CPU Comparison
Core i7-880 vs Core i7-2600
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-880 is a high-end desktop processor launched in May 2010, based on the 45nm Lynnfield architecture. It represents the highest bin of the Lynnfield silicon, operating at a base frequency of 3.066 GHz and boosting up to 3.733 GHz via Turbo Boost. It features 4 cores and 8 threads, supported by an 8 MB L3 cache. Utilizing the LGA 1156 socket, it brought the Nehalem microarchitecture to its peak performance on the mainstream platform. It integrates a dual-channel DDR3 memory controller and 16 PCIe 2.0 lanes directly on the CPU. Like other Lynnfield chips, it lacks an integrated GPU. With a 95W TDP, it was relatively easy to cool for its clock speed. The i7-880 was a quiet release, often overshadowed by the unlocked i7-875K, but it remains the fastest stock-clocked Lynnfield CPU, offering excellent performance for its era, though obsolete today.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Fastest Lynnfield at stock, but obsolete now.
Still usable for basic office tasks and web browsing.
Gaming
Handles old games well but bottlenecks modern titles.
Can still run older games, but bottlenecks modern GPUs.
Virtualization
Good for legacy VMs.
Handles light VMs well.
Efficiency
95W TDP is acceptable for 45nm at these clocks.
95W TDP on 32nm is not efficient by modern standards.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- Unsuitable for modern inference
- No AI hardware
- Too slow for modern AI
Content Creation
Gaming
- PCIe 2.0 only
- No AVX support
- Requires discrete GPU
- Good for retro gaming
- Needs discrete GPU
- PCIe 2.0 may bottleneck modern cards
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Highest stock Lynnfield clocks
- 8MB L3 cache
- Quad-core with HT
- Good 2010 performance
Cons
- Obsolete platform
- No integrated graphics
- Locked multiplier
- Rare and expensive
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
Core i7-880
- AMD Phenom II X4 965Rival
Desktop High-End
- Intel Core i7-875KRival
Desktop Enthusiast
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-930Rival
Desktop High-End
- AMD Phenom II X6 1090TRival
Desktop Enthusiast
- Intel Core i7-870Rival
Desktop High-End
- Intel Core i7-2600Alt
The direct Sandy Bridge successor.
Core i7-2600
- AMD FX-8120Rival
Desktop
- Intel Core i7-2600KAlt
Unlocked version for overclocking.
- Intel Core i7-3770Alt
Newer Ivy Bridge alternative.
Cheaper, no Hyper-Threading but similar gaming performance.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
The ultimate Lynnfield chip with the highest stock clocks, though overshadowed by the 875K and obsolete today.
Best for: Maintaining a legacy retro gaming rig.
Read the full reviewA 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 reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-880 or Core i7-2600?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-880 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, Core i7-880 or Core i7-2600?
For gaming, the Core i7-2600 leads with a gaming performance score of 50/100 among Core i7-880 and Core i7-2600.
Do Core i7-880 and Core i7-2600 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-880: Intel Socket 1156, 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: Core i7-2600 (9,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.