Apple MacBook Pro 15 (Late 2016 2.9 GHz, 460) Notebook Review
Intel Core i7-6920HQ | AMD Radeon Pro 460 | 15.40" | 1.8 kg
The Intel Core i7-6920HQ is a high-end quad-core processor for notebooks. It's the top-model of the Skylake series and has been presented in September 2015. In addition to four CPU cores with Hyper-Threading clocked at 2.9 - 3.8 GHz (4 cores: max. 3.4 GHz, 2 cores: max. 3.6 GHz), the chip also integrates an HD Graphics 530 GPU and a dual-channel DDR4-2133/DDR3L-1600 memory controller. The CPU is manufactured using a 14 nm process with FinFET transistors.
Architecture
Skylake replaces both Haswell and Broadwell and brings the same microarchitecture in every TDP class from 4.5 to 45 W. The extensive improvements of the Skylake design include increased out-of-order buffers, optimized prefetching and branch prediction as well as additional performance gains through Hyper-Threading. Overall, however, performance per clock has been increased by only 5 to 10 percent (compared to Haswell) respectively under 5 percent (compard to Broadwell), which is quite modest for a new architecture ("Tock").
Performance
According to the specified clock rates and the improved architecture, the Core i7-6920HQ should perform roughly on par with the former, slightly higher clocked Core i7-4910MQ (Haswell). Under long-lasting full load, the Skylake chip might take the lead, as the advanced 14 nm process leads to a higher energy efficiency and reduces throttling.
Even the most demanding applications and excessive multitasking are handled easily.
Graphics
The integrated graphics unit called HD Graphics 530 represents the "GT2" version of the Skylake GPU (Intel Gen. 9). The 24 Execution Units, also called EUs, are clocked at 350 - 1050 MHz and offer a performance about 20 percent above the old HD Graphics 4600. Games of 2015 can thus be played smoothly in low or medium settings. For more information about performance and features, check our page for the HD Graphics 530.
Power Consumption
Specified at a TDP of 45 W (including CPU, GPU and memory controller), the Core i7-6920HQ is best suited for bigger notebooks 15-inches in size and above. Optionally, the TDP can be lowered to 35 watts (cTDP down), reducing both heat dissipation and performance.
Series | Intel Core i7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Codename | Skylake | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Series: Core i7 Skylake
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Clock Rate | 2900 - 3800 MHz | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Level 1 Cache | 256 KB | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Level 2 Cache | 1 MB | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Level 3 Cache | 8 MB | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Number of Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Power Consumption (TDP = Thermal Design Power) | 45 Watt | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Manufacturing Technology | 14 nm | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Die Size | 122 mm2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Max. Temperature | 100 °C | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Socket | BGA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Features | Dual-Channel DDR3L-1600/DDR4-2133 Memory Controller, AVX, AVX2, Quick Sync, Virtualization, AES-NI, vPro, TXT | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
GPU | Intel HD Graphics 530 (350 - 1050 MHz) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
64 Bit | 64 Bit support | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Architecture | x86 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Announcement Date | 09/01/2015 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Product Link (external) | ark.intel.com |
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