Intel Core i7 2700k Review

The Core i7 2700k has been released in a very low key manner. The plan was that Intel would release the new chip to redress the performance balance brought to market by AMD's FX 8150 Black Edition. As we all know by now, AMD's FX failed to excite the enthusiast audience and Intel's i7 2600k held strong as the performance leader in the sub £300 market.

Intel's i7 2700k has basically just replaced the 2600k as the new leader in this sector. As a talking point, it makes for a rather dull conversation. In reality however, the 2700k is a stunning processor and we found that it was easier to get stable at even higher clock speeds. We have several 2600k processors in our labs and they all hit 4.8ghz with modest air cooling. The 2700k sample we received was stable at 5ghz and more is surely available with quality watercooling.

At 5ghz, the 2700k delivers a stunning Cinebench 11.5 result of almost 10 points, which is ahead of a reference clocked Intel Core i7 990X, at a third of the price. With the right cooling, the Core i7 2700k would make for a spectacular, low cost 3D rendering station.

It really is a simple product to rate, because there is no competition from AMD. At £258, it is only £10 more than the Core i7 2600k and as such becomes a clear ‘must have' purchase. We can't guarantee all 2700k processors will hit 5ghz on air, but if our sample is anything to go by, it looks really promising for Intel.

Pros:

• 1.5 ghz overclock on air with modest cooling.
• new performance leader in sub £300 sector.
• efficient power consumption.
• Unlocked.
• Overclockers will love it.

Cons:

• Nothing.

Kitguru says: The new sub £300 performance leader and a bargain buy considering the performance available when overclocked.

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