Intel Core i5-7600K socket: LGA 1151
The Intel Core i5-7600K uses the LGA 1151 socket on revision 1 boards. It is a 4-core unlocked Kaby Lake chip without Hyper-Threading that runs to 4.2 GHz, on 200 series boards and updated 100 series boards.
- Socket
- LGA 1151
- Launched
- January 3, 2017
- Cores and threads
- 4 and 4
- Base power
- 91 W
- Codename
- Kaby Lake
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- Intel Core i5
- Clocks
- 3.8 / 4.2 GHz
Intel Core i5-7600K specifications
| Cores | 4 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 4 (no Hyper-Threading) |
| Core architecture | Skylake based cores on 14 nm |
| Clocks | 3.8 GHz base, up to 4.2 GHz (Turbo Boost 2.0) |
| Cache | 6 MB Intel Smart Cache (L3) |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 91 W |
| Manufacturing process | 14 nm |
| Memory support | DDR4 up to 2400 MT/s (DDR3L up to 1600 MT/s on some boards), two channels, up to 64 GB |
| PCI Express | 16 lanes from the CPU, PCIe 3.0 |
| Integrated graphics | Intel HD Graphics 630 (24 execution units, up to 1.15 GHz) |
| Multiplier | Unlocked (K series) |
| Package | FCLGA1151 |
| Cooler in the box | None |
| ECC memory | Not supported |
| Launch price | $242 (Intel RCP) |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
Intel Core i5-7600K needs a motherboard with a LGA 1151 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| 300 series: B365 and Z390 | Z390, B365 | Not supported |
| 300 series: H310, B360, H370, Q370, Z370 | Z370, H370, B360, H310, Q370 | Not supported |
| 200 series | Z270, H270, B250, Q270, Q250 | Works out of the box |
| 100 series | Z170, H170, B150, H110, Q170, Q150 | Needs a BIOS update Needs a BIOS update before a 7th Gen processor will start. |
Board makers publish a CPU support list for every model. Check it for your exact board before buying. Chipset details for LGA 1151.
Recommended GPU pairing
| Recommended tier | Mid-range 1080p |
|---|---|
| Example GPUs | GeForce GTX 1060 6GB, Radeon RX 480 |
| Target resolution | 1080p high settings |
Four physical cores with boost to 4.2 GHz, 16 PCIe 3.0 lanes and DDR4 line up with mid-range 1080p cards from early 2017. A faster card still works and the balance shifts with game, settings and resolution.
This is a rough match for a new build at the stated resolution, not a limit. A faster card still works and helps at higher resolutions or in games that load the GPU more than the CPU. A slower card is fine for lighter games and office use. The exact balance shifts with the game, the settings and the resolution, so no percentage is given.
LGA 1151 at a glance
| Type | LGA, 1,151 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 37.5 × 37.5 mm |
| Introduced | August 2015 |
| Memory | DDR4 on most boards (some early boards use DDR3L). DDR4 only on the second revision |
| Cooler mounting holes | 75 × 75 mm |
What the Core i5-7600K is
The Core i5-7600K is a four core, four thread processor that Intel released in January 2017 with the Kaby Lake desktop range. Its cores run 3.8 GHz base to 4.2 GHz turbo with Turbo Boost 2.0. Cache is 6 MB of shared L3.
The i5 has no Hyper-Threading: four cores yield four threads, which kept it behind the i7 in threaded work while matching it in lightly threaded games. The TDP is 91 W on the 14 nm process.
Intel HD Graphics 630 cover display output, with 24 execution units at up to 1.15 GHz. The multiplier is unlocked. The launch price was $242 (Intel RCP). Intel includes no cooler with K-series processors.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The 7600K fits the LGA 1151 socket on revision 1 boards. Z270, H270, B250, Q270 and Q250 boards accept it natively. Z170, H170, B150, H110, Q170 and Q150 boards need a BIOS update carrying Kaby Lake support. Revision 2 boards with 300 series chipsets never support it.
A Z270 or updated Z170 board unlocks the multiplier. B-series boards run rated clocks and suit buyers who choose the K for higher stock clocks rather than overclocking.
Confirm the minimum BIOS version in the maker's CPU support list, particularly on early 100 series boards.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
The memory controller supports DDR4 up to 2400 MT/s, with DDR3L up to 1600 MT/s possible on the few boards built with DDR3L slots instead. Two channels carry up to 64 GB. ECC memory is not supported.
The CPU supplies 16 PCIe 3.0 lanes from the processor. Chipset lanes cover the remaining slots and drives at lower speeds.
Cooling should exceed the 91 W base rating under boost. Plan a capable tower cooler on the 75 mm LGA 1151 pattern for quiet sustained operation. The CPU cooler compatibility by socket guide lists bracket requirements.
The last quad-core i5, revision 1 only
The 7600K closed the quad-core i5 era: four cores without threading at high clocks, just before Coffee Lake moved the i5 to six cores. Its gaming results kept it relevant while titles scaled with clocks first. The 91 W TDP asks for real cooling, so a capable tower cooler covers overclocking headroom on Z-series boards.
The revision split runs the other way here. Revision 1 boards take it, with 200 series native and 100 series after an update, while revision 2 boards with 300 series chipsets never accept it despite the identical socket.
Upgrade paths
Against the Intel Core i7-7700K, the 7600K gives up threading and cache for a lower price with most gaming pace intact. Against the Intel Core i7-6700K, it trades blows on clocks on the same socket, subject to BIOS.
Moving to LGA 1200 needs a new board while keeping DDR4. The 7600K fits a Z270 gaming PC from the end of the quad-core era.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Core i5-7600K use?
It uses LGA 1151 on revision 1 boards with 100 or 200 series chipsets, written FCLGA1151 in Intel's documents.
Does the 7600K have Hyper-Threading?
No. Like the 9th Gen i5 line, the 7600K has no Hyper-Threading, so 4 cores give 4 threads.
Does the 7600K run in a Z170 motherboard?
Yes, after a BIOS update that adds Kaby Lake support. Without the update the board will not start with this processor.
Does the 7600K run in a Z370 motherboard?
No. 300 series boards are revision 2 and never support 7th Gen processors.
Does the 7600K come with a cooler?
No. K-series processors ship without a cooler.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .