Review: Intel Core i7-5775C (14nm Broadwell)

Conclusion

The range-topping desktop Broadwell CPU, Core i7-5775C, has allowed Intel to flex its muscle and further demonstrate performance leadership in the consumer space. The chip giant can now rightly claim that its socketed processors offer the best CPU performance available as well as the best integrated graphics.

That's not something we thought we'd be saying when AMD purchased ATI way back when, but credit where it's due, Intel's onboard graphics have evolved from downright shoddy to highly competent parts that do away with the need for entry-level discrete graphics cards.

Yet, while Core i7-5775C serves as an interesting showcase of Iris Pro's capabilities, the chip is in our estimation muddled in composition and struggles to find relevance in today's market. Core frequency falls short of previous-generation processors, overclocking headroom is limited, and let's face it, anyone contemplating a near-£300 CPU is hardly going to be relying on integrated graphics for their gaming needs.

In 2014, desktop Broadwell may have served as an intriguing alternative to Haswell for those that favour IGP performance, but at this late stage the Core i7-5775C is at risk of being made obsolete from the get-go. With Skylake just around the corner, Broadwell's desktop relevance is bordering on nonexistent and anyone contemplating spending big bucks on a new CPU would be well advised to hold out for the upcoming Core i7-6700K.

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The Intel Core i7-5775C is available to order from Scan Computers.

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