Review on Intel Core i5-11600K Unlocked Desktop Processor, 6 Cores up to 4.9 GHz, LGA1200 (Intel 500 Series & Select 400 Series Chipset), 125W by Shawn Torres

I have a Gigabyte Z490M Gaming X motherboard with two M.2 slots but one is not working (marked as reduced functionality). It turns out that since the release of its 11th Gen processors, Gigabyte has put a lot of effort into providing additional features. When the new processors came out, I replaced my 10th gen i5 10500 processor with this one. Six things struck me first: 1. This processor requires more power (125W vs 65W for the i5 10500)2. Although it consumes twice as much power, it only heats up by about 4 degrees Celsius under medium to light loads. (I used the same 120mm liquid cooler for both).3. The integrated graphics are significantly improved over the previous generation chip.4. The processor doesn't appear to be twice as fast, but it is significantly faster than the 10th Gen i5 10500 (which was also a solid processor).5. My second M.2 slot on my motherboard is now up and running with 11th gen 11600k functionality. I currently use one slot for my Intel WiFi card and one for my ultra-fast M.2 hard drive. This frees up a lot of space on my PCI Express ports for a really good graphics card.6. My motherboard required a firmware update before installing the processor. Caution before buying: 1. Make sure your motherboard has the correct socket type: LGA1200.2. Make sure your power supply has not only one 4-pin power connector, but also a second 4-pin power connector (8 pins total). Most ATX or ITX power supplies of 600W or more should probably work. Often the two connectors have a connector that allows them to be plugged in side by side before connecting to the motherboard. Do not try to use any other connector designed for a graphics card.3. Before installing a new processor, make sure you have the correct firmware installed. Otherwise, you waste time and thermal paste and have to reinstall the old processor, install a firmware update, test, and then reinstall the new processor.4. Recalibrate the fans if necessary. My computer boots faster, plays Minecraft at a higher frame rate, and doesn't get very hot. I don't overclock it. It was priced so close to the next model of the time that I decided to buy it.