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 i5-4670 vs Core i7-2600K 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 i5-4670 vs Core i7-2600K: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-4670

2013

Why buy it

✅+0.1% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $104 less on MSRP ($213 MSRP vs $317 MSRP).
✅Delivers 49.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 25.8 vs 17.3 PassMark/$ ($213 MSRP vs $317 MSRP).
✅Draws 84W instead of 95W, a 11W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-2600K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).

Core i7-2600K

2011

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +8.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (5,484 vs 5,491).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 17.3 vs 25.8 PassMark/$ ($317 MSRP vs $213 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-4670 better than Core i7-2600K?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-2600K is ahead with a 8.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-4670 pulls ahead with 0.1% better PassMark. Core i7-2600K also has the bigger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-4670 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-4670 is the better buy right now. Core i5-4670 comes in $104 cheaper on MSRP at $213 MSRP versus $317 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.1% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i7-2600K is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 8.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 49.0% better value on MSRP (25.8 vs 17.3 PassMark/$), 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 i5-4670 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-4670 vs Core i7-2600K Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-4670

The Core i5-4670 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 84 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,491 points. Launch price was $360.

Core i7-2600K

The Core i7-2600K 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 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,484 points. Launch price was $317.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-4670 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-2600K's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i5-4670 versus 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-2600K — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.4 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Core i5-4670 uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-2600K uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4670 scores 5,491 against the Core i7-2600K's 5,484 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i5-4670. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,169 vs 707, a 49.3% lead for the Core i5-4670 that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-4670 vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-2600K.

Feature	Core i5-4670	Core i7-2600K
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz	3.8 GHz
Base Clock	3.4 GHz	3.4 GHz
L3 Cache	6144 kB (total)	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	5,491	5,484
Geekbench 6 Single	1,169+65%	707
Geekbench 6 Multi	3,279	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4670 uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-2600K uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i5-4670 versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i7-2600K — the Core i5-4670 supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 32 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H81,B85,H87,Z87,H97,Z97 (Core i5-4670) and P67,Z68,Z77,H67,H61,B75 (Core i7-2600K).

Feature	Core i5-4670	Core i7-2600K
Socket	LGA1150	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600+20%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i7-2600K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-4670) vs VT-x (Core i7-2600K). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 4600 (Core i5-4670) and HD Graphics 3000 (Core i7-2600K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4670 targets Mid-Range Desktop, Core i7-2600K targets Gaming Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-2600K rivals FX-8150.

Feature	Core i5-4670	Core i7-2600K
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 4600	HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x
Target Use	Mid-Range Desktop	Gaming Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-4670 was priced at $213, while the Core i7-2600K came in at $317. On launch pricing ($213 vs $317), Core i5-4670 was $104 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-4670 delivers 25.8 pts/$ vs 17.3 pts/$ for the Core i7-2600K — making the Core i5-4670 the 39.4% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-4670	Core i7-2600K
MSRP	$213-33%	$317
Performance per Dollar	25.8+49%	17.3
Release Date	2013	2011

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