Processor Integrated Graphics‡

That is why Kaby Lake processors were introduced into a separate Core series, the seventh generation.

Finally

I'll start with the banality. There is no point in actively advertising and promoting Kaby Lake desktops. Everything is clear to everyone. Skylake owners sit on their cars absolutely calmly for another generation/another (if not more). For all those who are assembling a computer from scratch, it makes sense to immediately take the seventh generation Core and a board based on the 200 series chipset. These are the most functional solutions to date. Let's see how quickly all the Kaby Lake chips will appear on the market. Overclocker models are great, but in most cases, cheaper processors will be used. I wonder how much they will cost. I don’t rule out that stores will keep prices for new “crusts” high for the first few months. To sell out the Skylakes.

There is an opinion that Kaby Lake is the last chips of the old generation. Intel's next step is to move the Skylake architecture to the 10nm process. The next “5% per year” can only be achieved in one way - through overclocking. But the Core i7-7700K already operates at 4500 MHz. What's next? 4700 MHz? 5000 MHz out of the box? I believe that the time has come to increase the cores/threads on the mainstream Intel platform. The first swallows have already appeared. Pentium processors (not all) are getting support for Hyper-threading technology again. I think that “tick” chips will noticeably increase performance due to an increase in cores/threads. Let's see what role the competitor will play. AMD Zen is about to be released.

The Core i5-7600K was no surprise. The processor is like a processor. I assume that someone more fortunate will come across a “pebble” operating at a stable 5000 MHz. Good cooling is a must.

We were pleased with the Core i7-7700 and Core i7-7700K. If you are not in the mood for overclocking, but need a fast “stone” - I have found you an excellent candidate. 4 GHz for all four cores, eight threads, energy efficiency, beauty! The Core i7-7700K, of course, won over with its overclocking abilities. There are stable 5 GHz! Therefore, a toast: may you be lucky with your processor in the new year. Unfortunately, a lottery is a lottery.

Packaging, delivery and appearance

The new product came to us for testing without packaging or delivery kit. Therefore, let’s turn to the official press materials to get acquainted with it. At first glance, it uses the same bright design of the Intel Skylake series processors, but there are still some differences.

Firstly, the designation “7th Generation” was added to the front side, which does not require translation. Secondly, boxes with processors with a locked multiplier have a proprietary cooler, and the viewing window is located on the top panel. In models with an unlocked multiplier, the word “Unlocked” has been added to the front, and the viewing window has been moved to the rear. Also, quite logically, their kit does not include a cooling system.

And finally, the “For a great VR experience” logo has appeared on the Intel Core i5 and Intel Core i7 series CPUs, which will allow inexperienced users to quickly navigate their choice.

Intel Core i5-6600K

The appearance of Intel Kaby Lake series processors is quite logically no different from their predecessors, since they are designed for the same socket (Socket LGA1151). Accordingly, owners of cooling systems should not have any problems installing a cooler on new CPUs.

Traditionally, on the heat distribution cover of the Intel Core i5-7600K you can find its name, markings, base clock frequency and other designations. On the reverse side there are contact pads for the Socket LGA1151 connector.

Technical characteristics analysis

In load mode, the clock frequency of the new product rises to 4 GHz at a voltage of 1.136 V. In turn, the model in a similar mode operated at a speed of 3.6 GHz at a voltage of 1.193 V.

Under certain loads, you can reach the maximum declared frequency of 4.2 GHz at a voltage of 0.768 V. For its predecessor, it was 3.9 GHz at a voltage of 1.304 V.

After deactivating dynamic overclocking technology (Intel Turbo Boost 2.0), the load frequency of the Intel Core i5-7600K does not exceed 3.8 GHz at a voltage of 1.072 V. But the Intel Core i5-6600K can only boast a speed of 3.5 GHz at a voltage of 1.194 V.

And finally, in power-saving mode, both processors can reduce the frequency to 800 MHz. But if the representative of Intel Kaby Lake requires 0.688 V for this, then Intel Skylake requires 0.846 V.

In general, we can state a decrease in operating voltages while simultaneously increasing the frequency and maintaining the thermal package. These are clear results of optimizations in design and production technology.

Left: Intel Core i5-7600K, right: Intel Core i5-6600K

Absolutely nothing has changed in the cache memory organization. We still have the following structure:

32 KB of L1 cache per core with 8 associative channels is allocated for instructions and the same amount for data;
256 KB L2 cache per core with 8 associativity channels;
6 MB shared L3 cache with 12 associative channels.

But the built-in RAM controller has been improved, and now it is guaranteed to support DDR4 modules with a frequency of 2400 MHz instead of 2133 MHz. Support for DDR3L-1600 MHz memory has not gone away either.

Now a few words about the integrated graphics adapter Intel HD Graphics 630, built on the Intel Gen9.5 microarchitecture. In its presentation, Intel did not indicate the number of execution units, but the AIDA64 program suggests that there are 24 of them, just like its predecessor. The base frequency is not specified, and the dynamic frequency is also at 1150 MHz.

The maximum temperature for the Intel Core i5-7600K was not officially designated at the time of writing this review, so we will focus on the Tjmax parameter of the AIDA64 program, which is 100°C.

When the processor and graphics cores were simultaneously loaded, the clock frequency of the former slightly exceeded 3.8 GHz, and the latter - 1150 MHz. CPU power consumption reached 60 W. In turn, the temperature of the processor cores did not exceed 55°C, and the iGPU - 49°C.

Testing

During testing we used Processor Test Stand No. 2

Motherboards (AMD)	ASUS F1A75-V PRO (AMD A75, Socket FM1, DDR3, ATX), GIGABYTE GA-F2A75-D3H (AMD A75, Socket FM2, DDR3, ATX), ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX (AMD 990FX, Socket AM3+, DDR3, ATX)
Motherboards (AMD)	ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX R2.0 (AMD 990FX, Socket AM3+, DDR3, ATX), ASRock Fatal1ty FM2A88X+ Killer (AMD A88X, Socket FM2+, DDR3, ATX)
Motherboards (Intel)	ASUS P8Z77-V PRO/THUNDERBOLT (Intel Z77, Socket LGA1155, DDR3, ATX), ASUS P9X79 PRO (Intel X79, Socket LGA2011, DDR3, ATX), ASRock Z87M OC Formula (Intel Z87, Socket LGA1150, DDR3, mATX)
Motherboards (Intel)	ASUS MAXIMUS VIII RANGER (Intel Z170, Socket LGA1151, DDR4, ATX) / ASRock Fatal1ty Z97X Killer (Intel Z97, Socket LGA1150, DDR3, mATX), ASUS RAMPAGE V EXTREME (Intel X99, Socket LGA2011-v3, DDR4, E-ATX )
Coolers	Scythe Mugen 3 (Socket LGA1150/1155/1366, AMD Socket AM3+/FM1/ FM2/FM2+), ZALMAN CNPS12X (Socket LGA2011), Noctua NH-U14S (LGA2011-3)
RAM	2 x 4 GB DDR3-2400 TwinMOS TwiSTER 9DHCGN4B-HAWP, 4 x 4 GB DDR4-3000 Kingston HyperX Predator HX430C15PBK4/16 (Socket LGA2011-v3)
Video card	AMD Radeon HD 7970 3 GB GDDR5, ASUS GeForce GTX 980 STRIX OC 4 GB GDDR5 (GPU-1178 MHz / RAM-1279 MHz)
HDD	Western Digital Caviar Blue WD10EALX (1 TB, SATA 6 Gb/s, NCQ), Seagate Enterprise Capacity 3.5 HDD v4 (ST6000NM0024, 6 TB, SATA 6 Gb/s)
power unit	Seasonic X-660, 660 W, Active PFC, 80 PLUS Gold, 120 mm fan
operating system	Microsoft Windows 8.1 64-bit

Select what you want to compare Intel Core i5-7600K Turbo Boost ON with

We will traditionally begin our analysis of the results with the efficiency of Intel Turbo Boost 2.0 technology, the deactivation of which reduces the maximum possible clock frequency from 4.2 to 3.8 GHz. Disabling it reduces the performance of the Intel Core i5-7600K by an average of 3.3% in synthetic tests and by 1% in games.

We would like to thank Intel for providing the processor for testing.

Exactly on the third day of this year, the PC industry once again shook up. Intel introduced the new, seventh generation of Intel Core processors, as well as the 200th line of chipsets. If everything is more or less clear with chipsets, we got acquainted with the Intel Z270 Express in the review of the ASUS Strix Z270E Gaming motherboard, then we have not yet paid attention to processors. In this article, we will look at, so to speak, the popular overclocker processor - Core i5-7600K, and also consider the main innovations and changes in the CPU data architecture.

Specifications.

CPU	Intel Core i5-7600K
Codename	Kaby Lake
Number of cores/threads	4/4
Operating frequency	3800 MHz
Turbo frequency	4200 MHz
TDP	91 W
L3 cache volume	6 MByte
RAM support	DDR4-2133 MHz DDR4-2400 MHz
Socket	LGA1151

How is KabyLake different from its predecessor Skylake?

If we start to understand the differences between the “newbie” Intel Core i5-7600K and the already well-known Intel Core i5-6600K, then we will not find any major or fundamental changes. To put it bluntly, we have SkylakeRefresh, which was separated into the new 7th generation and given a new name Kaby Lake. Why did this happen? Why is Intel in no hurry to spoil us with big performance gains?
Firstly, a big increase in Intel performance is not needed at the moment, because there is almost no competition from AMD for the giant’s processors, and therefore, why bother?
But the second reason is more global and significant. The fact is that the well-known strategy for releasing processors called “Tick-Tock” no longer works. At the moment, releasing a new architecture with a high frequency of a year or a year and a half, followed by an improved technical process, has become many times more difficult. And even such a giant as Intel does not have the luxury of following this strategy.
With the advent of the 22 nm process technology, followed by today’s 14 nm, it has posed many challenges to re-equip production lines, which in turn increases the time frame for mastering new technological processes.
Time passes, processes are mastered, albeit much longer; if you estimate, older technical processes were replaced once a year and a half or two, but today’s technical processes, 14 nm, followed by 10 nm, replace each other with a frequency of 3-4 years. This is a very long period of time, because the company needs to make money somehow. :)
Therefore, Intel decided to change the “Tick-Tock” strategy to “Tick-Tock-Tock”, i.e. strategy “Technical process-Microarchitecture” to “Technological process-Architecture-Optimization”. To make it more clear, let's show it in a table:

Ivy Bridge	22 nm	2012	Teak
Haswell	22 nm	2013	So
Haswell Refresh	22 nm	2014	So
Broadwell	14 nm	2015	Teak
Skylake	14 nm	2015	So
Kaby Lake	14 nm	2017	So

And if you look at this table, you can conclude that Kaby Lake should be called Skylake Refresh, but Intel decided to bring these processors into a new separate generation with its own name.
If we talk about specific changes in the processor microarchitecture, then there are none. It would be more correct to say that Intel optimized the production line and was able to achieve the release of a larger number of suitable processors than before.
And by optimizing the production line, it was possible to achieve higher operating frequencies with the same power consumption, in fact, that’s all!

Externally, the processors are also practically the same. The only change that can be noticed are two small protrusions along the edges of the CPU heat distribution cover. Thanks to them, it has now become much more convenient to install or remove the processor from the socket.

Let's finish the theoretical part here and move directly to testing the Intel Core i5-7600K processor.

Testing.

First, we will look at the performance of the Intel Core i5-7600K processor, and then compare it with the performance of its predecessor, the Intel Core i5-6600K. Testing was carried out in two stages: first, test applications were run with nominal settings, and then the overclocking potential of the processor was checked. The Intel Core i7-6600K processor was overclocked to a frequency of 4700 MHz while maintaining the activity of all cores. To do this we needed to increase the voltage to 1.310 V.
But its new brother Intel Core i5-7600K was able to accelerate to an impressive 5200 MHz, while maintaining complete stability. At the same time, we had to increase the vCore voltage to 1.375 V.
Also note that both processors were under the same conditions, both were scalped, and both were cooled by the Corsair H110i GTX CBO.

Test stand:
– Processor Intel Core i5-6600K@4700 MHz
– ASUS Maximus VIII Hero motherboard
– Cooling CorsairH110iGTX

– Radeon R9 380 video card.

Test stand:
– Processor Intel Core i5-7600K@5200 MHz
– ASUS Strix Z270E Gaming motherboard
– Cooling Corsair H110i GTX
– Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4-2800 MHz RAM
– Corsair AX1200i power supply
– Radeon R9 380 video card.

SuperPi 1M – 8.720 sec.

SuperPi 1M – 7.064 sec.

SuperPi 32M – 7 min 46.894 sec.

SuperPi 32M – 6 min 11,481 sec.

wPrime 32M –6.377 sec,
wPrime 1024M –200.426 sec.

wPrime 32M – 5.127 sec,
wPrime 1024M –161.628 sec.

PiFast – 15.25 sec.

PiFast – 12.28 sec.

Cinebench R11.5 – 8.13 pts.

Cinebench R11.5 – 10.05 pts.

Fryrender – 5 min 21 sec.

Fryrender- 4 min 32 sec.

During testing, the processor warmed up to the following temperatures:

In nominal mode, the maximum temperature was 47 degrees.

After overclocking to 5200 MHz, the processor began to warm up to 60 degrees.

Next we will compare the performance of Core i5-7600K vs Core i5-6600K. For ease of perception of information, we will present them to you in the form of graphs. Screenshots of completed benchmarks on the i5-6600K processor can be found in.

Performance comparison of Core i5-7600K vs Core i5-6600K.

SuperPi 1M (Less is Better)

SuperPi 32M (Less is Better)

PiFast (Less is Better)

wPrime 32M (Less is Better)

wPrime 1024M (Less is Better)

Cinebench R11.5 (Bigger is Better)

Fryrender (Less is Better)

Conclusion.
What do we have in the end? The picture turned out as follows. Intel has released processors that overclock a little better and are a little cooler. Otherwise, this is the already familiar Skylake, simply optimized, and for good reason this family of processors should have been called not KabyLake, but Skylake Refresh. Is it worth running to the store and upgrading if you already have a Core i5-6600K, definitely not! Unless, of course, you are an avid overclocker and you are not chasing every megahertz. But if your computer has an older processor, then in this case it’s worth going to the store, you will feel the difference!
Therefore, based on the testing results, we still recommend the Intel Core i5-7600K processor for purchase.

Product release date.

Lithography

Lithography indicates the semiconductor technology used to produce integrated chipsets and the report is shown in nanometer (nm), which indicates the size of the features built into the semiconductor.

Number of Cores

Core count is a hardware term that describes the number of independent central processing units in a single computing component (chip).

Number of threads

A thread or thread of execution is a software term that refers to a basic, ordered sequence of instructions that can be transmitted or processed by a single CPU core.

Base processor clock speed

The base frequency of the processor is the speed at which the processor transistors open/close. The base frequency of the processor is the operating point where the design power (TDP) is set. Frequency is measured in gigahertz (GHz), or billions of cycles per second.

Maximum clock speed with Turbo Boost technology

Maximum Turbo Clock Speed is the maximum single-core processor clock speed that can be achieved using its supported Intel® Turbo Boost and Intel® Thermal Velocity Boost technologies. Frequency is measured in gigahertz (GHz), or billions of cycles per second.

Cache memory

The processor cache is an area of high-speed memory located in the processor. Intel® Smart Cache refers to an architecture that allows all cores to dynamically share last-level cache access.

System bus frequency

A bus is a subsystem that transfers data between computer components or between computers. An example is the system bus (FSB), through which data is exchanged between the processor and the memory controller unit; DMI interface, which is a point-to-point connection between the integrated Intel memory controller and the Intel I/O controller assembly on the system board; and a Quick Path Interconnect (QPI) connecting the processor and integrated memory controller.

Number of QPI connections

QPI (Quick Path Interconnect) provides a high-speed point-to-point connection using a bus between the processor and the chipset.

Design power

Thermal design power (TDP) indicates the average performance in watts when the processor's power is dissipated (running at base frequency with all cores engaged) under a challenging workload as defined by Intel. Read the requirements for thermoregulation systems presented in the technical description.

Available options for embedded systems

Available options for embedded systems indicate products that provide extended purchasing availability for intelligent systems and embedded solutions. Product specifications and conditions of use are provided in the Production Release Qualification (PRQ) report. Contact your Intel representative for details.

Max. memory capacity (depending on memory type)

Max. memory capacity refers to the maximum amount of memory supported by the processor.

Memory types

Intel® processors support four different types of memory: single-channel, dual-channel, triple-channel, and Flex.

Max. number of memory channels

The number of memory channels determines the throughput of applications.

ECC memory support‡

ECC memory support indicates the processor's support for error correction code memory. ECC memory is a type of memory that supports identifying and correcting common types of internal memory corruption. Note that ECC memory support requires both processor and chipset support.

Processor Integrated Graphics‡

The processor's graphics system is a graphics processing circuit integrated into the processor that shapes the operation of video system functions, computing processes, multimedia and information display. Intel® HD Graphics, Iris™ Graphics, Iris Plus Graphics, and Iris Pro Graphics deliver advanced media conversion, high frame rates, and 4K Ultra HD (UHD) video capabilities. For more information, see the Intel® Graphics Technology page.

Graphics Base Clock

The graphics base clock is the nominal/guaranteed graphics rendering clock speed (MHz).

Max. dynamic graphics frequency

Max. Dynamic Graphics Frequency is the maximum conventional rendering frequency (MHz) supported by Intel® HD Graphics with Dynamic Frequency.

Max. amount of video memory of the graphics system

The maximum amount of memory available for the processor's graphics system. The processor's graphics system uses the same memory as the processor itself (subject to OS, driver, and system limitations, etc.).

4K support

4K support defines a product's ability to reproduce data at a minimum resolution of 3840 x 2160.

Max. resolution (HDMI 1.4)‡

Maximum resolution (HDMI) - the maximum resolution supported by the processor via the HDMI interface (24 bits per pixel at 60 Hz). System resolution or screen resolution depends on several system design factors, namely, the actual resolution on the system may be lower.

Max. resolution (DP)‡

Maximum resolution (DP) - the maximum resolution supported by the processor through the DP interface (24 bits per pixel at 60 Hz). System resolution or screen resolution depends on several system design factors, namely, the actual resolution on the system may be lower.

Max. resolution (eDP - built-in flat screen)

Maximum Resolution (Integrated Flat Panel) - The maximum resolution supported by the processor for the embedded flat panel display (24 bits per pixel at 60 Hz). System resolution, or screen resolution, depends on several system design factors; Actual device resolution may be lower.

DirectX* support

DirectX indicates support for a specific version of Microsoft's collection of application programming interfaces (APIs) for processing multimedia computing tasks.

OpenGL* support

OpenGL (Open Graphics Library) is a cross-platform language or cross-platform application programming interface for displaying two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) vector graphics.

Intel® Quick Sync Video

Intel® Quick Sync Video Technology enables fast video conversion for portable media players, web hosting, and video editing and creation.

InTru™ 3D technology

Intel® InTRU™ 3D technology enables 3D stereoscopic Blu-ray* video playback at 1080p resolution using HDMI* 1.4 and high-quality audio.

Intel® Clear Video HD Technology

Intel® Clear Video HD Technology, like its predecessor Intel® Clear Video Technology, is a set of video encoding and processing technologies built into the processor's integrated graphics. These technologies make video playback more stable and graphics clearer, brighter and more realistic. Intel® Clear Video HD technology delivers more vibrant colors and more realistic skin with video quality enhancements.

Intel® Clear Video Technology

Intel® Clear Video Technology is a set of video encoding and processing technologies built into the processor's integrated graphics. These technologies make video playback more stable and graphics clearer, brighter and more realistic.

PCI Express Edition

The PCI Express edition is the version supported by the processor. PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) is a high-speed serial expansion bus standard for computers to connect hardware devices to it. Different versions of PCI Express support different data transfer rates.

PCI Express Configurations‡

PCI Express (PCIe) configurations describe the available PCIe channel configurations that can be used to map PCIe PCHs to PCIe devices.

Max. number of PCI Express channels

The PCI Express (PCIe) link consists of two pairs of signaling channels, one for receiving and the other for transmitting data, and this channel is the base module of the PCIe bus. The PCI Express lane count represents the total number of lanes supported by the processor.

Supported Connectors

A socket is a component that provides mechanical and electrical connections between the processor and the motherboard.

Cooling System Specifications

Intel Thermal System Reference Specifications for proper operation of this product item.

T JUNCTION

The temperature at the actual contact patch is the maximum temperature allowed on the processor die.

Intel® Optane™ Memory support

Intel® Optane™ memory is a revolutionary new class of persistent memory that works between system memory and storage devices to improve system performance and responsiveness. Combined with the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Driver, it efficiently manages multiple tiers of storage by providing a single virtual disk for OS needs, ensuring the most frequently accessed information is stored in the fastest storage tier. Intel® Optane™ memory requires special hardware and software configurations. For configuration requirements, visit www.intel.com/OptaneMemory.

Intel® Turbo Boost Technology‡

Intel® Turbo Boost Technology dynamically increases the processor frequency to the required level, using the difference between the nominal and maximum temperature and power parameters, allowing you to increase power efficiency or overclock the processor when necessary.

Intel® vPro™ Platform Compliant

Intel® vPro™ technology is an on-processor management and security suite designed to address four key areas of information security: 1) Threat management, including protection against rootkits, viruses and other malware 2) Privacy protection and targeted secure website access 3) Protect sensitive personal and business information 4) Remote and local monitoring, patching, PC and workstation repairs.

Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology‡

Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology (Intel® HT Technology) provides two processing threads for each physical core. Multithreaded applications can perform more tasks in parallel, making work much faster.

Intel® Virtualization Technology (VT-x)‡

Intel® Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O (VT-x) allows a single hardware platform to function as multiple “virtual” platforms. The technology improves management capabilities, reducing downtime and maintaining productivity by dedicating separate partitions for computing operations.

Intel® Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O (VT-d)‡

Intel® Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O complements virtualization support in IA-32 architecture-based processors (VT-x) and Itanium® processors (VT-i) with I/O device virtualization capabilities. Intel® Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O helps users increase system security, reliability, and I/O device performance in virtual environments.

Intel® VT-x with Extended Page Tables (EPT)‡

Intel® VT-x with Extended Page Tables Technology, also known as Second Level Address Translation (SLAT), accelerates memory-intensive virtualized applications. Extended Page Tables technology on Intel® Virtualization Technology-enabled platforms reduces memory and power overhead and improves battery life by optimizing page forward table management in hardware.

Intel® TSX-NI

Intel® Transactional Synchronization Extensions New Instructions (Intel® TSX-NI) are a set of instructions aimed at scaling performance in multi-threaded environments. This technology helps to perform parallel operations more efficiently through improved software locking control.

Intel® 64‡ Architecture

Intel® 64 architecture, when combined with the right software, supports 64-bit applications on servers, workstations, desktops, and laptops.¹ Intel® 64 architecture delivers performance improvements that enable computing systems to utilize more than 4 GB of virtual and physical memory .

Command set

The instruction set contains the basic commands and instructions that the microprocessor understands and can execute. The value shown indicates which Intel instruction set the processor is compatible with.

Command Set Extensions

Instruction set extensions are additional instructions that can be used to improve performance when performing operations on multiple data objects. These include SSE (Support for SIMD Extensions) and AVX (Vector Extensions).

Idle states

Idle state (or C-state) mode is used to save power when the processor is idle. C0 means operating state, that is, the CPU is currently performing useful work. C1 is the first idle state, C2 is the second idle state, etc. The higher the numerical indicator of the C-state, the more energy saving actions the program performs.

Advanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology

Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® technology delivers high performance while meeting the power requirements of mobile systems. Standard Intel SpeedStep® technology allows you to switch voltage and frequency levels depending on the load on the processor. Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® technology is built on the same architecture and uses design strategies such as voltage and frequency change separation, and clock distribution and recovery.

Thermal control technologies

Thermal management technologies protect the processor chassis and system from failure due to overheating with multiple thermal management features. An on-chip Digital Thermal Sensor (DTS) senses core temperature, and thermal management features reduce processor chassis power consumption when necessary, thereby reducing temperatures to ensure operation within normal operating specifications.

Intel® Privacy Technology‡

Intel® Privacy Technology is a built-in, token-based security technology. The technology provides simple, secure controls to control access to online commercial and business data, protecting against security threats and fraud. Intel® Privacy Technology uses hardware-based mechanisms to authenticate PCs to websites, banking systems, and online services, confirming the PC's uniqueness, protecting against unauthorized access, and preventing malware attacks. Intel® Privacy Protection Technology can be used as a key component of two-factor authentication solutions designed to protect information on websites and control access to business applications.

Intel® Stable Image Platform Program (Intel® SIPP)

The Intel® Stable Image Platform Program (Intel® SIPP) can help your company discover and implement standardized, stable PC platforms for at least 15 months.

New Intel® AES Commands

Intel® AES-NI (Intel® AES New Instructions) commands are a set of commands that enable you to quickly and securely encrypt and decrypt data. AES-NI commands can be used to solve a wide range of cryptographic problems, such as applications that provide bulk encryption, decryption, authentication, random number generation, and authenticated encryption.

Secure Key

Intel® Secure Key Technology is a random number generator that creates unique combinations to strengthen encryption algorithms.

Intel® Software Guard Extensions (Intel® SGX)

Intel® SGX (Intel® Software Guard Extensions) enable trusted and enhanced hardware protection for critical applications and data processing. This execution is done in a manner that is protected from unauthorized access or interference by any other software (including privileged applications) on the system.

Intel® Memory Protection Extensions (Intel® MPX) Commands

Intel® MPX (Intel® Memory Protection Extensions) are a set of hardware features that can be used by software in conjunction with compiler changes to check the safety of generated memory references at compile time due to possible buffer overflow or underrun.

Intel® Trusted Execution Technology‡

Intel® Trusted Execution Technology enhances secure command execution through hardware enhancements to Intel® processors and chipsets. This technology provides digital office platforms with security features such as measured application launch and secure command execution. This is achieved by creating an environment where applications run in isolation from other applications on the system.

Function Execute Cancel Bit ‡

The execution cancel bit is a hardware security feature that can reduce vulnerability to viruses and malicious code, and prevent malware from executing and spreading on a server or network.

Intel® Boot Guard

Intel® Device Protection Technology with Boot Guard is used to protect systems from viruses and malware before loading operating systems.

02.02.2017 22:52

This guide will help you configure UEFI BIOS settings to achieve stable 5 GHz on unlocked seventh generation Kaby Lake processors (Intel Core i7-7700K, Intel Core i5-7600K and ).

Some practical statistics:

approximately 20% of the seventh generation CPUs operate stably at 5 GHz in any application, including Handbrake/AVX;
80% of Kaby Lake samples are capable of operating at 5 GHz, however, in programs using the AVX command system, the frequency must be reduced to a stable 4800 MHz (this happens in an automatic format with the AVX offset parameter active in the BIOS);
selected Kaby Lake samples can work with four memory modules at DDR4-4133 (on ROG Maximus IX motherboards) and with a pair of memory modules at DDR4-4266 (tested on the Maximus IX Apex board).

What voltage is normal for 5 GHz?

This is perhaps one of the most important questions that enthusiasts ask when overclocking a CPU. After all, it is this parameter that has a key impact on the stability and final result of overclocking.

First, let's look at the level of power consumption of the Intel Core i7-7700K in different operating modes:

nominally the processor consumes about 45 W (in the ROG Realbench application);
at a frequency of 5 GHz and with the ROG Realbench test running, we get 93 W;
5 GHz and Prime95 - 131 W.

For stable operation of the CPU at 5 GHz in the Prime95 test (and therefore in most commonly used applications), a voltage of 1.35 V is required (Vcore parameter in the BIOS). It is not recommended to exceed this value in order to avoid degradation processor and overheating.

For stable operation of the CPU at 5 GHz in the Prime95 test, a voltage of 1.35 V is required.

It should be noted that the processors of the Kaby Lake family are extremely energy efficient. For comparison, a stable Skylake at 5 GHz in similar applications, for example, Prime95 consumes about 200 W.

To cool the overclocked device during stress tests, you will need a powerful coolant; this can be either a cooling system or a high-performance supercooler.

Verified options:

A CBO with a three-section radiator (water temperature in the system is 18 degrees) cools a processor overclocked to 5 GHz at a voltage of 1.28 V to 63 degrees;
SVO with a two-section radiator at 1.32 V demonstrates 72 degrees;
cooler at 5 GHz and 1.32 V - 78 degrees.

For constant use of Kaby Lake at 5 GHz, air cooling is not enough, but do not forget about the possibility of load optimization. The CPU will operate at full capacity only in the most necessary cases (more on this below).

Overclocking RAM

Selected Kaby Lake samples can work with four memory modules at DDR4-4133.

We remind you that Kaby Lake processors work perfectly with RAM at DDR-4133 (tested on the ASUS ROG Maximus family of motherboards). The DDR4-4266 indicator is available on ASUS Maximus IX Apex and ASUS Strix Z270I Gaming models (it's all about two DIMM connectors that are optimized for such frequencies).

But for everyday use, you should not use RAM with a frequency higher than DDR4-3600; Conquering the 4 GHz memory mark is left to enthusiasts; for a home or gaming system, the overall stability of the PC is more important.

The main thing is not to forget about the need to install paired kits of RAM (that is, factory kits consisting of two or four modules) into the DIMM slots. Self-selected individual options may simply not start at the settings, timings, etc. you require.

AVX offset parameter

This option helps stabilize the CPU at high frequencies by reducing the operating frequency when processing AVX code operations.

If you fix the processor multiplier at 50 units, BCLK at 100 MHz, and the AVX offset parameter at 0, the resulting frequency of 5000 MHz will be constant. But in this case, the system may turn out to be unstable. And the reason for such behavior will take a very long time to identify.

That is why experienced enthusiasts advise using the AVX offset option, setting its value to 2. This means that at a constant 5 GHz, the system will automatically reduce the multiplier to 48 points (which corresponds to 4800 MHz) at the moment when AVX application activity is noticed.

5 GHz without AVX load
4.8 GHz with active AVX application

This approach has a beneficial effect not only on the stability of the PC, but also on proper power consumption, and therefore the heat dissipation of the CPU.

For everyday use, you should not use RAM with a frequency higher than DDR4-3600.

The functionality of motherboards does not yet allow the operating voltage of the processor to be divided in this way. But there is hope that in future generations this opportunity will definitely be realized.

Overclocking technique, monitoring and checking the system for stability

No matter how trivial it may sound, before any overclocking process it is worth testing the PC in normal mode. Run several benchmarks, monitor the current temperature and fix identified bugs (if any are noticed).

If everything is in perfect order, feel free to increase the processor multiplier and voltage (in the BIOS settings it is recommended to use the Adaptive voltage mode instead of Manual or Offset mode for the Vcore parameter).

Next, we look for a stable frequency and minimum voltage at which the system behaves stably (passing POST, starting the OS, operability of service applications, stress tests, etc.). At the same time, do not forget to record the operating temperature of the CPU; it should not exceed 80 degrees even in the hottest conditions.

As a rule, kits with a frequency of DDR4-4000+ do not require a voltage higher than 1.25 V for the System Agent parameter.

After overclocking the CPU, we move on to the RAM. The most preferable option is to activate the XMP parameter (if the modules and motherboard support this profile). Otherwise, you will have to find the maximum operating frequency and timings yourself.

It is possible that if a stable RAM value is identified, adjustments to the Vcore, System Agent (VCCSA) and VCCIO parameters will be required; we will talk about this below.

Preferred stress tests:

ROG Realbench uses a combination of Handbrake, Luxmark and Winrar applications; the benchmark is good for checking RAM, 2-8 hours of running is enough;
HCI Memtest helps identify RAM and CPU cache errors;
AIDA64 is a classic software tool for any enthusiast; The built-in stress test is able to check the strength of the processor-memory connection (2-8 hours of running is enough).

Practice overclocking and settings in UEFI BIOS

So, let's move on to the practical part, namely, setting parameters in the BIOS and overclocking itself. We will need the Extreme Tweaker tab on ASUS motherboards.

We adjust the following options:

in the case of using SVO, set the Vcore value to 1.30 V, multiplier to 49; for air cooling - 1.25 V and 48, respectively;
set the Ai Overclock Tuner parameter to Manual mode;
CPU Core Ratio to Sync All Cores;
for CPU/Cache Voltage (CPU Vcore) select Adaptive Mode;
for Additional Turbo Mode CPU Core Voltage, set the value to 1.30 V (when using CBO) or 1.25 V for level coolers.

For CPU/Cache Voltage (CPU Vcore) select Adaptive Mode
For Additional Turbo Mode CPU Core Voltage set the value to 1.30 V

Go to the Internal CPU Power Management submenu:

IA DC Load Line is fixed at 0.01
IA AC Load Line at 0.01

Internal CPU Power Management

We save the settings and reboot the system, try to go through POST and log into the OS. If the system is stable, we increase the multiplier to 49-50 points, and to the current voltage, if necessary, throw it up+0.02 V. But we try not to exceed critical mark of 1.35 V.

After this, we check the system for strength in Prime95 and monitor the CPU temperature (it should not be higher than 80 degrees).

For RAM in UEFI, select XMP mode. When searching for a stable memory frequency, it may be necessary to adjust the CPU VCCIO and CPU System Agent options in accordance with the following recommendations:

for DDR4-2133 – DDR4-2800 frequencies, the voltage of the CPU VCCIO and CPU System Agent should be in the range of 1.05-1.15 V;
for DDR4-2800 – DDR4-3600 CPU VCCIO can be increased to 1.10-1.25 V, and CPU System Agent - 1.10-1.30 V;
DDR4-3600 - DDR4-4266: 1.15-1.30 V and 1.20-1.35 V respectively.

XMP profile selection
CPU voltage VCCIO

However, depending on the processor and memory used, these figures may vary. As a rule, kits with a frequency of DDR4-4000+ do not require a voltage higher than 1.25 V for the System Agent parameter.

We run stress tests again with the applied parameters. Don’t forget about the AVX Core Ratio Negative Offset option, which is recommended to be fixed at a value of 2 points (with a CPU clock frequency of 4900 MHz, AVX applications will operate at 4700 MHz).

AVX Core Ratio Negative Offset parameter

Conclusion

These tips will help you achieve the desired result in overclocking Intel Kaby Lake processors to 5 GHz and above; potential stones impressive.

The main thing is not to neglect high-quality cooling and long-term stress tests.