PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i3-1115GRE vs Core i7-2600S FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i3-1115GRE vs Core i7-2600S: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i3-1115GRE

2020

Why buy it

✅Draws 15W instead of 65W, a 50W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-2600S across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (4,588 vs 4,637).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 13.6 vs 15.6 PassMark/$ ($338 MSRP vs $297 MSRP).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i7-2600S.

Core i7-2600S

2011

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +13.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Costs $41 less on MSRP ($297 MSRP vs $338 MSRP).
✅Delivers 15.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 15.6 vs 13.6 PassMark/$ ($297 MSRP vs $338 MSRP).
✅300% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 4) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌333.3% higher power demand at 65W vs 15W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-2600S better than Core i3-1115GRE?

Yes. Core i7-2600S is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 13.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-2600S is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 13.5% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-2600S is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i7-2600S is the better buy right now. Core i7-2600S comes in $41 cheaper on MSRP at $297 MSRP versus $338 MSRP, and it still gives you a 13.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 15.0% better value on MSRP (15.6 vs 13.6 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i3-1115GRE makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-1115GRE vs Core i7-2600S Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i3-1115GRE

The Core i3-1115GRE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 September 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Tiger Lake-U (2020−2021) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1449. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, LPDDR4X. Passmark benchmark score: 4,588 points. Launch price was $338.

Core i7-2600S

The Core i7-2600S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,637 points. Launch price was $210.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-1115GRE packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-2600S offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-2600S has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i3-1115GRE versus 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-2600S — a 2.6% clock advantage for the Core i3-1115GRE (base: 2.2 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i3-1115GRE uses the Tiger Lake-U (2020−2021) architecture (10 nm), while the Core i7-2600S uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-1115GRE scores 4,588 against the Core i7-2600S's 4,637 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i7-2600S. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,175 vs 630, a 60.4% lead for the Core i3-1115GRE that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i3-1115GRE vs 8192 kB (total) on the Core i7-2600S.

Feature	Core i3-1115GRE	Core i7-2600S
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz+3%	3.8 GHz
Base Clock	2.2 GHz	2.8 GHz+27%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8192 kB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)+400%	256 kB (per core)
Process	10 nm-69%	32 nm
Architecture	Tiger Lake-U (2020−2021)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	4,588	4,637+1%
Geekbench 6 Single	1,175+87%	630
Geekbench 6 Multi	2,233	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-1115GRE uses the FCBGA1449 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i7-2600S uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Core i3-1115GRE versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i7-2600S — the Core i3-1115GRE supports 140.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-1115GRE supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 4 (Core i3-1115GRE) vs 16 (Core i7-2600S) — the Core i7-2600S offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SoC (Core i3-1115GRE) and H61,H67,Z68,B75 (Core i7-2600S).

Feature	Core i3-1115GRE	Core i7-2600S
Socket	FCBGA1449	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0+100%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-3200+140%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+100%	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	4	16+300%

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i3-1115GRE supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: Yes (Core i3-1115GRE) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-2600S). Both include integrated graphics — Intel UHD Graphics (Core i3-1115GRE) and HD Graphics 2000 (Core i7-2600S) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-2600S targets Low Power Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-2600S rivals Phenom II X4 910e.

Feature	Core i3-1115GRE	Core i7-2600S
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel UHD Graphics	HD Graphics 2000
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	Yes	No
Virtualization	Yes	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	—	Low Power Desktop

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-1115GRE was priced at $338, while the Core i7-2600S came in at $297. On launch pricing ($338 vs $297), Core i7-2600S was $41 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-1115GRE delivers 13.6 pts/$ vs 15.6 pts/$ for the Core i7-2600S — making the Core i7-2600S the 14% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-1115GRE	Core i7-2600S
MSRP	$338	$297-12%
Performance per Dollar	13.6	15.6+15%
Release Date	2020	2011

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