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 i7-2600S 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.

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.

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 i7-2600S

#743

Core i9-9980XE

MSRP: $1979|Avg: $593

105%

#744

Core i3-10100T

MSRP: $149|Avg: N/A

105%

#745

Core i7-10700K

MSRP: $387|Avg: $380

104%

#746

Core i3-4150

MSRP: $281|Avg: $70

104%

#747

Core i5-4430S

MSRP: $182|Avg: $90

104%

#748

Core i3-3245

MSRP: $120|Avg: $50

103%

#749

Pentium G3420T

MSRP: $75|Avg: $40

102%

#750

Core i5-3450

MSRP: $184|Avg: $95

102%

#751

Core i5-4440

MSRP: $184|Avg: $101

101%

#752

Celeron 440

MSRP: $59|Avg: $10

101%

#753

Core i5-4690T

MSRP: $192|Avg: $98

101%

#754

Celeron G5905T

MSRP: $50|Avg: $50

101%

#755

Athlon PRO 200GE

MSRP: $55|Avg: $81

101%

#756

Core i5-9600

MSRP: $224|Avg: $219

101%

#757

Core i3-8300

MSRP: $138|Avg: $136

100%

#758

Core i7-2600S

MSRP: $297|Avg: $99

100%

#759

Core i5-4690

MSRP: $272|Avg: $120

99%

#760

Core i5-8500B

MSRP: $192|Avg: $192

99%

#761

Core i7-13700TE

MSRP: $390|Avg: $476

99%

#762

FX-8350

MSRP: $199|Avg: $130

97%

#763

Core i5-6500

MSRP: $239|Avg: $123

97%

#764

Core i7-980X

MSRP: $999|Avg: $150

97%

#765

Core i9-11900T

MSRP: $439|Avg: $413

96%

#766

Ryzen Threadripper 7970X

MSRP: $2499|Avg: $2200

96%

#767

Athlon 64 3000+

MSRP: $149|Avg: $10

96%

#768

Core i9-10900

MSRP: $483|Avg: $426

96%

#769

Athlon 64 FX-72

MSRP: $799|Avg: $40

96%

#770

Ryzen Embedded V1605B

MSRP: $150|Avg: $150

96%

#771

Celeron 430

MSRP: $49|Avg: $10

96%

#772

Core i9-10900K

MSRP: $499|Avg: $500

96%

#773

Celeron G4930

MSRP: $42|Avg: $57

96%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

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

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i7-2600S specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i7-2600S 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 2.8 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 4,637, 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 630.

Specification	Core i7-2600S
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 8T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.8 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.8 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)	69 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	4,637
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	630

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-2600S 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 i7-2600S
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,Z68,B75
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

The Core i7-2600S is primarily designed for Low Power Desktop. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Phenom II X4 910e.

Specification	Core i7-2600S
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Low Power Desktop
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, EPT
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer	Phenom II X4 910e

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i7-2600S has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 65 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 i7-2600S
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	65 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	69 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	Yes
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Stock

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $99 (MSRP: $297), the Core i7-2600S delivers 47 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #1923 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i7-2600S
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$297
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$99
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$210
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#1923
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

Specifications Reference

Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.

4 categories

General Information

7 specs

Type	desktop
Designer	Intel
Launch Price	$210
Manufacturer	Intel
Release Date	9 January 2011 (14 years ago)
Architecture Codename	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Performance Ranking Position	1923

Technical Specifications

14 specs

Cores	4
Threads	8
Die Size	216 mm2
L1 Cache	64 kB (per core)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)
L3 Cache	8192 kB (total)
Bus Speed	5 GT/s
Max Frequency	3.8 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	2.8 GHz
Transistor Count	1,160 million
Process Technology	32 nm
Max Core Temperature	69 °C
Windows 11 Compatible	-