CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-6700T vs Core i7-2600S
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-6700T is a low-power, quad-core desktop processor introduced as part of the 6th Generation Skylake lineup. Designed specifically for small form factor PCs, AIO systems, and environments where thermal dissipation is restricted, this chip operates with a remarkably low 35-watt thermal design power. Despite its power-saving orientation, it boasts four cores and eight threads, providing solid multitasking capabilities. The processor features a base frequency of 2.8 GHz and can dynamically boost up to 3.6 GHz using Intel Turbo Boost 2.0. It incorporates 8 MB of L3 cache and supports dual-channel DDR3L or DDR4 memory, offering flexibility for system builders. Integrated Intel HD Graphics 530 handle basic display outputs and multimedia tasks efficiently. This CPU represents an excellent balance between performance and energy efficiency, making it ideal for office machines, HTPCs, and compact workstation builds where quiet operation and low heat generation are prioritized over raw, unlocked computing power.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles office applications and multitasking smoothly.
Still handles basic office tasks and web browsing.
Gaming
Only suitable for very light or older games on low settings.
HD 2000 is too weak for modern games; needs a discrete GPU.
Virtualization
Can run light VMs but limited by 35W power constraints.
Can run light VMs but limited by 65W power profile.
Efficiency
Outstanding power-to-performance ratio for silent computing.
65W TDP was excellent for 2011, but 32nm is outdated now.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Basic CPU inference only
- No AI hardware
- Too slow for modern AI workloads
Content Creation
Gaming
- Relies on Intel HD Graphics 530
- Not suitable for modern AAA titles
- Great for retro or indie gaming
- HD 2000 is very weak
- PCIe 2.0 limits modern GPUs
- Okay for retro gaming with a GPU
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Extremely low 35W TDP
- Supports DDR4 memory
- Good for silent computing
- Solid quad-core multitasking
Cons
- Locked multiplier
- Older 14nm process
- Weak integrated graphics
- Limited upgrade path
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 i7-6700T
- AMD Ryzen 5 3400GERival
Low Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-6500TRival
Low Power Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 2400GERival
Low Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-7700TRival
Low Power Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 3 3200GERival
Low Power Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600GEAlt
Much newer, faster, and more efficient.
- Intel Core i5-10400TAlt
More cores and newer architecture.
- AMD Ryzen 5 4600GEAlt
Better integrated graphics and CPU performance.
Modern Alder Lake alternative with massive single-core gains.
Compare head-to-head
Core i7-2600S
- AMD FX-6100Rival
Desktop
- Intel Core i7-2600Alt
Standard 95W version with higher base clock.
- Intel Core i7-3770SAlt
Newer Ivy Bridge low-power alternative.
Cheaper, lower power quad-core alternative.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A highly efficient 35W processor that delivers reliable quad-core performance for SFF builds, though it lacks the power for modern heavy workloads.
Best for: Building a low-power home server or near-silent HTPC.
Read the full reviewA 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 reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-6700T or Core i7-2600S?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-6700T comes out ahead with a score of 7.5/10. 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 i7-6700T or Core i7-2600S?
For gaming, the Core i7-2600S leads with a gaming performance score of 40/100 among Intel Core i7-6700T and Core i7-2600S.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-6700T has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-6700T (35 W), Core i7-2600S (65 W).
Do Intel Core i7-6700T and Core i7-2600S use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-6700T: 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 i7-6700T (6,500), Core i7-2600S (8,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.