Core i7-2600S vs FX-6350
Core i7-2600S
FX-6350
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 FX-6350 is on rank 541, so the FX-6350 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 FX-6350
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-2600S | FX-6350 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($99) | ✅ More affordable ($55) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Vishera (2012−2015) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-2600S | FX-6350 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+80%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($99) | ✅ More affordable ($55) |
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 FX-6350
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.
FX-6350
The FX-6350 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 29 April 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Vishera (2012−2015) architecture. It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 3.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L2 cache: 6144 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,640 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
The Core i7-2600S packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the FX-6350 offers 6 cores / 6 threads — the FX-6350 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-2600S versus 4.2 GHz on the FX-6350 — a 10% clock advantage for the FX-6350 (base: 2.8 GHz vs 3.9 GHz). The Core i7-2600S uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the FX-6350 uses Vishera (2012−2015) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-2600S scores 4,637 against the FX-6350's 4,640 — a 0.1% lead for the FX-6350.
| Feature | Core i7-2600S | FX-6350 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 6 / 6+50% |
| Boost Clock | 3.8 GHz | 4.2 GHz+11% |
| Base Clock | 2.8 GHz | 3.9 GHz+39% |
| L3 Cache | 8192 kB (total) | — |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 6144 kB+2300% |
| Process | 32 nm | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Vishera (2012−2015) |
| PassMark | 4,637 | 4,640 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 630 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-2600S uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the FX-6350 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i7-2600S | FX-6350 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | AM3+ |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| 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, EPT (Core i7-2600S) / not specified (FX-6350). The Core i7-2600S includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2000), while the FX-6350 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-2600S targets Low Power Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-2600S rivals Phenom II X4 910e.
| Feature | Core i7-2600S | FX-6350 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | — |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 2000 | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | — |
| Target Use | Low Power Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-2600S launched at $297 MSRP, while the FX-6350 debuted at $132. At current prices ($99 vs $55), the FX-6350 is $44 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-2600S delivers 46.8 pts/$ vs 84.4 pts/$ for the FX-6350 — making the FX-6350 the 57.2% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-2600S | FX-6350 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $297 | $132-56% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $99 | $55-44% |
| Performance per Dollar | 46.8 | 84.4+80% |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2013 |
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 FX-6350
