Core i7-2600K vs Processor N97
Core i7-2600K
Processor N97
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. The Core i7-2600K is positioned at rank #860 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-2600K
Performance Per Dollar
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-2600K | Processor N97 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($109) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-N (2023) / 10 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-2600K | Processor N97 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($109) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
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 i7-2600K and Processor N97
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.
Processor N97
The Processor N97 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-N (2023) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (total). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1264. Thermal design power (TDP): + 6 MB. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5 4800 MHz Single-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 5,445 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
The Core i7-2600K packs 4 cores / 8 threads, matching the Processor N97's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-2600K versus 3.6 GHz on the Processor N97 — a 5.4% clock advantage for the Core i7-2600K (base: 3.4 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core i7-2600K uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Processor N97 uses Alder Lake-N (2023) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-2600K scores 5,484 against the Processor N97's 5,445 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i7-2600K. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-2600K vs 6 MB (total) on the Processor N97.
| Feature | Core i7-2600K | Processor N97 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.8 GHz+6% | 3.6 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.4 GHz+70% | 2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total)+33% | 6 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 2 MB (total)+700% |
| Process | 32 nm | 10 nm-69% |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Alder Lake-N (2023) |
| PassMark | 5,484 | 5,445 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 707 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-2600K uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Processor N97 uses FCBGA1264 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i7-2600K | Processor N97 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | FCBGA1264 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 5.0+150% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | — |
| ECC Support | ❌ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x (Core i7-2600K) / not specified (Processor N97). The Core i7-2600K includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 3000), while the Processor N97 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-2600K targets Gaming Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-2600K rivals FX-8150.
| Feature | Core i7-2600K | Processor N97 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | — |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 3000 | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x | — |
| Target Use | Gaming Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-2600K launched at $317 MSRP, while the Processor N97 debuted at $0. At current prices ($109 vs $0), the Processor N97 is $109 cheaper.
| Feature | Core i7-2600K | Processor N97 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $317 | $0-100% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $109 | $0-100% |
| Performance per Dollar | 50.3 | — |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2023 |
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