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 i3-9100TE 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 i3-9100TE 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 i3-9100TE

2019

Why buy it

✅Costs $175 less on MSRP ($122 MSRP vs $297 MSRP).
✅Delivers 140.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 37.6 vs 15.6 PassMark/$ ($122 MSRP vs $297 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-2600S across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (4,589 vs 4,637).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i7-2600S.

Core i7-2600S

2011

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +8.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i3-9100TE.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 15.6 vs 37.6 PassMark/$ ($297 MSRP vs $122 MSRP).
❌85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-2600S better than Core i3-9100TE?

Yes. Core i7-2600S is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 8.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 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 8.9% 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% 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 still the better call for a fresh build. Core i7-2600S comes in 143.4% more expensive on MSRP at $297 MSRP versus $122 MSRP, and it still gives you a 8.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-9100TE only looks stronger on raw value math because it is so cheap, but its absolute performance tier is too low to be the better recommendation now. At roughly 4,589 PassMark with 4 cores and 4 threads, it only really makes sense as a bare-minimum stopgap or a very constrained existing-platform upgrade.

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

Core i3-9100TE makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-9100TE vs Core i7-2600S Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-9100TE

The Core i3-9100TE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 April 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 4,589 points. Launch price was $69.

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 i3-9100TE packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-2600S's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i3-9100TE versus 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-2600S — a 17.1% clock advantage for the Core i7-2600S (base: 2.2 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i3-9100TE uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-2600S uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-9100TE scores 4,589 against the Core i7-2600S's 4,637 — a 1% lead for the Core i7-2600S. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i3-9100TE vs 8192 kB (total) on the Core i7-2600S.

Feature	Core i3-9100TE	Core i7-2600S
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz	3.8 GHz+19%
Base Clock	2.2 GHz	2.8 GHz+27%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8192 kB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Coffee Lake (2017−2019)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	4,589	4,637+1%
Geekbench 6 Single	—	630

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-9100TE uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-2600S uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i3-9100TE versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i7-2600S — the Core i3-9100TE supports 80% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-9100TE 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. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

Feature	Core i3-9100TE	Core i7-2600S
Socket	LGA1151	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400+80%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+100%	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core i3-9100TE) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-2600S). Both include integrated graphics — UHD Graphics 630 (Core i3-9100TE) and HD Graphics 2000 (Core i7-2600S) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-9100TE targets Embedded, Core i7-2600S targets Low Power Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-2600S rivals Phenom II X4 910e.

Feature	Core i3-9100TE	Core i7-2600S
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics 630	HD Graphics 2000
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	Embedded	Low Power Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-9100TE was priced at $122, while the Core i7-2600S came in at $297. On launch pricing ($122 vs $297), Core i3-9100TE was $175 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-9100TE delivers 37.6 pts/$ vs 15.6 pts/$ for the Core i7-2600S — making the Core i3-9100TE the 82.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-9100TE	Core i7-2600S
MSRP	$122-59%	$297
Performance per Dollar	37.6+141%	15.6
Release Date	2019	2011

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