal computer.