Core i7-2600 vs N100
Core i7-2600
N100
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i7-2600 is positioned at rank 835 and the N100 is on rank 102, so the N100 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-2600
Performance Per Dollar N100
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-2600 | N100 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($50) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($128) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | ✨ Modern (Legacy / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-2600 | N100 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+156%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($50) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($128) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i7-2600 and N100
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.
N100
The N100 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2023 (2 years ago). It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1264. Thermal design power (TDP): 6 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200, DDR5-4800, LPDDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 5,355 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
The Core i7-2600 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, matching the N100's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-2600 versus 3.4 GHz on the N100 — a 11.1% clock advantage for the Core i7-2600. The Core i7-2600 is built on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i7-2600 scores 5,346 against the N100's 5,355 — a 0.2% lead for the N100. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total) on the Core i7-2600 vs 6 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the N100.
| Feature | Core i7-2600 | N100 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.8 GHz+12% | 3.4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.4 GHz | — |
| L3 Cache | 8192 kB (total)+33% | 6 MB Intel® Smart Cache |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | — |
| Process | 32 nm | Intel 7 nm-78% |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | — |
| PassMark | 5,346 | 5,355 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 3,648 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 659 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 2,169 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-2600 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the N100 uses FCBGA1264 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i7-2600 | N100 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | FCBGA1264 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 4.0+100% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | — |
| ECC Support | ❌ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-2600) / not specified (N100). The Core i7-2600 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2000), while the N100 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-2600 targets Productivity. Direct competitor: Core i7-2600 rivals FX-8350.
| Feature | Core i7-2600 | N100 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | — |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 2000 | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | — |
| Target Use | Productivity | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-2600 launched at $294 MSRP, while the N100 debuted at $128. At current prices ($50 vs $128), the Core i7-2600 is $78 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-2600 delivers 106.9 pts/$ vs 41.8 pts/$ for the N100 — making the Core i7-2600 the 87.5% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-2600 | N100 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $294 | $128-56% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $50-61% | $128 |
| Performance per Dollar | 106.9+156% | 41.8 |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2023 |
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