HW News: Intel i7-7700K Specs, Logitech G Pro, X2 Empire Case

This week following IDF has posted several news items for general computing technology and for product announcements. As one might expect, Intel unveiled more Kaby Lake information at its self-titled "Intel Developer Forum," and OCaholic posted a SKU listing for the new Kaby Lake CPUs up to the 7700K. Our news round-up video discusses the limited specifications of the i5-7600K, i7-7700K, lower TDP chips, and Intel's plans for launch.

We also look to the world of peripherals for the Logitech G Pro mouse, equipped with the PMW3366 sensor, and to the world of cases for X2's new "Empire" enclosure.

More in the video or script below, if you prefer:

News Transcript

The Kaby Lake CPUs have seen a few delays, but should be hitting markets in quarter 4. The i7-7700K is the high-end unlocked chip, with a reported frequency of 4.2GHz that boosts to 4.5GHz. Compared to the Skylake i7-6700K, also on 14nm process, this places the base clock equal to the 6700K's boost clock, with a 0.3GHz gain in the boost department. Intel's pushing 8MB Cache on the i7-7700K and is using a quad-core CPU with SMT for a total of 8 threads. We don't yet know the HD Graphics version for Intel's new Kaby Lake CPUs.

The 7600K will fill-in the enthusiast market with a 3.8GHz clock that boosts to 4GHz, quad-core CPU without SMT, and 6MB of Smart Cache.

TDP for the 1151 enthusiast class CPUs is rated at 95W, a marginal gain over the Skylake generation's 91W TDP for K-SKU chips. Lower power chips are rated for 65W, including the non-K 7700 and 7600 CPUs, while low-power chips land at 35W and are branded with Intel's “T” suffix. Any time you see a “T” on a CPU, that's what that means – ultra low power. These CPUs run lower clock-rates and aren't overclockable, but generate less heat and are targeted at mainstream and low-power HTPC type setups.

LGA1151 will remain in use for the Kaby Lake generation. The power delivery must support the CPU, so going forward, be sure to check motherboard compatibility lists for CPUs prior to purchases.

Other news this week includes the new Logitech G Pro mouse, which hits the $70 price-point and focuses entirely on slimming down features in favor of price positioning. The G Pro uses the same metal tension spring buttons and side buttons as the G303 – a mouse that we liked – but ditches the controversial “gamer” look of the 303, instead taking design elements from the G100 mouse. In this regard, the G Pro is a merger of the G100 and G303.

The G Pro is using a PMW3366 sensor, sticks with built-in memory for profile transport without demanding software, and uses a scroll wheel that doesn't rely on optics for tracking. We'll hopefully be taking this mouse apart soon to further research its build.

The Logitech G Pro is targeted at a more mainstream and professional audience with a gaming slant, and hopes to fill a demand for less gamer-y looking mice than we've seen from the company's existing lineup.

As an aside, Logitech has finally ditched the Greek god names – so that's good. Though I am disappointed that there was no Dionyssus Gaming Cup for eSports tournaments.

And, as a final news item for this round-up, there's an edgy new case from X2 called the “Empire.” Taking some cues from aluminum-obsessed case manufacturers, the X2 Empire is a mid-tower ATX case with a brushed aluminum exterior atop a thin 0.55mm steel frame. The aluminum will strengthen what is otherwise thin metal, in contrast to the In Win 303 we recently looked at that aimed to solve the rigidity question with thick steel.

The enclosure uses a glass side window of unique shape to fit the angular design, showcasing an S340-inspired PSU shroud and pre-installed RGB LED rear fan.

7 rear expansion slots make for full ATX support, for the most part, and couple with GPUs up to 400mm in length. Granted, we're not sure if that's the length measured at the top slot or bottom slot, given the trapezoidal shape. Standard audio and USB front IO is available, with support for Legacy AC97 Audio, for some reason.

The Empire is made by Netherlands-based company X2, and is available from Spire Corp for $165. Availability begins on September 20. We might try to look at this one.

Host: Steve "Lelldorianx" Burke
Video: Andrew "ColossalCake" Coleman