Kaby Lake

Kaby Lake
source
Name	Kaby Lake
Produced	From 2016
Designer	Intel
Code name	Kaby Lake
Arch	x86-64
Microarch	Skylake
Numcores	2–4 (client), up to 18 (Xeon)
L1cache	64 KB per core
L2cache	256 KB per core
L3cache	2–8 MB (client), up to 24.75 MB (server)
Predecessor	Skylake
Successor	Coffee Lake

Kaby Lake. Kaby Lake is a codename for a microprocessor architecture developed by Intel as the successor to its Skylake design. First launched in the third quarter of 2016, it was the third generation of processors built on Intel's "14 nm" manufacturing process. The architecture was used in a wide range of products, from mobile and desktop CPUs to high-performance Xeon server chips, and was notable for its integration of new media capabilities and its role in the final generation of a "tick-tock" model before a shift in strategy.

Overview

Kaby Lake represented an optimization phase under Intel's revised "Process-Architecture-Optimization" model, following the initial Skylake architecture. The primary focus was on delivering higher clock speeds, improved power efficiency, and enhanced integrated graphics performance rather than major architectural changes. Key product families included the 7th Generation Core i7, Core i5, and Core i3 processors for the consumer market, as well as the Pentium and Celeron brands for entry-level segments. The platform also saw the introduction of new chipsets, such as the Intel 200 Series, which supported technologies like Intel Optane Memory.

Architecture

The core microarchitecture of Kaby Lake was a refined version of Skylake, maintaining the same fundamental design but with optimizations for the matured "14 nm" process. This allowed for increased maximum turbo frequencies and better voltage scaling. A significant advancement was in the integrated GPU, branded as Intel HD Graphics, with the top-tier Intel Iris Plus Graphics 650 offering improved performance for media playback and light gaming. The architecture also introduced hardware acceleration for decoding of VP9 and HEVC 10-bit video, crucial for streaming services like YouTube and Netflix.

Processor list

The Kaby Lake family encompassed several distinct lines targeting different market segments. The mobile "U-series" and "Y-series" (including Core m3, Core m5, Core m7) were designed for ultrabooks and 2-in-1 devices, emphasizing low power consumption. Desktop offerings included the unlocked "K-series" chips, such as the Core i7-7700K, popular with enthusiasts for overclocking. For the enterprise and workstation market, Kaby Lake was utilized in the Xeon E3-1200 v6 family. The lineup also included embedded and Internet of Things variants, such as the Intel Celeron J-series, for industrial applications.

Performance and reception

General performance gains over Skylake were modest, typically in the range of 8-12% in CPU-bound tasks, largely attributable to higher clock speeds. Reviews from outlets like AnandTech and Tom's Hardware noted the incremental nature of the update but praised the substantial improvements in media engine efficiency and integrated graphics. The Core i7-7700K became a staple in gaming PCs for several years due to its strong single-threaded performance. However, the architecture faced criticism for its lack of core count increases on the mainstream desktop platform amidst growing competition from AMD's Ryzen processors.

Platform features

Kaby Lake processors were paired with the Intel 200 Series chipset (e.g., Z270, H270), which offered increased PCI Express lanes and support for Intel Optane Memory technology. The platform natively supported DDR4 and DDR3L memory, Thunderbolt 3 via the Alpine Ridge controller, and enhanced I/O capabilities. For mobile platforms, it enabled designs compliant with the Microsoft Windows 10 "Modern Standby" specification. Security features included SGX and improved ME firmware, though the Meltdown and Spectre vulnerabilities, disclosed later, affected these chips.

Successor and discontinuation

Kaby Lake was succeeded by Coffee Lake in late 2017, which marked a more significant shift by increasing core counts across the desktop lineup. The architecture was officially discontinued for order placement by Intel in 2020, following the end-of-life announcements for products like the Xeon E3-1200 v6 family. Kaby Lake's legacy lies in its role as a refined, mature product on the "14 nm" node and its introduction of critical media decoding features that became standard in subsequent generations like Cannon Lake and Ice Lake.

Category:Intel microprocessors Category:X86 microprocessors Category:2016 in computing