Core i7-2600S vs Core 2 Extreme QX9770
Core i7-2600S
Core 2 Extreme QX9770
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 i7-2600S is positioned at rank 889 and the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 is on rank 1088, so the Core i7-2600S offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-2600S
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Extreme QX9770
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-2600S | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($99) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,399) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Yorkfield (2007−2009) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-2600S | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+1321%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($99) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,399) |
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 i7-2600S and Core 2 Extreme QX9770
Core i7-2600S
The Core i7-2600S 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 2.8 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): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,637 points. Launch price was $210.
Core 2 Extreme QX9770
The Core 2 Extreme QX9770 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Yorkfield (2007−2009) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 12 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 136 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,611 points. Launch price was $249.
Processing Power
The Core i7-2600S packs 4 cores / 8 threads, matching the Core 2 Extreme QX9770's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-2600S versus 3.2 GHz on the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 — a 17.1% clock advantage for the Core i7-2600S (base: 2.8 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i7-2600S uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 uses Yorkfield (2007−2009) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-2600S scores 4,637 against the Core 2 Extreme QX9770's 4,611 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i7-2600S. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 630 vs 451, a 33.1% lead for the Core i7-2600S that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total) on the Core i7-2600S vs 0 kB on the Core 2 Extreme QX9770.
| Feature | Core i7-2600S | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.8 GHz+19% | 3.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.8 GHz | 3.2 GHz+14% |
| L3 Cache | 8192 kB (total) | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 12 MB (total)+4700% |
| Process | 32 nm-29% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Yorkfield (2007−2009) |
| PassMark | 4,637 | 4,611 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 2,200 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 630+40% | 451 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 1,583 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-2600S uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 uses LGA775 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1333 memory speed. The Core i7-2600S supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H61,H67,Z68,B75 (Core i7-2600S) and X48,X38,P45 (Core 2 Extreme QX9770).
| Feature | Core i7-2600S | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | LGA775 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0+82% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | DDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB+100% | 16 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-2600S) vs VT-x (Core 2 Extreme QX9770). The Core i7-2600S includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2000), while the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-2600S targets Low Power Desktop, Core 2 Extreme QX9770 targets Enthusiast. Direct competitor: Core i7-2600S rivals Phenom II X4 910e.
| Feature | Core i7-2600S | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 2000 | — |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | VT-x |
| Target Use | Low Power Desktop | Enthusiast |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-2600S launched at $297 MSRP, while the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 debuted at $1399. At current prices ($99 vs $1399), the Core i7-2600S is $1300 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-2600S delivers 46.8 pts/$ vs 3.3 pts/$ for the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 — making the Core i7-2600S the 173.7% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-2600S | Core 2 Extreme QX9770 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $297-79% | $1399 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $99-93% | $1399 |
| Performance per Dollar | 46.8+1318% | 3.3 |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2008 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i7-2600S and Core 2 Extreme QX9770
