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 i5-7400 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 i5-7400 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 i5-7400

2017

Why buy it

✅Costs $23 less on MSRP ($294 MSRP vs $317 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 95W, a 30W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-2600K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (5,477 vs 5,484).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).

Core i7-2600K

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).

Trade-offs

❌
7.8% HIGHER MSRP
$317 MSRPvs$294 MSRP
❌46.2% higher power demand at 95W vs 65W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-2600K better than Core i5-7400?

Yes. Core i7-2600K 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 i7-2600K 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 i7-2600K 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 i7-2600K is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-2600K comes in 7.8% more expensive on MSRP at $317 MSRP versus $294 MSRP, and it still gives you a 12.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-7400 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2017 platform. Even with 7.7% better value on paper (18.6 vs 17.3 PassMark/$), 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 i5-7400 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-7400 vs Core i7-2600K Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-7400

The Core i5-7400 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 5,477 points. Launch price was $182.

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 i5-7400 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-2600K's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Core i5-7400 versus 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-2600K — a 8.2% clock advantage for the Core i7-2600K (base: 3 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Core i5-7400 uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-2600K uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-7400 scores 5,477 against the Core i7-2600K's 5,484 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i7-2600K. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,215 vs 707, a 52.9% lead for the Core i5-7400 that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-7400 vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-2600K.

Feature	Core i5-7400	Core i7-2600K
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.5 GHz	3.8 GHz+9%
Base Clock	3 GHz	3.4 GHz+13%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	5,477	5,484
Cinebench R23 Multi	3,359	—
Geekbench 6 Single	1,215+72%	707
Geekbench 6 Multi	3,517	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-7400 uses the LGA1151 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 DDR4-2400 on the Core i5-7400 versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i7-2600K — the Core i5-7400 supports 80% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-7400 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. Chipset compatibility: 100-series,200-series (Core i5-7400) and P67,Z68,Z77,H67,H61,B75 (Core i7-2600K).

Feature	Core i5-7400	Core i7-2600K
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	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, EPT (Core i5-7400) vs VT-x (Core i7-2600K). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 630 (Core i5-7400) and HD Graphics 3000 (Core i7-2600K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-7400 targets Gaming, Core i7-2600K targets Gaming Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-7400 rivals Ryzen 3 3300X; Core i7-2600K rivals FX-8150.

Feature	Core i5-7400	Core i7-2600K
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 630	HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x
Target Use	Gaming	Gaming Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-7400 was priced at $294, while the Core i7-2600K came in at $317. On launch pricing ($294 vs $317), Core i5-7400 was $23 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-7400 delivers 18.6 pts/$ vs 17.3 pts/$ for the Core i7-2600K — making the Core i5-7400 the 7.4% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-7400	Core i7-2600K
MSRP	$294-7%	$317
Performance per Dollar	18.6+8%	17.3
Release Date	2017	2011

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