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Intel BX80623I72600K

Core i7-2600K

▲ 767,443 ▼

4 Cores, 8 Threads @3.4GHz, Sandy Bridge.
Release date: Q1 2011.

Average Bench: 70.6% (349th of 1404)

Based on 147,533 user benchmarks.  Devices: BFEBFBFF000206A7, , 0FEBFBFF000206A7, 0000000000000000, BFEBFBFF000206A6 Model: Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-2600K CPU @ 3.40GHz

The i7-2600K Sandy Bridge processor is two generations old and nearly three years out of date. The numerous owners of this superb processor should feel in no hurry to upgrade as it's still one of the fastest consumer processors, even by today's standards. The benchmark figures indicate that in terms of real-world performance this processor is only 5% slower than the third generation Ivy Bridge i7-3770K, not bad considering its age. That said new buyers will find both better energy efficiency and marginal performance improvements elsewhere. [Feb '12 CPUPro]

Poor: 56%Average: 70.6% Great: 83%
Gaming
Gaming 71%
Battleship
Desktop
Desktop 75%
Battleship
Workstation
Workstation 55%
Gunboat

Popular builds with this CPU

Good average bench

The Intel Core i7-2600K averaged 29.4% lower than the peak scores attained by the group leaders. This isn't a great result which indicates that there are much faster alternatives on the comparison list.

Strengths

Avg. Memory Latency 87Pts
Avg. Single Core Speed 91.8Pts

Good consistency

The range of scores (95th - 5th percentile) for the Intel Core i7-2600K is 26.7%. This is a relatively narrow range which indicates that the Intel Core i7-2600K performs reasonably consistently under varying real world conditions.

Weaknesses

Avg. Multi Core Speed 437Pts
Avg. Octa Core Speed 424Pts
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Average Bench

(Based on 147,533 samples)
Rank 34970.6%
Min Avg Max
72.7 Memory 87 96
60.6 1-Core 91.8 116
110 2-Core 173 226
69.4% 117 Pts
Min Avg Max
196 4-Core 295 384
278 8-Core 424 549
45% 359 Pts
Min Avg Max
296 64-Core 437 558
27.1% 437 Pts
User Benchmarks Bench Normal Heavy Server
The fastest CPU (mainstream) averages a speed of 100%
Socket 1155, 1 CPU, 4 cores, 8 threads
Base clock 4.7 GHz, turbo 6.65 GHz (avg)
83.2% Excellent
Memory 96.3
1-Core 122
2-Core 248
88% 156 Pts
4-Core 379
8-Core 575
59% 477 Pts
64-Core 574
36% 574 Pts
CPUSocket, 1 CPU, 4 cores, 8 threads
Base clock 3.4 GHz, turbo 4.7 GHz (avg)
77% Very good
Memory 91.2
1-Core 122
2-Core 245
86% 153 Pts
4-Core 339
8-Core 604
57% 472 Pts
64-Core 587
36% 587 Pts
Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-2600K CPU @ 3.40GHz, 1 CPU, 4 cores, 8 threads
Base clock 3.8 GHz, turbo 3.9 GHz (avg)
65.4% Good
Memory 84.3
1-Core 83.1
2-Core 137
62% 101 Pts
4-Core 252
8-Core 385
40% 319 Pts
64-Core 405
25% 405 Pts
LGA1155, 1 CPU, 4 cores, 8 threads
Base clock 3.4 GHz, turbo 3.45 GHz (avg)
56.7% Above average
Memory 75.8
1-Core 42.4
2-Core 114
48% 77.5 Pts
4-Core 205
8-Core 350
34% 277 Pts
64-Core 368
23% 368 Pts
147,533 MORE »

 Market Share (See Leaders)

The number of benchmark samples for this model as a percentage of all 60,294,512 CPUs tested.

 Prices

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MSRP ≈ $319 @ launch in Jan '11
AmazonUS $14018 mins
EbayUS $1507 mins
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Custom PC Builder (Start a new build) Build your perfect PC: compare component prices, popularity, speed and value for money.

CHOOSE A COMPONENT:

CPU GPU SSD HDD RAM MBD
Typical Core i7-2600K Builds (Compare 1,050 builds) See popular component choices, score breakdowns and rankings.
Gaming
Gaming 38%
Jet ski
Desktop
Desktop 78%
Battleship
Workstation
Workstation 31%
Sail boat

Motherboard: Asus P8Z68-V PRO - $390

CPU
Core i7-2600KIntel  $140Bench 71%, 147,533 samples500x
GPU
GTX 970Nvidia  $340Bench 49%, 834,238 samples87x
GTX 1060-6GBNvidia  $130Bench 56%, 1,368,019 samples68x
GTX 1070Nvidia  $200Bench 80%, 1,459,281 samples50x
SSD
860 Evo 500GBSamsung  $75Bench 105%, 762,998 samples53x
850 Evo 250GBSamsung  $70Bench 103%, 951,591 samples39x
850 Evo 500GBSamsung  $109Bench 112%, 695,664 samples36x
RAM
Vengeance DDR3 1600 C9 2x4GBCorsairBench 48%, 73,650 samples62x
Vengeance DDR3 1600 C9 4x4GBCorsairBench 53%, 34,385 samples57x
Vengeance DDR3 1600 C9 4x4GBCorsairBench 53%, 20,667 samples46x
EDIT WITH CUSTOM PC BUILDER Value: 46% - Average Total price: $945

Popular Core i7-2600K compatible motherboards:

How Fast Is Your CPU? (Bench your build) Size up your PC in less than a minute.

Welcome to our freeware PC speed test tool. UserBenchmark will test your PC and compare the results to other users with the same components. You can quickly size up your PC, identify hardware problems and explore the best upgrades.

UserBenchmark of the month

Gaming Desktop ProGaming

How it works

  • - Download and run UserBenchmark.
  • - CPU tests include: integer, floating and string.
  • - GPU tests include: six 3D game simulations.
  • - Drive tests include: read, write, sustained write and mixed IO.
  • - RAM tests include: single/multi core bandwidth and latency.
  • - SkillBench (space shooter) tests user input accuracy.
  • - Reports are generated and presented on userbenchmark.com.
  • - Identify the strongest components in your PC.
  • - See speed test results from other users.
  • - Compare your components to the current market leaders.
  • - Explore your best upgrade options with a virtual PC build.
  • - Compare your in-game FPS to other users with your hardware.
Processor Rankings (Price vs Performance) March 2023 CPU Rankings.

We calculate effective speed which measures real world performance for typical users. Effective speed is adjusted by current prices to yield a value for money rating. Our calculated values are checked against thousands of individual user ratings. The customizable table below combines these factors to bring you the definitive list of top CPUs. [CPUPro]

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Group Test Results

  • Best user rated - User sentiment trumps benchmarks for this comparison.
  • Best value for money - Value for money is based on real world performance.
  • Fastest real world speed - Real World Speed measures performance for typical consumers.

 Specifications

Essentials

DescriptionIntel® Core™ i7-2600K Processor (8M Cache, up to 3.80 GHz)
Code NameSandy Bridge
Launch DateQ1'11
Processor Numberi7-2600K
# of Cores4
# of Threads8
Cache8 MB SmartCache
Instruction Set64-bit
Instruction Set ExtensionsSSE4.1/4.2, AVX
Embedded Options AvailableNo
Lithography32 nm
Recommended PriceN/A
Clock Speed3.4 GHz
Max Turbo Frequency3.8 GHz
Bus Speed5 GT/s DMI
Max TDP95 W
Expected DiscontinuanceQ1'2013

Graphics

Processor GraphicsIntel® HD Graphics 3000
Graphics Base Frequency850 MHz
Wireless DisplayNo
# of Displays Supported2
Graphics Max Dynamic Frequency1.35 GHz
Quick Sync VideoYes
InTru 3D TechYes
Clear Video HD TechYes
Intel InsiderYes
Flexible Display InterfaceYes

Memory

Max Memory Size32 GB
Memory TypesDDR3 1066/1333
Memory Channels2
Memory Bandwidth21 GB/s
ECC Memory SupportedNo

Expansion Options

PCI Express Revision2.0
Max # of PCI Express Lanes16

Data Protection

AES New InstructionsYes

Advanced Technologies

Virtualization Tech (VT-x)Yes
Intel 64Yes
Idle StatesYes
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® TechYes
Thermal Monitoring TechnologiesYes
Turbo Boost Tech2.0
Hyper-Threading TechYes
Virtualization for Directed I/O (VT-d)No
VT-x with Extended Page Tables (EPT)Yes
vPro TechNo
Identity Protection TechYes
Fast Memory AccessYes
Flex Memory AccessYes

Package

Package Size37.5mm x 37.5mm
Max CPU Configuration1
Sockets SupportedLGA1155

Platform Protection

Execute Disable BitYes
Trusted Execution TechNo

 Comments

CPUPro
Avatar level
2,053

Official site ark.intel.com/...

LGA1155 Socket

Passmark CPU benchmark: 9,095...

Added 11 years ago.
USA-User
Avatar level
9,310

Excellent (edit your comment) Add link

1 month ago.

Comment 

I Love my 2600K it still ranks close to the new CPUs in speed and performance. I use it in my main everyday PC and do some gaming on it. When I really want to game for awhile I go to my man cave and use my 3930K set up with triple monitors. The 3930K is another GREAT CPU that I intend on using for at least a couple more years after that I will switch it out and use it as my main PC. I just bought a 1070 GPU to add to my Gaming set up which should hold me over for awhile longer. If you find one cheep and are considering using a 2600K in a build in 2016 I would say go for it. —Nov '16

Comment 

Still out here rockin' the 2600k in 2020 with very few issues. Sure, it could be a little faster sometimes. Still amazing that it's nearly 10 years old and still competes with some mid-range processors. Not upgrading till it dies, or is unusable with newer applications, probably. —Dec '20

Comment 

Happy 10th birthday for mine and still handles everything without a problem. Simply the best.—Nov '21

GBR-User
Avatar level
5,470

Excellent

2 months ago.

i own this but i am upgrading to a i9 9900k becuase they give a little more fps

RUS-User
Avatar level
4,582

Excellent

11 months ago.

Almost 10 years, still good enough

IND-User
Avatar level
4,374

Good

1 month ago.

Been using this cpu since 2012 and it's still running strong overclocked to 4.3GHz 24/7

ESP-User
Avatar level
3,563

Liked

8 months ago.

Comment 

One of the best CPUs in PC history. I'll keep mine at least until the Q1'2018 when Coffee Lake is launched (unless Kaby Lake shows a shocking performance). —Nov '16

NLD-User
Avatar level
3,316

Excellent

12 months ago.

I still use i7-2600K. I see no reason to upgrade this CPU while I am not using my PC for games. While I bought the PC since +/-2012 for 800€ with 8GB memory this is quite a bargain while the PC is still working perfect!

JPN-User
Avatar level
3,294

Good

2 months ago.

2023 and still solid CPU for most daily driver use, sat at 4.2ghz for years in gaming rig now back at 3.8 and not had a single issue for many years on Asus max iv extreme, what a legendary CPU.

HUN-User
Avatar level
3,223

Excellent

11 months ago.

Nice processor high perfomance

CHL-User
Avatar level
2,472

Liked

21 months ago.

Comment 

It's 2016, and this five year old CPU is still among the fastest by today's standards. Factor in some overclocking, and this chip can hold its own against the latest generation with no problems. As far as drawbacks go, the lack of PCIe 3.0 support, the dated DDR3-1333 controller and the older, less-efficient 32nm lithography would be the only shackles on an otherwise excellent processor.—Nov '16

SVK-User
Avatar level
2,316

Terrible

3 years ago.

in 2019 with gpu gtx 1070, high-ultra on 1080p with no problem

CPUPro
Avatar level
2,053

Very good

11 years ago.

Review  hothardware.com/...

Image  hothardware.com/...
CPU-Z (Stepped Down Clock)

CPU-Z (Stepped Down Clock)

Review  www.notebookcheck.net/...

Integrated HD Graphics 3000

Image  www.notebookcheck.net/...
GPU-Z

GPU-Z

PAN-User
Avatar level
1,074

Excellent

16 months ago.

Excelent CPU that gave their owners solid gaming performance for years. Still usable but it's time to upgrade.

Rand
Avatar level
501

Outstanding

3 years ago.

Perfect price / performance balance. No need to overclock it, with stock settings the frequency drops to 1.6 GHz when its idle, which keeps everything cool and quiet. Pros: Blisteringly fast. Cons: Can get hot when OC'd.

Tucker
Avatar level
108

Very good

11 years ago.

Easy stock overclock to 4.5 GHz. Pros: Cant believe how fast it runs. Cons: Gets very hot beyond 4.5 Ghz.

yaabalfazl
Avatar level
92

Poor

5 years ago.

it low for 4k

Drakorvich
Avatar level
48

Excellent

3 years ago.

My school has a computer with one of these and an r9 nano? in it. Nearly as fast as my own personal gaming PC.

polKZY
Avatar level
26

Excellent

4 years ago.

Now I use stable 4,6Ghz 1.35V. I checked 5.0Ghz at 1.45v and was still stable.

PCaddict
Avatar level
22

Good

6 years ago.

Great CPU that in 2016 is staying close to the new CPUs

Pyroglyph
Avatar level
10

Good

5 years ago.

Still going strong after all these years.

iamjohngalt
Avatar level
8

Excellent

3 years ago.

Within 15% performance of the best mainstream i7 8 years later (unless you spend a lot of time rendering video and need many cores to speed that process.) Dirt cheap used, great overclocking, and bullet proof. Eight years later and no good reason to upgrade.

TopMostDog
Avatar level
6

Excellent

3 years ago.

Absolutely loved this processor. Was able to run 5ghz on cheap air cooling with no bump to voltage. Happy days.

SjLeonardo
Avatar level
6

Good

3 years ago.

I use it myself, and it's still a fine choice if you get it at a low price to upgrade from a 2500k. I wouldn't recommend building a system from 0 with it, however. You also have to overclock pretty high to get the most out of it, but that shouldn't be a problem.

Bambooz
Avatar level
4

Excellent

7 years ago.

4 Years old, chugging along at 5GHz on air and still keeping up with waaay more expensive newer CPUs. I don't see the point of upgrading anytime soon :)

lbartosek
Avatar level
4

Excellent

3 years ago.

This CPU worked for me since 2011 and now it's going to sill work for other guy :)

guelagi
Avatar level
2

Outstanding

5 years ago.

Great old CPU...

MacherTV
Avatar level
2

Excellent

4 years ago.

old but gold

BarrahKooda
Avatar level
2

Good

4 years ago.

7 years and still going strong with a rubbish cooler... Not beefy enough for livestreaming, but for gaming its awesome. Will be replaced with Ryzen soon and transformed into a HTPC then.

OfficialAeon
Avatar level
2

Excellent

4 years ago.

Legendary CPU, a 2011 chip that'll compete with modern releases when given a half-decent overclock.

jtr99
Avatar level
2

Good

2 years ago.

Chugging away after so many years.

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Ready to retire
Age: 12 years

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See how consistently different CPUs perform with varying real world conditions. The charts also illustrate overall performance, popularity and rank.

 Frequently Asked Questions

Processors FAQ
AMD vs Intel: Gaming performance 2012-2021
How does IPC compare between AMD's Ryzen and Intel's Kaby Lake?
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ALL FAQs »

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The Best.
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Intel Core i5-12600K $194Nvidia RTX 3060-Ti $417Samsung 850 Evo 120GB $106
Intel Core i5-12400F $158Nvidia RTX 4070-Ti $830Samsung 860 Evo 250GB $50
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Seagate Barracuda 2TB (2016) $80G.SKILL Trident Z DDR4 3200 C14 4x16GB $381SanDisk Ultra Fit 32GB $16
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