Intel is preparing a range of overclocking chips based on their upcoming Kaby Lake architecture. While we have already seen Core i7 and Core i5 K-Series chips, latest leaks suggest that Intel would also offer at least one i3 K-Series processor.
Intel Core i3-7350K Designed For Entry Level Overclockers - Priced Below $180 US
The Intel Core i3-7350K is an interesting part as it will bring overclocking back to the masses. Previously, Intel excluded overclocking support on Core i3 processors but due to emerging demand, they will be bringing it back. Intel's Core i3 processors are generally one step ahead of their Pentium lineup and get higher clock speeds that result in better performance. In the past, we have seen Core i3 models to feature hyper-threading technology. With Kaby Lake, even some Pentiums would feature HT support.
Moving on to the specific model, we are looking at the Intel Core i3-7350K processor. This chip has a maximum boost clock of 4.2 GHz out of box. Features 4 MB of L3 cache and would be unlocked. This would be the only K Series processor in the Core i3 Kaby Lake family. The TDP would be set at 60W.
The processor would be a regular Dual Core variant with four threads. Pricing is suggested around $150-$180 US which is decent enough for entry level users who want to have fun overclocking.
Intel Core i7-7700K – The Fastest Core i7 Kaby Lake Processor:
The Intel Core i7-7700K processor is the fastest Core i7 chip in the Kaby Lake lineup. This chip features a quad core, hyper-threaded design. The chip is based on the latest 14nm Plus 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 91W. The Core i7-7700K CPU will retail at $349 US.
Intel Core i5-7600K – The Fastest Core i5 Kaby Lake Processor:
The Intel Core i5-7600K processor is the fastest Core i5 chip in the Kaby Lake lineup. This chip features a quad core, non-hyper-threaded design. The chip is based on the latest 14nm Plus process node which delivers improved efficiency and performance on the existing 14nm FinFET technology. The clock speeds are rated 3.8 GHz base and 4.2 GHz boost. The processor packs 6 MB of L3 cache and has a TDP of 91W. The Core i5-7600K CPU will retail at $239 US.
Intel Core i3-7350K – The Fastest Core i3 Kaby Lake Processor:
The Intel Core i3-7350K processor is the fastest Core i3 chip in the Kaby Lake lineup. This chip features a dual core, hyper-threaded design. The chip is based on the latest 14nm Plus process node which delivers improved efficiency and performance on the existing 14nm FinFET technology. The clock speeds are rated 4.2 GHz base and no boost clock. The processor packs 4 MB of L3 cache and will have a TDP set to 60W. The Core i3-7350K CPU will retail around $180 US.
Intel 7th Generation 'Kaby Lake' Desktop Lineup
| SKU Name | Cores/Threads | Core Clock | Boost Clock | L3 Cache | TDP | Socket | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core i7-7700K | 4/8 | 4.2 GHz | 4.5 GHz | 8 MB | 91W | LGA1151 | $339 US |
| Core i7-7700 | 4/8 | 3.6 GHz | 4.2 GHz | 8 MB | 65W | LGA1151 | $303 US |
| Core i7-7700T | 4/8 | 2.9 GHz | 3.8 GHz | 8 MB | 35W | LGA1151 | $303 US |
| Core i5-7600K | 4/4 | 3.8 GHz | 4.2 GHz | 6 MB | 91W | LGA1151 | $242 US |
| Core i5-7600 | 4/4 | 3.5 GHz | 4.1 GHz | 6 MB | 65W | LGA1151 | $213 US |
| Core i5-7600T | 4/4 | 2.8 GHz | 3.7 GHz | 6 MB | 35W | LGA1151 | $213 US |
| Core i5-7500 | 4/4 | 3.4 GHz | 3.8 GHz | 6 MB | 65W | LGA1151 | $192 US |
| Core i5-7500T | 4/4 | 2.7 GHz | 3.3 GHz | 6 MB | 35W | LGA1151 | $192 US |
| Core i5-7400 | 4/4 | 3.0 GHz | 3.5 GHz | 6 MB | 65W | LGA1151 | $182 US |
| Core i5-7400T | 4/4 | 2.4 GHz | 3.0 GHz | 6 MB | 35W | LGA1151 | $182 US |
| Core i3-7350K | 2/4 | 4.2 GHz | N/A | 4 MB | 60W | LGA 1151 | $168 US |
| Core i3-7320 | 2/4 | 4.1 GHz | N/A | 4 MB | TBD | LGA 1151 | $149 US |
| Core i3-7300 | 2/4 | 4.0 GHz | N/A | 4 MB | 51W | LGA1151 | $138 US |
| Core i3-7300T | 2/4 | 3.5 GHz | N/A | 4 MB | 35W | LGA1151 | $138 US |
| Core i3-7100 | 2/4 | 3.9 GHz | N/A | 4 MB | 51W | LGA 1151 | $117 US |
| Core i3-7100T | 2/4 | 3.4 GHz | N/A | 4 MB | 35W | LGA 1151 | $117 US |
| Pentium G4620 | 2/4 | 3.7 GHz | N/A | 3 MB | 51W | LGA1151 | $86 US |
| Pentium G4600 | 2/4 | 3.6 GHz | N/A | 3 MB | 51W | LGA 1151 | $75 US |
| Pentium G4560 | 2/4 | 3.5 GHz | N/A | 3MB | 54W | LGA 1151 | $64 US |
| Pentium G3950 | 2/2 | 3.0 GHz | N/A | 2 MB | 35W | LGA1151 | $52 US |
| Pentium G3930 | 2/2 | 2.9 GHz | N/A | 2 MB | 35W | LGA1151 | $42 US |
The unlocked Core i3 part will be really interesting for consumers. Intel is returning back to offer an unlocked Core i3 chip after a long time. The chip will be under $200 US and allow more users to overclock budget tier chips, essentially those who cannot go for the $230 US priced Core i5-7600K chip. We have to wait till CES '17 announcement for more details on performance of this part.
