The first sign of Kaby Lake X: the Intel Core i7-7740K

Intel is going to have a hard time on its hands with this current rumor of the purported Core i7-7740K processor, a new CPU based on the Kaby Lake X architecture - on the HEDT platform.

The new Core i7-7740K won't be a slight bump on the current Kaby Lake (non-X) processor is a 4C/8T offering on the LGA 1151 socket, while the Core i7-7740K is on the LGA 2066 socket powered by the X299 chipset. The X299 chipset will be ready for the high-end Core i7-7740K, which will rock 4C/8T of Kaby Lake X at 4.3/4.5GHz for base/boost clocks.

But, the new Core i7-7740K will not include an integrated GPU for on-board graphics, like the 7700K does now - and will bump the TDP up to 112W, from 91W on 7700K. 20 more watts, for the same Turbo Boost clock of 4.5GHz, and 4C/8T - without integrated graphics, hmm.

Will people think the 7740K is a slightly faster 7700K, even though its a completely different architecture and motherboard? Confusing naming here if the rumors turn out to be true... maybe Intel needs to introduce a new family of CPUs between its current Core and Xeon lines, to deal with the multi-threaded CPU threat from AMD with Ryzen.