Core i5-4690T vs Core i7-2600S

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 i5-4690T 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 i5-4690T 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 i5-4690T

2014

Why buy it

✅Costs $105 less on MSRP ($192 MSRP vs $297 MSRP).
✅Delivers 54.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 24.1 vs 15.6 PassMark/$ ($192 MSRP vs $297 MSRP).
✅Draws 45W instead of 65W, a 20W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-2600S across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (4,620 vs 4,637).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-2600S can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i7-2600S.

Core i7-2600S

2011

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +7.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 2000, while Core i5-4690T needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i5-4690T.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 15.6 vs 24.1 PassMark/$ ($297 MSRP vs $192 MSRP).
❌44.4% higher power demand at 65W vs 45W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-2600S better than Core i5-4690T?

Yes. Core i7-2600S is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 7.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.4% 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 7.5% 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 0.4% 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 much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-2600S comes in 54.7% more expensive on MSRP at $297 MSRP versus $192 MSRP, and it still gives you a 7.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-4690T only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2014 platform. Even with 54.1% better value on paper (24.1 vs 15.6 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1150.

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

Core i5-4690T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-4690T vs Core i7-2600S Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-4690T

The Core i5-4690T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 May 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333/1600, DDR3L-1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 4,620 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 i5-4690T packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-2600S's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Core i5-4690T versus 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-2600S — a 8.2% clock advantage for the Core i7-2600S (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i5-4690T uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-2600S uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4690T scores 4,620 against the Core i7-2600S's 4,637 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i7-2600S. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-4690T vs 8192 kB (total) on the Core i7-2600S.

Feature	Core i5-4690T	Core i7-2600S
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.5 GHz	3.8 GHz+9%
Base Clock	2.5 GHz	2.8 GHz+12%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8192 kB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	4,620	4,637
Geekbench 6 Single	—	630

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4690T uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-2600S uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-4690T	Core i7-2600S
Socket	LGA1150	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	—	32 GB
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i5-4690T) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-2600S). The Core i7-2600S includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2000), while the Core i5-4690T requires 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 i5-4690T	Core i7-2600S
Integrated GPU	—	Yes
IGPU Model	—	HD Graphics 2000
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	—	Low Power Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-4690T was priced at $192, while the Core i7-2600S came in at $297. On launch pricing ($192 vs $297), Core i5-4690T was $105 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-4690T delivers 24.1 pts/$ vs 15.6 pts/$ for the Core i7-2600S — making the Core i5-4690T the 42.6% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-4690T	Core i7-2600S
MSRP	$192-35%	$297
Performance per Dollar	24.1+54%	15.6
Release Date	2014	2011

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