Intel · Core

Core i7-2600K

Released January 2011

An unlocked four-core Sandy Bridge desktop processor with Hyper-Threading for LGA1155 PCs.

Cores: 4/8
Boost: 3.8 GHz
L3: 8 MB
Power: 95 W
Socket: LGA1155

Unlocked

What reviewers say

Reviews find a substantial performance advance over earlier mainstream Intel processors, with strong overclocking and much improved integrated graphics. Older games can run on the built-in GPU, but demanding titles need a separate card. Expert Reviews considers the cheaper i5-2500K better value for most buyers; TechRadar criticises the new socket and chipset restrictions.

From expertreviews.co.uk, techradar.com, techradar.com, techradar.com, techradar.com and techradar.com

Specifications

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Cores and clocks

Cores: 4
Threads: 8
Base clock: 3.4 GHz
Boost clock: 3.8 GHz
L3 cache: 8 MB
Cores: Four cores with Hyper-Threading; Intel Turbo Boost 2.0. Expert Reviews and TechRadar confirm the unlocked CPU multiplier.
Clocks: Maximum turbo is a single-core frequency; sustained clocks depend on cooling. Intel's 5 January launch notice gives 9 January availability for quad-core systems.

Graphics and AI

Built-in graphics: Yes
Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 3000; 850 MHz base, up to 1.35 GHz; two displays; Quick Sync Video.

Platform

Socket: LGA1155
Base power: 95 W
Unlocked: Yes
Memory support: Up to 32 GB; two channels; DDR3-1066/1333; 21 GB/s maximum bandwidth as Intel publishes; ECC not supported.
PCIe: PCIe 2.0; 16 CPU lanes.
Process: 32 nm; Sandy Bridge; 37.5 × 37.5 mm package; 72.6°C maximum case temperature, not junction temperature.
Cooler: LGA1155 is incompatible with LGA1156. TechRadar describes the launch P67 chipset as supporting CPU overclocking and H67 as supporting the integrated graphics output; chipset choice affects available features. Intel publishes no separate maximum turbo-power figure.

Pros and cons

Pros

Unlocked CPU multiplier
Hyper-Threading
Quick Sync video encoding

Cons

DDR3 memory platform
PCIe limited to version 2.0
Launch chipsets split overclocking and graphics support

Closest rivals

Model	Cores	Boost	L3	Power	Socket	Released
IntelCore i5-2500K	4/4	3.7 GHz	6 MB	95 W	LGA1155	Jan 2011
IntelCore i7-875K	4/8	3.6 GHz	8 MB	95 W	LGA1156	Jun 2010
IntelCore i5-3570K	4/4	3.8 GHz	6 MB	77 W	LGA1155	Apr 2012

Sources

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