Skylake CPUs

[pedzsan]

I see a lot of references that the latest iMac and the latest 12" Macbook both use Skylake processors -- and I believe they are true. But I can't figure out a way to actually validate this from Apple's web site.

For example, if I go and grab the text for the iMac, it just says "4.0GHz quad-core Intel Core i7" which (I believe) is not specific enough.

Aside from Mac Rumors or Wikipedia, how do I find out which processor is being used in the various Apple products?

Thank you for your time,
Perry

 

[circatee]

I'd like to know, too.

 

[RGunner]

I'd like to know, too.

www.everymac.com is a good resource for CPU part numbers - iFixit.com too

 

[Hellhammer]

Apple doesn't advertise or list CPU model numbers, so you have to work them out on your own (or check Wiki and other sites for the models). It's not very hard - just look at which generation was the most recent when the model was released and then work out the exact model from the frequency and core count. In case of the 4GHz i7, it's easy to confirm it as Skylake since there was no 4GHz Broadwell CPU (or anything earlier).

Running this command in Terminal will also return the CPU's model:

sysctl -n machdep.cpu.brand_string

 

[hfg]

Apple doesn't advertise or list CPU model numbers, so you have to work them out on your own (or check Wiki and other sites for the models). It's not very hard - just look at which generation was the most recent when the model was released and then work out the exact model from the frequency and core count. In case of the 4GHz i7, it's easy to confirm it as Skylake since there was no 4GHz Broadwell CPU (or anything earlier).

Running this command in Terminal will also return the CPU's model:

sysctl -n machdep.cpu.brand_string

My late 2014 5K iMac returns a Haswell 4GHz i7 ID:
Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4790K CPU @ 4.00GHz

What is the compelling advantage of Skylake over this Haswell?

 

[varian55zx]

My late 2014 5K iMac returns a Haswell 4GHz i7 ID:
Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4790K CPU @ 4.00GHz

What is the compelling advantage of Skylake over this Haswell?

I think the performance differences are somewhat overstated, these companies don't want to make too dramatic of improvements, or else they'll have to deliver even more on the next release, which is the last thing they want to do. They want the improvements to be as slight as possible (while still appearing adequate) per each release.

However, it pays to have the newest chipset. Pays to have the newest anything.

Also, Skylake is undoubtedly superior, I don't think anyone is debating that.

 

[hfg]

Also, Skylake is undoubtedly superior, I don't think anyone is debating that.

Superior ... in what way. I have seen endless discussions here regarding heat and thermal throttling with the 2 versions of 5K iMac, but is that a CPU or GPU issue?

 

[varian55zx]

Superior ... in what way. I have seen endless discussions here regarding heat and thermal throttling with the 2 versions of 5K iMac, but is that a CPU or GPU issue?

Skylake is superior in literally every way. They run cooler, use less power and yet perform better.

However, the extent is not incredible, but it is noticeable, and absolutely of significance.

 

[Hellhammer]

My late 2014 5K iMac returns a Haswell 4GHz i7 ID:
Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4790K CPU @ 4.00GHz

What is the compelling advantage of Skylake over this Haswell?

Not much to be honest. 5-10% difference at most excluding IGP tests, which are irrelevant in this case as iMac uses dGPU.

http://www.anandtech.com/bench/product/1543?vs=1260

 

[Samuelsan2001]

I see a lot of references that the latest iMac and the latest 12" Macbook both use Skylake processors -- and I believe they are true. But I can't figure out a way to actually validate this from Apple's web site.

For example, if I go and grab the text for the iMac, it just says "4.0GHz quad-core Intel Core i7" which (I believe) is not specific enough.

Aside from Mac Rumors or Wikipedia, how do I find out which processor is being used in the various Apple products?

Thank you for your time,
Perry

Actually the 21 inch iMacs use broadwell, as there were no desktop Skylake parts available with Iris pro graphics when they were released.

 

[Rockadile]

Superior ... in what way. I have seen endless discussions here regarding heat and thermal throttling with the 2 versions of 5K iMac, but is that a CPU or GPU issue?

Cramped body for a desktop issue.