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 i5-6402P vs Core i7-2600 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 i5-6402P vs Core i7-2600: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-6402P

2015

Why buy it

✅Costs $112 less on MSRP ($182 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).
✅Delivers 61.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 29.4 vs 18.2 PassMark/$ ($182 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 95W, a 30W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-2600 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (5,343 vs 5,346).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-2600 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i7-2600.

Core i7-2600

2011

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +12.7% 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 i5-6402P needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i5-6402P.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 18.2 vs 29.4 PassMark/$ ($294 MSRP vs $182 MSRP).
❌46.2% higher power demand at 95W vs 65W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-2600 better than Core i5-6402P?

Yes. Core i7-2600 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 12.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-2600 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 12.7% 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 i7-2600 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% 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 i7-2600 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-2600 comes in 61.5% more expensive on MSRP at $294 MSRP versus $182 MSRP, and it still gives you a 12.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-6402P only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2015 platform. Even with 61.4% better value on paper (29.4 vs 18.2 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1151.

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

Core i5-6402P makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-6402P vs Core i7-2600 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-6402P

The Core i5-6402P is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 27 December 2015 (9 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1866/2133, DDR3L-1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 5,343 points. Launch price was $187.

Core i7-2600

The Core i7-2600 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: 8192 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,346 points. Launch price was $247.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-6402P packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-2600's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i5-6402P versus 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-2600 — a 11.1% clock advantage for the Core i7-2600 (base: 2.8 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Core i5-6402P uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-2600 uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-6402P scores 5,343 against the Core i7-2600's 5,346 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i7-2600. L3 cache: 6 MB on the Core i5-6402P vs 8192 kB (total) on the Core i7-2600.

Feature	Core i5-6402P	Core i7-2600
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.4 GHz	3.8 GHz+12%
Base Clock	2.8 GHz	3.4 GHz+21%
L3 Cache	6 MB	8192 kB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	1 MB+300%	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	5,343	5,346
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	3,648
Geekbench 6 Single	—	659
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	2,169

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-6402P uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-2600 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-6402P	Core i7-2600
Socket	LGA1151	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 i5-6402P) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-2600). The Core i7-2600 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2000), while the Core i5-6402P requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-2600 targets Productivity. Direct competitor: Core i7-2600 rivals FX-8350.

Feature	Core i5-6402P	Core i7-2600
Integrated GPU	—	Yes
IGPU Model	—	HD Graphics 2000
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	—	Productivity

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-6402P was priced at $182, while the Core i7-2600 came in at $294. On launch pricing ($182 vs $294), Core i5-6402P was $112 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-6402P delivers 29.4 pts/$ vs 18.2 pts/$ for the Core i7-2600 — making the Core i5-6402P the 47% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-6402P	Core i7-2600
MSRP	$182-38%	$294
Performance per Dollar	29.4+62%	18.2
Release Date	2015	2011

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