Core i7-2600 vs Core i7-4712MQ

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 i7-4712MQ 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 i7-4712MQ: 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

✅Costs $84 less on MSRP ($294 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
✅Delivers 29.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 18.2 vs 14.1 PassMark/$ ($294 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 2000, while Core i7-4712MQ needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i7-4712MQ.

Trade-offs

❌156.8% higher power demand at 95W vs 37W.

Core i7-4712MQ

2013

Why buy it

✅Draws 37W instead of 95W, a 58W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (5,315 vs 5,346).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 14.1 vs 18.2 PassMark/$ ($378 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 i7-2600 better than Core i7-4712MQ?

Yes. Core i7-2600 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.6% 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 2.9% 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 i7-2600 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-2600 is the better buy right now. Core i7-2600 comes in $84 cheaper on MSRP at $294 MSRP versus $378 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 29.3% better value on MSRP (18.2 vs 14.1 PassMark/$), 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 i7-4712MQ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-2600 vs Core i7-4712MQ 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 i7-4712MQ

The Core i7-4712MQ 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 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA946. Thermal design power (TDP): 37 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,315 points. Launch price was $378.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-2600 and Core i7-4712MQ share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-2600 versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i7-4712MQ — a 14.1% clock advantage for the Core i7-2600 (base: 3.4 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). The Core i7-2600 uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-4712MQ uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-2600 scores 5,346 against the Core i7-4712MQ's 5,315 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i7-2600. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total) on the Core i7-2600 vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-4712MQ.

Feature	Core i7-2600	Core i7-4712MQ
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz+15%	3.3 GHz
Base Clock	3.4 GHz+48%	2.3 GHz
L3 Cache	8192 kB (total)	8 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	5,315
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 i7-4712MQ uses PGA946 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-2600	Core i7-4712MQ
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 i7-4712MQ). The Core i7-2600 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2000), while the Core i7-4712MQ 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 i7-4712MQ
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 i7-4712MQ came in at $378. On launch pricing ($294 vs $378), Core i7-2600 was $84 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-2600 delivers 18.2 pts/$ vs 14.1 pts/$ for the Core i7-4712MQ — making the Core i7-2600 the 25.6% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-2600	Core i7-4712MQ
MSRP	$294-22%	$378
Performance per Dollar	18.2+29%	14.1
Release Date	2011	2013

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