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.

Top pick
Intel · Core i7
Intel Core i7-6700T
4C / 8T3.6 GHz35 W
7.5
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 Low Power
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 i7-4790T
Intel Core i7-860S
Successor
Intel Core i7-7700T
Intel Core i7-3770S

Specifications Compared

Cores & Clocks
Cores
4
4
Threads
8
8
Base Clock
2.8 GHz
2.8 GHz
Boost Clock
3.6 GHz
3.8 GHz
Cache & Power
L3 Cache
8 MB
8 MB
TDP
35 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 i7-6700TBest70

Handles office applications and multitasking smoothly.

Core i7-2600S60

Still handles basic office tasks and web browsing.

Gaming

Intel Core i7-6700T30

Only suitable for very light or older games on low settings.

Core i7-2600SBest40

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

Virtualization

Intel Core i7-6700T55

Can run light VMs but limited by 35W power constraints.

Core i7-2600S55

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

Efficiency

Intel Core i7-6700TBest98

Outstanding power-to-performance ratio for silent computing.

Core i7-2600S70

65W TDP was excellent for 2011, but 32nm is outdated now.

Specialized Performance

AI / ML

Intel Core i7-6700TLimited
  • No dedicated AI hardware
  • Basic CPU inference only
Core i7-2600SNone
  • No AI hardware
  • Too slow for modern AI workloads

Content Creation

Intel Core i7-6700TFair
Basic Photo EditingAudio Production1080p Video Editing
Core i7-2600SPoor
Basic Photo EditingAudio Recording

Gaming

Intel Core i7-6700TLow
  • Relies on Intel HD Graphics 530
  • Not suitable for modern AAA titles
  • Great for retro or indie gaming
Core i7-2600SPoor
  • HD 2000 is very weak
  • PCIe 2.0 limits modern GPUs
  • Okay for retro gaming with a GPU

Industry Impact

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

Best CPU by Use Case

Silent Office PC
Excellent
Home Theater PC
Excellent
Excellent
Light Productivity
Very Good
Web Browsing
Excellent
Modern Gaming
Poor
Office Computing
Very Good
Light Gaming
Fair

Target Audience

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

Strengths & Weaknesses

Intel Core i7-6700T

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
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 i7-6700T

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 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 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 i7-6700T 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.