CPU Comparison
Core i7-860S vs Core i7-2600S
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-860S is a low-power desktop processor launched in January 2010, based on the 45nm Lynnfield architecture. Designed for users seeking quad-core performance with tighter thermal constraints, it operates at a base frequency of 2.533 GHz and can boost up to 3.466 GHz using Intel Turbo Boost technology. It features 4 cores and 8 threads, aided by an 8 MB L3 cache. The 'S' suffix denotes a lower 82W TDP compared to the standard 95W of the i7-860, making it suitable for smaller form factor builds and home theater PCs. It utilizes the LGA 1156 socket and supports dual-channel DDR3 memory. Unlike Clarkdale, Lynnfield lacks an integrated GPU, requiring a discrete graphics card. Although obsolete today, the 860S represented an early effort by Intel to segment its lineup based on power efficiency, offering a compelling balance of performance and lower heat output for its era.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Sufficient for basic office work and web browsing.
Still handles basic office tasks and web browsing.
Gaming
Can play older games fine, but bottlenecks modern GPUs.
HD 2000 is too weak for modern games; needs a discrete GPU.
Virtualization
Good for basic home labs and VMs.
Can run light VMs but limited by 65W power profile.
Efficiency
Decent efficiency for 45nm, better than standard Lynnfield.
65W TDP was excellent for 2011, but 32nm is outdated now.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration
- Too slow for modern AI tasks
- No AI hardware
- Too slow for modern AI workloads
Content Creation
Gaming
- PCIe 2.0 only
- Requires discrete GPU
- Lacks AVX instructions
- 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
- Lower 82W TDP
- Good turbo boost headroom
- 8MB L3 cache
- Quad-core with HT
Cons
- Obsolete platform
- No integrated graphics
- Locked multiplier
- DDR3 only
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
Core i7-860S
- AMD Phenom II X4 905eRival
Desktop Low-Power
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-750SRival
Desktop Low-Power
- Intel Core i7-860Rival
Desktop Mainstream
- Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550SRival
Legacy Low-Power
- AMD Phenom II X4 945Rival
Desktop Mainstream
- Intel Core i7-870SAlt
Slightly faster low-power variant.
Cheaper, similar performance in non-threaded apps.
Compare head-to-headVastly superior Sandy Bridge alternative.
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 smart, energy-efficient Lynnfield chip for compact builds, though completely obsolete for modern use.
Best for: Repairing a legacy SFF LGA 1156 PC.
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 faster for gaming, Core i7-860S or Core i7-2600S?
For gaming, the Core i7-2600S leads with a gaming performance score of 40/100 among Core i7-860S and Core i7-2600S.
Which uses less power?
The Core i7-2600S has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i7-860S (82 W), Core i7-2600S (65 W).
Do Core i7-860S and Core i7-2600S use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-860S: Intel Socket 1156, 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: Core i7-2600S (8,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.