Intel Core i7-2600K

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Intel Core i7-2600K
The Intel Core i7 2600K features 4 cores with 8 concurrent threads when using Hyper-Threading, it operates at 3.40GHz with a Turbo Boost frequency of 3.80GHz, it is designed to work with DDR3-1333 memory and feature an 8MB L3 cache. Last but not least, the Core i7 2600K uses the Intel HD Graphics 3000 engine.
4
Cores
8
Threads
3.4 GHz
Base Clock
3.8 GHz
Boost Clock
Socket LGA 1155
Socket
95 W
TDP
Intel HD Graphics 3000
Integrated Graphics
$209
Price
CPU Snapshot
Release date:Jan 9, 2011Price at Launch:$317
Type:DesktopSocket:Socket LGA 1155
Cores:4Threads:8
Multithreading:Yes
Clocks & Cache
Base Clock:3.4 GHzBoost Clock:3.8 GHz
L2 Cache:1 MBL3 Cache:8 MB
Platform
Codename:Sandy BridgeProcess Size:32 nm
Memory Support:DDR3-1333TDP:95 W
PCIe Support:PCIe 2.0, 16 lanesBox Cooler:Yes
Integrated Features
Integrated Graphics:YesiGPU Model:Intel HD Graphics 3000
NPU:No

Price History

Intel Core i7-2600K pricing

Last 6 months
Price Date
Current $209 Mar 19, 2026
Highest* $207 Jan 31, 2026
Lowest* $86 Jan 10, 2026
Average $161
* Prices are based on listings from Newegg and other major retailers over the past 12+ months.
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Reviews and Ratings

87

Average Score

Based on 30 reviews

8.8

User Score

Based on 235 reviews

Reviewers Liked

  • Very Fast
  • Overclockable
  • Turbo 2.0 Technology
  • Built in HD 3000 Graphics
  • Quad Core Performance with HyperThreading
  • Turbo Boost Technology
  • Optimized for Windows 7
  • 8MB (Shared) L3 Cache
  • Unlocked
  • 32nm Processor
  • Choice of OnDie or Discrete Graphics

Reviewers Didn't Like

  • Requires new motherboard
  • Intel's 3rd socket change in as many years
  • Base Clock is locked
  • Onboard video lacks DirectX 11 support
  • Must have a K series processor to have full overclocking potential

Although the new Sandy Bridge architecture may not be revolutionary, it is a much improved version of Nehalem as it seems to do everything a little better. When compared to the Clarkdale Core i5 661 processor which we reviewed exactly a year ago, the...

By TechSpot on
80

We do a quick runthrough of benchmarks tests @ 4.8GHz on the new...

By VR-Zone on
75

At Rs.13,800, the Core i7 2600K isn’t exactly cheap, but for the kind of performance it delivers and its feature set, it’s not bad. Just a year ago, if you wanted an Intel CPU with an unlocked multiplier, you’d have no choice, but to go with their...

By FirstPost on
50

A brand-new core design enables the chips to do more at a given clock speed than their predecessors. The humble Core i3-2120 runs at a slightly slower 3.3GHz frequency than the mid-range i5-660 from Intel's older 1156 platform, but it achieved higher...

By itnews.com.au on
100

The Intel Core i7-2600K CPU is a super fast performer which thanks to its unlocked multiplier can also be overclocked like a monster....

By ITP.net on
80

This month for review we received two very eagerly awaited processors from CPU manufacturer Intel. Since AMD, its only real competitor, hasn’t been putting up a fight in this market for about five years now, interesting developments in CPUs have been...

By PCWorld New Zealand on
95

There’s so many good things about Sandy Bridge, I scarcely know where to begin. First off, it’s a new processor architecture that offers valuable performance enhancements that even the average user will enjoy. This includes the new Intel Turbo...

By FutureLooks on
90

Intel's Sandy Bridge processors represent a genuine step forward in chip evolution. Now packing in refined, efficient CPU cores and an improved GPU on to the same portion of silicon, Intel has done away with the need for chipset-based graphics for...

By HEXUS.net on
90

The Intel Core i7-2600K is a worthy successor to the i7-860 and i7-920 chips at default clock speeds. If Sandy Bridge permeates the entire market, the (relatively) lower-end LGA1156 motherboards and processors can walk away. In fact, even the X58...

By PC Advisor on
88

The Intel Core i7-2600K processor is a worthy successor to the i7-860 and i7-920 at default clock speeds. On balance, paying about the same amount for a higher-midrange processor and getting a 25 per cent increase in performance (besides...

By PCWorld India on
90

Note: This Intel Core i7-2600K review also reviews the Sandy Bridge architecture as a whole, as well as the mid-range Intel Core i5-2500K processor.Ready or not, here they come. Intel is rolling out a thoroughly overhauled range of PC processors based...

By TechRadar on
100

An incredibly powerful processor, that’s also power-efficient and easy to overclock. However, most should go with the cheaper i5-2500K....

By Expert Reviews on
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