The 6th generation of Intel Core processors, codenamed “Skylake,” was unveiled in 2015. Marking a “tock” in Intel’s “tick-tock” design model, Skylake introduced a new microarchitecture while maintaining the 14nm process technology used in the preceding Broadwell generation. Skylake aimed to deliver notable improvements in performance, graphics, and power efficiency across a myriad of devices, including desktops, laptops, and embedded systems. The architecture was designed to support a wide array of use-cases, from everyday computing to professional content creation and high-end gaming, thus appealing to a broad spectrum of consumers and businesses.

Skylake offered significant enhancements in graphics performance and capabilities, with some models featuring Intel’s Iris and Iris Pro Graphics. Additionally, Skylake processors provided DDR4 memory support, facilitating access to faster and more energy-efficient memory. The platform also introduced the LGA 1151 socket, which brought along new chipsets that supported a variety of features, such as PCIe 3.0 lanes, SATA III ports, and USB 3.0/3.1 ports, among others. With improvements in integrated graphics, CPU performance, and energy efficiency, Skylake played a pivotal role in bolstering Intel’s presence in various computing segments, from ultraportable laptops to powerful workstations, during its era. The architecture was well-received and laid down a foundational platform for subsequent Intel processor generations.