CPU Comparison

Intel Core i7-6700 vs Core i7-2600S

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 i7-2600S
4C / 8T3.8 GHz65 W
7
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 i7-860S
Successor
Intel Core i7-7700
Intel Core i7-3770S

Specifications Compared

Cores & Clocks
Cores
4
4
Threads
8
8
Base Clock
3.4 GHz
2.8 GHz
Boost Clock
4 GHz
3.8 GHz
Cache & Power
L3 Cache
8 MB
8 MB
TDP
65 W
65 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 i7-2600S60

Still handles 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 i7-2600S40

HD 2000 is too weak for modern games; needs a discrete GPU.

Virtualization

Intel Core i7-6700Best60

Capable of running 1-2 light VMs.

Core i7-2600S55

Can run light VMs but limited by 65W power profile.

Efficiency

Intel Core i7-6700Best90

Highly efficient 65W design.

Core i7-2600S70

65W TDP was excellent for 2011, but 32nm is outdated now.

Specialized Performance

AI / ML

Intel Core i7-6700Limited
  • No AI hardware
  • CPU inference is slow
Core i7-2600SNone
  • No AI hardware
  • Too slow for modern AI workloads

Content Creation

Intel Core i7-6700Fair
Basic Photo Editing1080p Video EditingAudio Production
Core i7-2600SPoor
Basic Photo EditingAudio Recording

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 i7-2600SPoor
  • HD 2000 is very weak
  • PCIe 2.0 limits modern GPUs
  • Okay for retro gaming with a GPU

Industry Impact

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

Best CPU by Use Case

Office Productivity
Excellent
1080p Gaming (with GPU)
Very Good
Programming
Very Good
4K Media Playback
Excellent
Heavy Rendering
Poor
Home Theater PC
Excellent
Office Computing
Very Good
Light Gaming
Fair

Target Audience

Gamers
Targeted
Content Creators
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 i7-2600S

Pros

  • Low 65W TDP
  • Aggressive turbo boost up to 3.8 GHz
  • 4 cores and 8 threads
  • Good for SFF builds of its era

Cons

  • 32nm process is inefficient today
  • Lacks AVX2
  • HD 2000 graphics are very weak
  • Locked multiplier

Competitors & Alternatives

Intel Core i7-6700

Core i7-2600S

  • AMD FX-6100

    Desktop

    Rival
  • Intel Core i7-2600
    Alt

    Standard 95W version with higher base clock.

  • Intel Core i7-3770S
    Alt

    Newer Ivy Bridge low-power alternative.

  • Cheaper, lower power quad-core alternative.

    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 i7-2600SSituational

A smart choice for 2011 SFF builders, offering quad-core performance in a 65W envelope, though heavily outdated by modern standards.

Best for: Maintaining an old HTPC.

Read the full review

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Intel Core i7-6700 or Core i7-2600S?

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 i7-2600S?

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

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

No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-6700: Intel Socket 1151, Core i7-2600S: Intel Socket 1155), so each needs a compatible motherboard.

Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?

The Core i7-2600S posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-6700 (7,500), Core i7-2600S (8,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.