Core i7-2600 vs Core i7-4700MQ

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 i7-4700MQ 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 i7-4700MQ: 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

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Costs $89 less on MSRP ($294 MSRP vs $383 MSRP).
✅Delivers 30.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 18.2 vs 14.0 PassMark/$ ($294 MSRP vs $383 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 2000, while Core i7-4700MQ needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-4700MQ across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (5,346 vs 5,349).
❌102.1% higher power demand at 95W vs 47W.

Core i7-4700MQ

2013

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 47W instead of 95W, a 48W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 14.0 vs 18.2 PassMark/$ ($383 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-2600 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i7-2600.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-4700MQ better than Core i7-2600?

Yes. Core i7-4700MQ is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.1% better 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 i7-4700MQ is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.3% 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 i7-4700MQ is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-4700MQ is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-4700MQ comes in 30.3% more expensive on MSRP at $383 MSRP versus $294 MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-2600 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2011 platform. Even with 30.2% better value on paper (18.2 vs 14.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1155.

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

Core i7-4700MQ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 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 i7-4700MQ 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 i7-4700MQ

The Core i7-4700MQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 27 May 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA946. Thermal design power (TDP): 47 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,349 points. Launch price was $288.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-2600 and Core i7-4700MQ share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-2600 versus 3.4 GHz on the Core i7-4700MQ — a 11.1% clock advantage for the Core i7-2600 (base: 3.4 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core i7-2600 uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-4700MQ uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-2600 scores 5,346 against the Core i7-4700MQ's 5,349 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i7-4700MQ. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total) on the Core i7-2600 vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-4700MQ.

Feature	Core i7-2600	Core i7-4700MQ
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz+12%	3.4 GHz
Base Clock	3.4 GHz+42%	2.4 GHz
L3 Cache	8192 kB (total)+33%	6 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	5,346	5,349
Cinebench R23 Multi	3,648	—
Geekbench 6 Single	659	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	2,169	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-2600 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-4700MQ uses PGA946 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-2600	Core i7-4700MQ
Socket	LGA1155	PGA946
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
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: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-2600) / not specified (Core i7-4700MQ). The Core i7-2600 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2000), while the Core i7-4700MQ requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-2600 targets Productivity. Direct competitor: Core i7-2600 rivals FX-8350.

Feature	Core i7-2600	Core i7-4700MQ
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 i7-2600 was priced at $294, while the Core i7-4700MQ came in at $383. On launch pricing ($294 vs $383), Core i7-2600 was $89 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-2600 delivers 18.2 pts/$ vs 14.0 pts/$ for the Core i7-4700MQ — making the Core i7-2600 the 26.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-2600	Core i7-4700MQ
MSRP	$294-23%	$383
Performance per Dollar	18.2+30%	14.0
Release Date	2011	2013

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