mcnumpty23 :
means its got an unlocked multiplier
for overclocking
the 3770 non k version has a locked multiplier
if you want it for gaming then the 3570k is enough
This was my assumption too. But when I see advertising on various sites for the very same cpu namely the "3770K" CPU, then I see some of the companies advertising the 3770K CPU with a box that is marked without "Unlocked & Unleashed" written on it. And then I see others that are selling the 3770K CPU where the box has been marked "Unlocked & Unleashed". This was my main concern for asking the question in the first place. Also note that for both boxes they show the very same Intel part # i.e. BX80637I73770K
examples without "unlocked & unleashed"
http://www.dabs.com/products/intel-core-i7-3770k-s1155-3-5ghz-8mb-7YXF.html?src=15
http://www.ebuyer.com/349026-intel-core-i7-3770k-3-5ghz-socket-1155-8mb-cache-retail-boxed-processor-bx80637i73770k?utm_source=google&utm_medium=products&gclid=CKjQ4diAwLUCFW_KtAod0ywAuw
http://www.businessdirect.bt.com/products/intel-core-i7-3770k-s1155-3-5ghz-8mb-7YXF.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc%20product%20search&utm_content=QE00&origin=pla
(as you can see there is no "unlocked & unleashed" banner at the bottom of the packaging.
Then if you compare it to the following examples with "unlocked & unleashed":
http://www.envizage.com/products/print-i7-3770k-intel-core-i7-3770k-3.5ghz-soccket-1155-cpu-with-heatsink-and-fan.html
http://www.redstore.com/INTCPU808
http://www.maplin.co.uk/intel-core-i7-3770k-ivy-bridge-retail-box-processor-629540?c=maplin&utm_source=gcs&utm_medium=gcs_search&utm_campaign=N90NB&utm_content=Intel+Processors
So as you can see I don't really want to end up with a processor that is not "unlocked & unleashed" when my intended purpose is to overclock it.