Buzz
Tick-tock is Intel's strategy of alternating between processors focused on advancing technology by shrinking the die size, with tick representing the die size reduction of the previous architecture, and tock indicating the introduction of a new architecture.
The 5th gen Intel processors were the 'tick,' and the 6th gen Sky Lake processors were the 'tock.' Intel initially planned to transition from Sky Lake to Cannon Lake using the 10nm process. However, delays led to the introduction of another 'tock' – the reason behind the release of Kaby Lake processors. These processors use the 14nm process, improving and optimizing some features to enhance the performance of the 7th gen processors compared to the 6th gen Sky Lake processors. Let's explore how the performance has improved by comparing Kaby Lake and Skylake to help you choose the best CPU for your computer.
Comparing Kaby Lake and Sky Lake
Pricing
The cost varies depending on the model.
New Features on Kaby Lake
Fundamentally, the 7th generation Intel Core processor, Kaby Lake, optimizes the 6th generation. Both for computers use the same LGA 1151 socket, allowing you to add a Kaby Lake processor to a motherboard running a Sky Lake chip (and use the same CPU cooling solution).
However, Kaby Lake introduces additional features, making it not an ideal solution for the 100-series chipset, which does not support these features.
The best approach is to pair a Kaby Lake chip with a motherboard using the 200-series chipset.
4K Video
Firstly, Kaby Lake boasts an upgraded graphics chip supporting HEVC encoding and decoding. This is the latest video codec designed for 4K video, meaning the Kaby Lake chip enables viewing 4K videos on platforms like Netflix and Amazon in HEVC format. Additionally, Kaby Lake also supports VP9 decoding, Google's codec designed to compete with HEVC.
As the GPU load is handled here, CPU cores can be utilized for other tasks, ensuring a smooth video-watching experience on your computer without interruptions.
Kaby Lake also supports HDCP 2.2, essentially the copyright protection used for 4K videos. You'll need it to connect to compatible displays and view protected UHD content.
Kaby Lake supports both HEVC and VP9, meaning the processor doesn't work as hard as the Sky Lake chip (using CPU cores for video decoding). This can potentially extend the laptop battery life by up to 260% when watching 4K videos, according to Intel.
Optane Memory
Secondly, Kaby Lake supports Intel's new Optane memory. This memory functions like an NVMe SSD but is faster and fits into the same M.2 slot on the motherboard. Optane is only compatible with the Z270 chipset, requiring a Kaby Lake CPU (while you can run a Sky Lake processor on a Z270 motherboard, you cannot use Optane memory).
Performance
Thirdly, Kaby Lake performs better than Sky Lake. It's not a significant issue, just a slight improvement.
Increased Base and Turbo Boost Clock Speeds
While you may need benchmark tools to discern differences for most applications, you won't encounter any trouble noticing improvements in 3D graphics performance, especially for mobile chips.
The U-series Kaby Lake processors with Intel Iris Plus graphics promise a performance boost of up to 65% compared to the GPU in equivalent Sky Lake chips.
PCIe Lanes
Sky Lake processors have 20 interface lanes with the Platform Controller Hub (PCH), while Kaby Lake doubles that count. With 16 PCIe lanes on the processor, the Kaby Lake system boasts 40 PCIe lanes.
USB and Thunderbolt
These dedicated lanes are crucial, as PCIe is used for storage due to the SATA speed limitations.
Kaby Lake also supports the latest USB-C version (USB 3.1 Gen 2), offering speeds of up to 10Gb/s, surpassing Sky Lake's 5Gb/s, and Thunderbolt 3.0.
The Kaby Lake system can feature up to 14 USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports and 3 PCIe 3.0 storage slots.
Changes in Low-Power Chip Naming
Intel has introduced a shift in how they name low-power chips on mobile devices like laptops, phasing out Core m5 and Core m7 and rebranding these 4.5W chips as Core i5 and Core i7.
As the 4.5W CPUs, also known as Kaby Lake Y-series chips, consume less power than the U-series, they offer enhanced energy efficiency.
To check CPU temperature in your computer, you can use CPU-Z software for assistance. CPU-Z provides comprehensive hardware information and specifically indicates the current CPU temperature, allowing users to take timely measures.
Choosing Between Kaby Lake and Sky Lake
Clearly, if given the choice between a computer and a laptop at the same price, one using a Sky Lake CPU and the other using Kaby Lake, users will opt for Kaby Lake.
For laptops with integrated graphics, you'll find that Kaby Lake's performance is better thanks to the Iris Plus GPU, offering longer battery life when streaming 4K Netflix videos.
In addition to Kaby Lake and Sky Lake, users also have access to Ice Lake, Intel's 9th-generation processor. If you're interested, you can explore Ice Lake here.
Clock Speed Comparison Table between Sky Lake and Kaby Lake Y-series:
Clock Speed Comparison Table between Sky Lake and Kaby Lake U-series:
Here, Mytour has just introduced and compared Kaby Lake and Sky Lake. We hope you will consider and make the right choice when deciding to use Kaby Lake or Sky Lake for accurately assembling the CPU , RAM for your desktop, PC, ensuring compatibility with components and optimizing system performance. If you are not confident in your experience, don't attempt to install the CPU yourself; seek assistance from someone with experience.
There are numerous tutorials on CPU installation available on the internet nowadays, but not everyone employs the most effective and accurate method. The best approach is to practice CPU installation on your own device. Through this hands-on experience, you'll gain more valuable insights for yourself.
