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.

Overview

The Core i7-2600 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: 8192 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,346 points. Launch price was $247.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core i7-2600 is positioned at rank #835 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i7-2600

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

17146%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

16201%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

11763%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

3544%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

2807%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

2456%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

1406%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

1388%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

1264%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

1264%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

1250%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

1216%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

1199%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

1194%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

1183%

#835

Core i7-2600

MSRP: $294|Avg: $50

100%

#836

Pentium G870

MSRP: $86|Avg: $15

100%

#837

Athlon II X2 210e

MSRP: $60|Avg: $28

100%

#838

Pentium G645

MSRP: $80|Avg: $15

100%

#840

Pentium G630

MSRP: $75|Avg: $46

99%

#841

Core i5-2550K

MSRP: $235|Avg: $46

99%

#842

Athlon II X4 600e

MSRP: $100|Avg: $20

99%

#843

Core i5-6442EQ

MSRP: $250|Avg: $250

99%

#844

Core i7-4785T

MSRP: $306|Avg: $32

99%

#845

Core i5-4690S

MSRP: $306|Avg: $189

98%

#846

Core i3-3250

MSRP: $138|Avg: $40

98%

#847

Core i3-3240

MSRP: $132|Avg: $15

98%

#848

Pentium G640T

MSRP: $64|Avg: $69

98%

#849

Core i7-5930K

MSRP: $583|Avg: $410

98%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i7-2600 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i7-2600 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i7-2600 is a 4-core / 8-thread processor based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture, manufactured on a 32 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.8 GHz from a base frequency of 3.4 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. With a massive 8192 kB (total) L3 cache (3D V-Cache technology), this processor has a significant gaming advantage — the large cache drastically reduces memory latency in game engines., plus 256 kB (per core) of L2 cache and 64 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 5,346, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 659, while multi-core reaches 2,169. Cinebench R23 multi-core (measuring sustained rendering workload performance) scores 3,648.

Specification	Core i7-2600
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 8T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.8 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.4 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	32 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	8192 kB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256 kB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	216 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	1,160 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	5 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	73 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	5,346
Cinebench R23 MultiSustained multi-core rendering performance	3,648
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	659
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	2,169

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-2600 fits into the LGA1155 socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to DDR3-1333 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 32 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: HD Graphics 2000 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Core i7-2600
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA1155
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 2.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	16
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR3-1333
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	32 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	HD Graphics 2000
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	H61,H67,P67,Z68,H77,Z77
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

The Core i7-2600 is primarily designed for Productivity. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the FX-8350.

Specification	Core i7-2600
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Productivity
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	VT-x, VT-d
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer	FX-8350

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i7-2600 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 95 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. It ships with the Yes stock cooler. Recommended cooling: Stock.

Specification	Core i7-2600
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	95 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	73 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	Yes
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Stock

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $50 (MSRP: $294), the Core i7-2600 delivers 107 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #835 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #1824 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i7-2600
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$294
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$50
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$247
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#835
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#1824
Release DateLaunch date	9 January 2011 (14 years ago)
Release Year	2011
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel