With its unlocked multiplier the 655K can be easily overclocked on even standard motherboards. ...

The Core i5 was the second CPU from Intel to come with an integrated memory controller (the Core i7 was the first, while the Core i3 was the third), feature present on CPUs from AMD since the Athlon 64. Core i5 CPUs are based on the Core architecture, ...

You could argue that the unlocked multiplier allows for better overclocks on motherboards that can't hit a 200MHz Base Clock (cheap boards, in other words), but whether you overclock via the Base Clock or the CPU multiplier, you'll still have to add extra...

As we mentioned at the outset, the Core i5 655K is a bit of an oddball chip that shakes things up in Intel's lower-end lineup. In this case, oddball isn't a bad thing. Bringing an unlocked multiplier to the market at an affordable price certainly is un...

Although nothing to write home about architecturally, Intel is making a play for AMD’s favorite audience, the cost-conscious overclocker crowd. Enthusiasts, meet Intel’s latest take on fast and affordable

i7-875KIt's a curious set of results that aren't too easy to read much into. Some tests it came out looking very good at stock speeds, and others it really struggled with.The thing that makes this hardest to understand is that to all intents and purpos...

It’s nice to see some unlocked processors coming from Intel again that don’t carry the Extreme Edition price tag. The $220 Core i5-655K and $190 Core i5-650 are currently about $30 different between price tags which we feel is well worth the extra co...

When it comes to Intel processors, the word “unlocked” is not synonymous with low-priced mainstream products - it’s a feature normally reserved for flagship ‘Extreme Edition’ CPUs that bear higher price tags. Things are set to change today because Int...

The Core i5-655K is, on the other hand, considerably less compelling. Yes, dropping another $40 above the regular Core i5-650 might be worth it if you want to squeeze every drop of potential speed out of a semi-budget build, but shelling out another $68 and..

Interesting... that's what this release of the K processors is. As stated in our introduction, there is quite a market for unlocked processors. See, recently Intel promised to start selling chips with unlocked multipliers that do not cost $1000 per un...

If you're really into overclocking, you might like the extra opportunity afforded by the unlocked multiplier on the Core i5-655K. The Core i7-875K is a terrific deal for enthusiasts who like swimming in the mainstream. Buy it now...

I'm sure Intel will be releasing more K models in the future, and when it does, there's little doubt each will hold a fair premium. Whether or not that premium is worth it again boils down to how much you value overclocking. If you're like me, and simply find a quick overclock and stick with it, then Intel's standard models are fine. If you're the type..

But despite the excellent scaling you get from the company’s more advanced manufacturing technology, AMD’s Black Edition parts still come across as better values for the money, even when you overclock both parties involved to the limits of stability. With a slight massage to each model's price point, though, this story could easily..

Strictly from a stock performance standpoint, the new Core i7-875K and Core i5-665K processors perform exactly like their locked counterparts, the Core i7-870 and Core i5-650. If you're not overclocking and taking advantage of the unlocked multipliers...

Intel definitely saw the need to do more to compete with AMD than release a very small amount of Extreme Edition CPUs at the highest $1000+ price point and the release of two new CPUs with unlocked cores for just a little above the retail price of thei...

However, there are specific situations when unlocked processors like Core i7-875K and Core i5-655K can become an irreplaceable part of your system. First, these CPUs will undoubtedly become the users’ first pick for extreme overclocking experiments. Very often when we use advanced cooling methods it..

If you're looking for an easily overclockable upgrade chip for your LGA 1156-based PC, you might find the 655K appealing, but most users will find better value in other Intel or AMD CPUs. ...