The first of Intel’s sixth generation Skylake processors are built for enthusiasts

Intel overnight announced the availability of its first sixth generation Skylake desktop processors, the Core i7-6700K and Core i5-6600K. The CPU manufacturer describes the pair as enthusiast products, ideal for both gamers and creative professionals who require a bit more grunt than the average consumer.

Out of the box, the quad-core Core i7-6700K is clocked at 4.0GHz, while the quad-core Core i5-6600K is clocked at 3.5GHz. Both come unlocked and are optimised for overclocking. In Anandtech's review of the new processors, the publication was able to comfortably overclock the Core i7-6700K to 4.6GHz with a "good cooler in nice conditions".

Intel's pair of new processors the first to support DDR4 RAM.

The Core i7-6700K and Core i5-6600K are both available now for AUD$540 and AUD$375 respectively. Customers will need to purchase a heatsink or cooler separately.

Lower-end desktop Skylake-based processors are expected later this year, alongside both conventional and enthusiast CPUs for notebooks and two-in-ones.