CPU Comparison

Intel Core i7-6700 vs Core i7-2600

A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-6700 is a mainstream quad-core desktop processor that served as the backbone of the 6th Generation Skylake lineup. Released in 2015, it brought incremental but meaningful improvements over the previous Haswell generation, including higher IPC, improved integrated graphics, and the introduction of DDR4 memory support to the mainstream market. Operating at a base clock of 3.4 GHz and boosting up to 4.0 GHz, it delivered strong single-threaded performance ideal for gaming and everyday productivity. With four cores and eight threads, it handled the multitasking demands of the era effectively. The 65-watt TDP ensured it ran efficiently and coolly, making it a staple in millions of office and home PCs worldwide. The inclusion of Intel HD Graphics 530 allowed for smooth 4K video playback and basic media tasks without requiring a discrete GPU, cementing its reputation as a versatile, do-it-all processor for mainstream users.

Top pick
Intel · Core i7
Intel Core i7-6700
4C / 8T4 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 (Skylake)
2nd Generation
Launched
2015
2011
Status
End-of-life
End-of-life
Codename
Skylake
Sandy Bridge
Series
Core i7
Core i7
Family
6th Generation
Sandy Bridge
Predecessor
Intel Core i7-4790
Intel Core i7-870
Successor
Intel Core i7-7700
Intel Core i7-3770

Specifications Compared

Cores & Clocks
Cores
4
4
Threads
8
8
Base Clock
3.4 GHz
3.4 GHz
Boost Clock
4 GHz
3.8 GHz
Cache & Power
L3 Cache
8 MB
8 MB
TDP
65 W
95 W
Architecture
Architecture
Skylake
Sandy Bridge
Process Node
14nm
32nm
Memory
Memory Type
DDR3, DDR4
DDR3
Memory Speed
2133 MT/s
DDR3-1333
Memory Channels
Dual (2)
Dual (2)
Max Memory
64 GB
32 GB
Platform & I/O
Socket
Intel Socket 1151
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 i7-6700Best75

Handles office workloads and multitasking without issues.

Core i7-260065

Still usable for basic office tasks and web browsing.

Gaming

Intel Core i7-6700Best65

Good for 60fps gaming with a discrete GPU, but struggles with modern high-refresh titles.

Core i7-260050

Can still run older games, but bottlenecks modern GPUs.

Virtualization

Intel Core i7-670060

Capable of running 1-2 light VMs.

Core i7-260060

Handles light VMs well.

Efficiency

Intel Core i7-6700Best90

Highly efficient 65W design.

Core i7-260050

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

Specialized Performance

AI / ML

Intel Core i7-6700Limited
  • No AI hardware
  • CPU inference is slow
Core i7-2600None
  • No AI hardware
  • Too slow for modern AI

Content Creation

Intel Core i7-6700Fair
Basic Photo Editing1080p Video EditingAudio Production
Core i7-2600Fair
Basic 1080p EditingPhoto Editing

Gaming

Intel Core i7-6700Good
  • Needs a discrete GPU for modern gaming
  • Quad-core design is aging for new AAA games
  • Great for older or esports titles
Core i7-2600Fair
  • Good for retro gaming
  • Needs discrete GPU
  • PCIe 2.0 may bottleneck modern cards

Industry Impact

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

Best CPU by Use Case

Office Productivity
Excellent
Excellent
1080p Gaming (with GPU)
Very Good
Programming
Very Good
4K Media Playback
Excellent
Heavy Rendering
Poor
Gaming
Good
Light Video Editing
Good

Target Audience

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

Strengths & Weaknesses

Intel Core i7-6700

Pros

  • Excellent power efficiency (65W)
  • Solid single-core performance
  • Supports DDR4 memory
  • Good integrated graphics

Cons

  • Only 4 cores
  • Locked multiplier
  • No PCIe 4.0
  • Outdated platform
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 i7-6700

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 reliable and efficient quad-core CPU that was the gold standard for mainstream desktop computing in 2015, still capable of basic tasks today.

Best for: Upgrading an older LGA 1151 system for budget 1080p gaming.

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 i7-6700 or Core i7-2600?

Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-6700 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 is faster for gaming, Intel Core i7-6700 or Core i7-2600?

For gaming, the Intel Core i7-6700 leads with a gaming performance score of 65/100 among Intel Core i7-6700 and Core i7-2600.

Which uses less power?

The Intel Core i7-6700 has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-6700 (65 W), Core i7-2600 (95 W).

Do Intel Core i7-6700 and Core i7-2600 use the same socket?

No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-6700: Intel Socket 1151, 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 i7-6700 (7,500), Core i7-2600 (9,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.