Core i7-2600K Benchmarks & Performance Report

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Benchmark Results

Combined benchmark scores based on multiple data points, giving a quick overview of this processor's performance.

Overall Score

Overall score for Core i7-2600K based on all benchmark results gathered. Look at this like a meta score, you will find more specific workload ratings below.

4,951 Rank: 910

Rank	Name	Score	Visual
906	Core i7-3920XM	4,955	+0.1%
907	Core i5-6267U	4,954	+0.1%
908	FX-8120	4,953	+0%
909	Xeon D-1587	4,952	+0%
910	Core i7-2600K	4,951
911	Core i7-4558U	4,951	+0%
912	Core i7-4750HQ	4,948	-0.1%
913	Core i7-4700MQ	4,947	-0.1%
914	Celeron G4920	4,943	-0.2%
915	FX-770K	4,942	-0.2%

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Multicore Score

Multicore performance score for Core i7-2600K based on multi-threaded benchmark results.

4,812 Rank: 830

Rank	Name	Score	Visual
826	Xeon E5-2609 v4	4,813	+0%
827	Xeon E3-1275 V2	4,813	+0%
828	Pentium G4400T	4,812	+0%
829	Pentium G4400	4,812	+0%
830	Core i7-2600K	4,812
831	Core i7-870	4,811	+-0%
832	Core i5-6500	4,808	-0.1%
833	Xeon E3-1220 v3	4,808	-0.1%
834	Xeon E3-1280 v3	4,807	-0.1%
835	Ryzen 5 3400G	4,806	-0.1%

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Singlecore Score

Single-core performance score for Core i7-2600K based on single-threaded benchmark results.

5,043 Rank: 916

Rank	Name	Score	Visual
912	Core i3-4160	5,045	+0%
913	Ryzen 5 PRO 3500U	5,044	+0%
914	Core i5-3475S	5,044	+0%
915	EPYC 7601	5,043	+0%
916	Core i7-2600K	5,043
917	Core i7-4870HQ	5,041	+-0%
918	Xeon D-2141I	5,039	-0.1%
919	EPYC 7702	5,036	-0.1%
920	Ryzen 5 3550H	5,035	-0.2%
921	EPYC 7401P	5,035	-0.2%

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Workload Scores

Performance scores grouped by workload type, normalized and aggregated from multiple raw benchmark results.

Number Crunching

Aggregated score for Core i7-2600K based on integer math, floating point math, and prime number computation benchmarks.

4,634 Rank: 877

Rank	Name	Score	Visual
873	Core i5-3570S	4,636	+0%
874	Xeon E5645	4,635	+0%
875	Xeon Bronze 3104	4,634	+0%
876	Core i5-7400	4,634	+0%
877	Core i7-2600K	4,634
878	Core i3-1115G4	4,634	+0%
879	Core i5-4440	4,632	+-0%
880	Core i7-4712HQ	4,632	+-0%
881	Core i5-6402P	4,631	-0.1%
882	Core i5-3470	4,631	-0.1%

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Data Processing

Aggregated score for Core i7-2600K based on data encryption, data compression, and string sorting benchmarks.

4,661 Rank: 766

Rank	Name	Score	Visual
762	Core i7-6770HQ	4,662	+0%
763	Ryzen 3 PRO 3200G	4,661	+0%
764	Xeon D-1622	4,661	+0%
765	Core i7-6820HQ	4,661	+0%
766	Core i7-2600K	4,661
767	Core i7-4790T	4,660	+-0%
768	Core i5-7640X	4,659	+-0%
769	Core i7-3840QM	4,659	+-0%
770	Xeon E-2314	4,659	+-0%
771	Core i5-1035G1	4,658	-0.1%

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Physics & Compute

Aggregated score for Core i7-2600K based on physics simulation and extended instruction set (SSE/AVX) benchmarks.

4,633 Rank: 879

Rank	Name	Score	Visual
875	Xeon E3-1280	4,636	+0.1%
876	Core i3-1115G4E	4,636	+0.1%
877	Ryzen 5 3550H	4,635	+0%
878	Core i7-3615QM	4,634	+0%
879	Core i7-2600K	4,633
880	Core i3-7320	4,632	+-0%
881	Core i7-970	4,632	+-0%
882	Ryzen 3 PRO 2200G	4,631	+-0%
883	Core i5-3570K	4,631	+-0%
884	Xeon E3-1220 V2	4,631	+-0%

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Core i7-2600K Details

As of March 2026, the Intel Core i7-2600K remains a notable performer from a bygone era of desktop computing, showcasing the capabilities of Intel's Sandy Bridge architecture. Although released in 2011, the processor still holds relevance for budget-conscious users and retro builds due to its strong single-threaded performance and overclocking potential. Built on a 32 nm process and using the LGA1155 socket, the i7-2600K features four cores with Hyper-Threading, delivering eight threads for improved multitasking and parallel workloads. Base clock speeds sit at 3.4 GHz, with a turbo boost up to 3.8 GHz, allowing for efficient handling of both legacy and moderately demanding applications.

The Core i7-2600K supports DDR3 memory at 1066/1333 MHz, with a maximum capacity of 32 GB across two channels, and a memory bandwidth of 21 GB/s. It includes a 64-bit architecture and a 5 GT/s bus speed, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of motherboards from its generation. The processor also supports advanced features such as AVX2, AES-NI, and VT-x, making it suitable for encryption, virtualization, and multimedia tasks. Integrated into the CPU is the Intel HD Graphics 3000, which operates at a base frequency of 850 MHz and can burst up to 1350 MHz, capable of driving two displays simultaneously.

In benchmark testing, the i7-2600K achieves an overall score of 4951, ranking #910 of 2060 processors. Its single-core performance scores 5043, placing it at #915, which is impressive given its age and indicates that it still holds up well in applications that rely heavily on per-core speed. The multicore score of 4812 ranks it at #828, showing that while it can handle multi-threaded workloads, it is outpaced by modern CPUs with more cores and higher clock speeds. Notably, the processor trails only slightly behind high-end CPUs like the Xeon E5-2609 v4 and Xeon E3-1275 v2 in multicore performance, but still falls behind more recent offerings such as the Core i5-6500 and Xeon E3-1280 v3.

When compared to current top-tier processors, the i7-2600K is significantly outpaced by modern offerings like the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9995WX and Core Ultra 9 285K, which dominate the leaderboard with scores exceeding 8,000 and 8,500 respectively. However, within its own generation, the i7-2600K stands as a high-end performer, especially when overclocked. It remains a viable choice for users engaged in light gaming, productivity, and retro computing, where its performance is still respectable. Its TDP of 95 W and lack of ECC memory support make it less suitable for enterprise environments but ideal for enthusiast builds focused on cost-effective performance.

In conclusion, the Core i7-2600K represents a milestone in Intel's processor evolution, blending strong single-core performance with robust feature support. While no longer competitive with today's high-end CPUs, it continues to serve as a capable and affordable option for specific use cases, particularly in systems where upgrading to modern hardware is not feasible. Its enduring relevance underscores the lasting impact of the Sandy Bridge microarchitecture on consumer computing.