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 i7-2600 vs Core i7-3770T 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 i7-2600 vs Core i7-3770T: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-2600

2011

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-3770T across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (2,169 vs 2,859).
❌
5.8% HIGHER MSRP
$294 MSRPvs$278 MSRP
❌111.1% higher power demand at 95W vs 45W.

Core i7-3770T

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $16 less on MSRP ($278 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).
✅Draws 45W instead of 95W, a 50W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3770T better than Core i7-2600?

Yes. Core i7-3770T is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 31.8% better Geekbench multi-core, 1.1% higher PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-3770T is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.9% 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 i7-3770T is the stronger fit. You are getting 31.8% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-3770T is the better buy right now. Core i7-3770T comes in $16 cheaper on MSRP at $278 MSRP versus $294 MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 6.9% better value on MSRP (19.4 vs 18.2 PassMark/$), 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 i7-3770T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-2600 vs Core i7-3770T Technical Specifications

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

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.

Core i7-3770T

The Core i7-3770T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 April 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,403 points. Launch price was $330.

⚡

Processing Power

Both the Core i7-2600 and Core i7-3770T share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-2600 versus 3.7 GHz on the Core i7-3770T — a 2.7% clock advantage for the Core i7-2600 (base: 3.4 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i7-2600 uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-3770T uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-2600 scores 5,346 against the Core i7-3770T's 5,403 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i7-3770T. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 659 vs 850, a 25.3% lead for the Core i7-3770T that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 2,169 vs 2,859 (27.4% advantage for the Core i7-3770T). Both processors carry 8192 kB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i7-2600	Core i7-3770T
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz+3%	3.7 GHz
Base Clock	3.4 GHz+36%	2.5 GHz
L3 Cache	8192 kB (total)	8192 kB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	5,346	5,403+1%
Cinebench R23 Multi	3,648	—
Geekbench 6 Single	659	850+29%
Geekbench 6 Multi	2,169	2,859+32%

🧠

Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1155 socket with PCIe 2.0. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Core i7-2600 versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i7-3770T — the Core i7-3770T 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: H61,H67,P67,Z68,H77,Z77 (Core i7-2600) and H61,H67,P67,Z68,B75,H77,Z75,Z77 (Core i7-3770T).

Feature	Core i7-2600	Core i7-3770T
Socket	LGA1155	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	DDR3-1600+20%
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-2600) vs Yes (Core i7-3770T). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 2000 (Core i7-2600) and Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i7-3770T) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-2600 targets Productivity. Direct competitor: Core i7-2600 rivals FX-8350.

Feature	Core i7-2600	Core i7-3770T
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 2000	Intel HD Graphics 4000
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	Yes
Target Use	Productivity	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-2600 was priced at $294, while the Core i7-3770T came in at $278. On launch pricing ($294 vs $278), Core i7-3770T was $16 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-2600 delivers 18.2 pts/$ vs 19.4 pts/$ for the Core i7-3770T — making the Core i7-3770T the 6.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-2600	Core i7-3770T
MSRP	$294	$278-5%
Performance per Dollar	18.2	19.4+7%
Release Date	2011	2012

Search Core i7-2600 on Amazon

Search Core i7-3770T on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.