CPU
GPU
Processor N97
Core i7-2600K
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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-2600K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Processor N97 | Core i7-2600K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($109) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-N (2023) / 10 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Processor N97 | Core i7-2600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($109) |
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 Processor N97 and Core i7-2600K
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.
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.
Processing Power
The Processor N97 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-2600K's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Processor N97 versus 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-2600K — a 5.4% clock advantage for the Core i7-2600K (base: 2 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Processor N97 uses the Alder Lake-N (2023) architecture (10 nm), while the Core i7-2600K uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Processor N97 scores 5,445 against the Core i7-2600K's 5,484 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i7-2600K. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Processor N97 vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-2600K.
| Feature | Processor N97 | Core i7-2600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 3.6 GHz | 3.8 GHz+6% |
| Base Clock | 2 GHz | 3.4 GHz+70% |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | 8 MB (total)+33% |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (total)+700% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 10 nm-69% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Alder Lake-N (2023) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 5,445 | 5,484 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 707 |
Memory & Platform
The Processor N97 uses the FCBGA1264 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i7-2600K uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Processor N97 | Core i7-2600K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCBGA1264 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+150% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 32 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Processor N97) / VT-x (Core i7-2600K). 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 | Processor N97 | Core i7-2600K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | HD Graphics 3000 |
| Unlocked | — | Yes |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x |
| Target Use | — | Gaming Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Processor N97 launched at $0 MSRP, while the Core i7-2600K debuted at $317. At current prices ($0 vs $109), the Processor N97 is $109 cheaper.
| Feature | Processor N97 | Core i7-2600K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $0-100% | $317 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $0-100% | $109 |
| Performance per Dollar | — | 50.3 |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2011 |
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