Core i7-2600K vs Core i7-4700EQ

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 i7-2600K vs Core i7-4700EQ 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 i7-2600K vs Core i7-4700EQ: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-2600K

2011

Why buy it

✅Costs $61 less on MSRP ($317 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
✅Delivers 20.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 17.3 vs 14.3 PassMark/$ ($317 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i7-4700EQ.

Trade-offs

❌102.1% higher power demand at 95W vs 47W.

Core i7-4700EQ

2013

Why buy it

✅Draws 47W instead of 95W, a 48W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (5,417 vs 5,484).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 14.3 vs 17.3 PassMark/$ ($378 MSRP vs $317 MSRP).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i7-2600K.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-2600K better than Core i7-4700EQ?

Yes. Core i7-2600K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.2% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-2600K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.5% 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 i7-2600K is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-2600K is the better buy right now. Core i7-2600K comes in $61 cheaper on MSRP at $317 MSRP versus $378 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 20.7% better value on MSRP (17.3 vs 14.3 PassMark/$), 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 i7-4700EQ 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 i7-2600K vs Core i7-4700EQ Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-2600K

The Core i7-2600K 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: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,484 points. Launch price was $317.

Core i7-4700EQ

The Core i7-4700EQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 27 May 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Crystalwell (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1364. Thermal design power (TDP): 47 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,417 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-2600K and Core i7-4700EQ share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-2600K versus 3.4 GHz on the Core i7-4700EQ — a 11.1% clock advantage for the Core i7-2600K (base: 3.4 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core i7-2600K uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-4700EQ uses Crystalwell (2013−2014) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-2600K scores 5,484 against the Core i7-4700EQ's 5,417 — a 1.2% lead for the Core i7-2600K. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-2600K vs 8192 kB (total) on the Core i7-4700EQ.

Feature	Core i7-2600K	Core i7-4700EQ
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	8 MB (total)	8192 kB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Crystalwell (2013−2014)
PassMark	5,484+1%	5,417
Geekbench 6 Single	707	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-2600K uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-4700EQ uses BGA1364 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Core i7-2600K versus DDR3L-1600 on the Core i7-4700EQ — the Core i7-4700EQ 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.

Feature	Core i7-2600K	Core i7-4700EQ
Socket	LGA1155	BGA1364
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	DDR3L-1600+20%
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i7-2600K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core i7-2600K) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-4700EQ). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 3000 (Core i7-2600K) and HD Graphics 4600 (Core i7-4700EQ) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-2600K targets Gaming Desktop, Core i7-4700EQ targets Mobile. Direct competitor: Core i7-2600K rivals FX-8150.

Feature	Core i7-2600K	Core i7-4700EQ
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 3000	HD Graphics 4600
Unlocked	Yes	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Gaming Desktop	Mobile

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-2600K was priced at $317, while the Core i7-4700EQ came in at $378. On launch pricing ($317 vs $378), Core i7-2600K was $61 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-2600K delivers 17.3 pts/$ vs 14.3 pts/$ for the Core i7-4700EQ — making the Core i7-2600K the 18.8% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-2600K	Core i7-4700EQ
MSRP	$317-16%	$378
Performance per Dollar	17.3+21%	14.3
Release Date	2011	2013

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