Core i7-2600 vs FX-8370E

CPU

GPU

Core i7-2600

4 Cores8 Thrd95 WWMax: 3.8 GHz2011

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FX-8370E

8 Cores8 Thrd95 WWMax: 4.3 GHz2014

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Core i7-2600 vs FX-8370E Performance Spectrum

Core i7-2600

4 / 8

5,346

+0.4%

5,324

0.0%

Athlon Silver 3050e

Ryzen Embedded V1202B

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7965WX

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.

Core i7-2600 vs FX-8370E 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 FX-8370E: 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

✅+15.5% higher Geekbench multi-core.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 2000, while FX-8370E needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than FX-8370E across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 18.2 vs 26.8 PassMark/$ ($294 MSRP vs $199 MSRP).

FX-8370E

2014

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +12.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $95 less on MSRP ($199 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).
✅Delivers 47.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 26.8 vs 18.2 PassMark/$ ($199 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (1,878 vs 2,169).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-2600 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is FX-8370E better than Core i7-2600?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, FX-8370E is ahead with a 12.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-2600 pulls ahead with 15.5% better Geekbench multi-core.

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 15.5% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

FX-8370E is the better buy right now. FX-8370E comes in $95 cheaper on MSRP at $199 MSRP versus $294 MSRP, and it still gives you a 12.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i7-2600 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 15.5% better Geekbench multi-core. It is also 47.1% better value on MSRP (26.8 vs 18.2 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

FX-8370E makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-2600 vs FX-8370E 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.

FX-8370E

The FX-8370E is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2 September 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Vishera (2012−2015) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 GHz. L2 cache: 8192 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,324 points. Launch price was $199.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-2600 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the FX-8370E offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the FX-8370E has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-2600 versus 4.3 GHz on the FX-8370E — a 12.3% clock advantage for the FX-8370E (base: 3.4 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Core i7-2600 uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the FX-8370E uses Vishera (2012−2015) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-2600 scores 5,346 against the FX-8370E's 5,324 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i7-2600. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 659 vs 512, a 25.1% lead for the Core i7-2600 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 2,169 vs 1,878 (14.4% advantage for the Core i7-2600).

Feature	Core i7-2600	FX-8370E
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	8 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz	4.3 GHz+13%
Base Clock	3.4 GHz+3%	3.3 GHz
L3 Cache	8192 kB (total)	—
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	8192 kB+3100%
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Vishera (2012−2015)
PassMark	5,346	5,324
Cinebench R23 Multi	3,648	—
Geekbench 6 Single	659+29%	512
Geekbench 6 Multi	2,169+15%	1,878

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-2600 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the FX-8370E uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Core i7-2600 versus DDR3-1866 on the FX-8370E — the FX-8370E supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-2600 supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-2600) vs 0 (FX-8370E) — the Core i7-2600 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H61,H67,P67,Z68,H77,Z77 (Core i7-2600) and AMD 990FX,AMD 970 (FX-8370E).

Feature	Core i7-2600	FX-8370E
Socket	LGA1155	AM3+
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	DDR3-1866+40%
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+100%	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	0

🔧

Advanced Features

Only the FX-8370E has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-2600) vs AMD-V (FX-8370E). The Core i7-2600 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2000), while the FX-8370E requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-2600 targets Productivity. Direct competitor: Core i7-2600 rivals FX-8350.

Feature	Core i7-2600	FX-8370E
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 2000	—
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	AMD-V
Target Use	Productivity	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-2600 was priced at $294, while the FX-8370E came in at $199. On launch pricing ($294 vs $199), FX-8370E was $95 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-2600 delivers 18.2 pts/$ vs 26.8 pts/$ for the FX-8370E — making the FX-8370E the 38.1% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-2600	FX-8370E
MSRP	$294	$199-32%
Performance per Dollar	18.2	26.8+47%
Release Date	2011	2014

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