The new options in this first stage of the 15th Gen release include high-end Intel CPUs, with unlocked core multipliers for PC enthusiasts who are keen to have a go at overclocking for maximum performance. It’s important to know that those with 'K' or 'KF' in their model ID do not include a CPU cooler, so be sure to factor this in when planning your new build.
For those who are building a whole new system, you'll be happy to hear that these Intel Core Ultra CPU options also bring with them an exciting assortment of new-look motherboards on a brand new Z890 chipset, and while these use a new socket named LGA-1851, it has got the fitting holes in the same position as LGA-1700, so we get an absolutely massive range of cooling options available on day one!
Intel 15th Gen Core Ultra 200 Series Essentials...
- New 15th Gen Intel Core Ultra 5 245K, Ultra 7 265K & Ultra 9 285K CPU only work with new Z890 Motherboards.
- The RAM you will use depends on your chosen motherboard, all Intel Core Ultra Desktop CPU available now support XMP overclocking with DDR5 RAM Kits, which DDR speed you go for will depend on the specific motherboard you choose.
- Most Intel 15th Gen Core Ultra CPU come with integrated graphics, but those without integrated graphics are labelled 'KF'.
- No 15th Gen Intel Core marked with 'K' or 'KF' comes with a CPU cooler in the box, so you'll need an aftermarket CPU cooler with compatibility for the new LGA-1851 socket, or LGA-1700 from the previous generation, which still fit nicely.
The new CPU series is a good one for many reasons, starting with the best stuff, the Intel 15th Gen builds continue to advance on the technology split with performance cores (P-cores) for demanding loads, and efficiency cores (E-cores) for background tasks, making them the most versatile generation of Intel mainstream desktop processors to date. So if you're looking for an uncompromised experience in-game, along with the performance headroom for smooth live streaming or on-the-fly highlights recording and editing, this new generation of Intel Core Ultra CPU is a part of the system you'll be building.
In the mid-range of this first wave of unlocked CPU is the Core Ultra 7 265KF with 20 core(s) inside. Just as the "K" symbolises the unlocked overclocking potential of the CPU the "F" marks the removal of the integrated graphics - so the price is excellent! For a high-end gamer on a budget, this is likely going to be the go-to CPU to use now.
The top CPU in the Intel 15th Gen unlocked "K" series is the exceptional Ultra 9 285K which is likely going to be the most popular for cutting-edge game streaming PC builds that'll utilise additional dedicated graphics cards for extreme gaming while still using the integrated Intel graphics within the CPU to assist with streaming. A combination of 8 P-cores and 16 E-cores keep everything working, enhancing your gaming performance while minimising interruptions from secondary tasks, and let's face it, we all multi-task with our games, steams, captures and various chat software all running at once these days.
Not matter which processor you end up choosing, you'll get to enjoy all the benefits that come with the hybrid design, along with access to all the connected component options including the fastest WiFi 7 and USB 4 devices, and that makes any of these beastly new unlocked CPU a top choice for those wanting to build best PC possible.
Unlike previous Intel CPU launches this one has a whole new motherboard series, so we have a massive range of new Z890 motherboards coming for alongside the new Ultra CPU on launch day from Gigabyte and ASUS. Most of the first wave options are full sized ATX, showcasing the rich features that the new 800 series makes available.
Looking closer at a full sized ATX option we have this mighty looking Z890 GAMING X and it's starting to look very serious indeed - reinforced PCIe slots support large heavy graphics cards, M.2 slots sporting massive heatsinks for your storage too! The previous GAMING X series soared to new heights as one of the top selling gaming boards in NZ, and we're excited to see if the trend continues on - which is probably will thanks to a great looking design that's super powerful!
The Gigabyte Gaming X offers us support for absolutely incredible memory speeds, it's a tested and proven platform that ensures proper compatibility with DDR5 profiles up to 6400MHz and beyond. All users need to do to attain this performance boost is to ensure that their memory module is XMP capable and that the XMP function is activated and enabled on their Gigabyte motherboard.
DDR5 RAM is the most recent generation of desktop RAM kits supported by a select range of Z890 motherboards with an Intel 15th Gen CPU. Even at stock speed, DDR5 is extremely fast, with unparalleled data transfer speeds compared to the previous generation DDR4. The range of DDR5 RAM kits available to choose from has continued to increase, adding new value DDR5 RAM options from Crucial and bright RGB lighting with Kingston FURY.
As we mentioned above, with the new Z890 series and an Intel 14th Gen 'K' or 'KF' CPU you can overclock compatible DDR5 RAM easily to enjoy faster speeds, and this is much easier than overlocking a CPU or GPU thanks to Intel Extreme Memory Profiles (XMP). In order to use XMP the RAM must adhere to standard speeds set by Joint Electron Device Engineering Council (JEDEC). So even if you buy RAM advertised at 6400MHz, it won't be able to run at those speeds unless you insert it into a motherboard that's ready for it.
Woah, that got a bit technical at times but it's all looking GOOD! This is just a part of the new range too, so we'll keep adding all the new products to this page as they arrive and also into the brand stores for each motherboard manufacturer, Asus, Gigabyte, Asrock & MSI - so be sure to keep your eyes on the mighty Intel Store for more of the latest!
