CPU Comparison

Intel Core i7-5775R vs Core i7-2600

A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-5775R is a unique desktop processor based on the 14nm Broadwell architecture, distinguished by its use of BGA packaging and the inclusion of powerful Iris Pro Graphics. Designed primarily for All-in-One (AIO) systems and Intel NUCs, this chip is soldered directly to the motherboard. It features four cores and eight threads, operating at a base clock of 3.3 GHz and boosting up to 3.8 GHz. The standout feature is the integrated Intel Iris Pro Graphics 6200, which includes 128 MB of embedded L4 cache (eDRAM), drastically improving both graphical performance and CPU memory access speeds. With a 65-watt TDP, it balances performance and efficiency. The processor supports dual-channel DDR3 memory and provides 16 PCIe 3.0 lanes. While not intended for gaming with discrete GPUs, its integrated graphics were revolutionary for the time, allowing compact systems to handle moderate gaming and 4K media without a dedicated card.

Top pick
Intel · Core i7
Intel Core i7-5775R
4C / 8T3.8 GHz65 W
8
Full review
Intel · Core i7
Core i7-2600
4C / 8T3.8 GHz95 W
7.5
Full review

The Bottom Line

Overview & Launch

Brand
Intel
Intel
Market
Desktop
Desktop
Segment
Desktop
Desktop
Generation
Core i7 (Broadwell)
2nd Generation
Launched
2015
2011
Status
End-of-life
End-of-life
Codename
Broadwell
Sandy Bridge
Series
Core i7
Core i7
Family
5th Generation
Sandy Bridge
Predecessor
Intel Core i7-4770R
Intel Core i7-870
Successor
Intel Core i7-6700
Intel Core i7-3770

Specifications Compared

Cores & Clocks
Cores
4
4
Threads
8
8
Base Clock
3.3 GHz
3.4 GHz
Boost Clock
3.8 GHz
3.8 GHz
Cache & Power
L3 Cache
6 MB
8 MB
TDP
65 W
95 W
Architecture
Architecture
Broadwell
Sandy Bridge
Process Node
14nm
32nm
Memory
Memory Type
DDR3
DDR3
Memory Speed
1866 MT/s
DDR3-1333
Memory Channels
Dual (2)
Dual (2)
Max Memory
32 GB
32 GB
Platform & I/O
Socket
Intel BGA 1364
Intel Socket 1155
PCIe Version
Gen 3
PCIe 2.0
PCIe Lanes
16
16
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
Unlocked
No
No

Performance Compared

Productivity

Intel Core i7-5775RBest70

4 cores and high IPC handle office tasks effortlessly.

Core i7-260065

Still usable for basic office tasks and web browsing.

Gaming

Intel Core i7-5775R50

Iris Pro 6200 can handle older or eSports titles at 720p/1080p Low.

Core i7-260050

Can still run older games, but bottlenecks modern GPUs.

Virtualization

Intel Core i7-5775R55

Capable of light VMs, but limited by 65W TDP.

Core i7-2600Best60

Handles light VMs well.

Efficiency

Intel Core i7-5775RBest95

14nm process makes it incredibly power-efficient.

Core i7-260050

95W TDP on 32nm is not efficient by modern standards.

Specialized Performance

AI / ML

Intel Core i7-5775RLimited
  • No AI hardware
  • eDRAM helps slightly with CPU inference
Core i7-2600None
  • No AI hardware
  • Too slow for modern AI

Content Creation

Intel Core i7-5775RFair
Basic Photo Editing1080p Video EditingAudio Production
Core i7-2600Fair
Basic 1080p EditingPhoto Editing

Gaming

Intel Core i7-5775RFair
  • Iris Pro 6200 was great for integrated graphics
  • Can play older AAA games at low settings
  • Not suitable for modern AAA titles
Core i7-2600Fair
  • Good for retro gaming
  • Needs discrete GPU
  • PCIe 2.0 may bottleneck modern cards

Industry Impact

Gaming
Moderate
High
Workstations
Low
Moderate
Content Creation
Low
High
Virtualization
Low
Moderate

Best CPU by Use Case

Light Gaming
Good
4K Media Playback
Excellent
Office Productivity
Excellent
Excellent
Web Browsing
Excellent
Heavy Rendering
Poor
Gaming
Good
Light Video Editing
Good

Target Audience

Gamers
Targeted
Content Creators
Targeted
Developers
Targeted
Targeted
Workstation Users
Streamers
Office / Productivity
Targeted
Targeted
Students
Targeted
Targeted

Strengths & Weaknesses

Intel Core i7-5775R

Pros

  • Powerful Iris Pro 6200 graphics
  • 128 MB L4 eDRAM
  • Highly efficient 14nm process
  • Good CPU performance

Cons

  • Soldered to motherboard (BGA)
  • Locked multiplier
  • Only supports DDR3
  • Hard to find standalone
Core i7-2600

Pros

  • Revolutionary IPC for 2011
  • 4 cores and 8 threads
  • Solid single-core performance
  • Integrated graphics

Cons

  • 32nm process is inefficient
  • Lacks AVX2
  • PCIe 2.0 only
  • Locked multiplier

Competitors & Alternatives

Intel Core i7-5775R

Core i7-2600

  • AMD FX-8120

    Desktop

    Rival
  • Intel Core i7-2600K
    Alt

    Unlocked version for overclocking.

  • Intel Core i7-3770
    Alt

    Newer Ivy Bridge alternative.

  • Cheaper, no Hyper-Threading but similar gaming performance.

    Compare head-to-head

Our Verdict on Each

A revolutionary processor for integrated graphics, bringing Iris Pro 6200 to compact form factors, though its BGA nature limits DIY appeal.

Best for: Purchasing a used AIO or NUC for basic office work or media consumption.

Read the full review
Core i7-2600Situational

A legendary CPU that offered incredible value and performance in 2011. While outdated, it remains a milestone in Intel's history.

Best for: Keeping an old PC alive.

Read the full review

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Intel Core i7-5775R or Core i7-2600?

Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-5775R comes out ahead with a score of 8/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.

Which uses less power?

The Intel Core i7-5775R has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-5775R (65 W), Core i7-2600 (95 W).

Do Intel Core i7-5775R and Core i7-2600 use the same socket?

No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-5775R: Intel BGA 1364, Core i7-2600: Intel Socket 1155), so each needs a compatible motherboard.

Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?

The Core i7-2600 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-5775R (7,000), Core i7-2600 (9,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.