CPU
GPU
Core i5-6402P
Core i7-2600
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i5-6402P is positioned at rank 604 and the Core i7-2600 is on rank 835, so the Core i5-6402P offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-6402P
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-2600
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-6402P | Core i7-2600 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($120) | ✅ More affordable ($50) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-6402P | Core i7-2600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+140%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($120) | ✅ More affordable ($50) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-6402P and Core i7-2600
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.
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 |
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 | — | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
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 |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-6402P launched at $182 MSRP, while the Core i7-2600 debuted at $294. At current prices ($120 vs $50), the Core i7-2600 is $70 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-6402P delivers 44.5 pts/$ vs 106.9 pts/$ for the Core i7-2600 — making the Core i7-2600 the 82.4% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-6402P | Core i7-2600 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $182-38% | $294 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $120 | $50-58% |
| Performance per Dollar | 44.5 | 106.9+140% |
| Release Date | 2015 | 2011 |
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