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Intel Core i7-2600K Pro Reviews

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hardwaresecrets‘s review Edit Like Unlike

The new Core i7-3770K is a no-brainer if you were considering buying the Core i7-2600K; it costs the same and is faster. It is, however, very important to understand that this processor is targeted to users who will really benefit from additional processing power. We are talking about professionals using the computer for audio and video editing, and 3D rendering. If you want to build a high-end gaming machine, you can save a considerable amount of money by buying a Core i5 processor. As you can see from our results, if you have a high-end CPU, you won’t see any difference in performance by picking a faster and more expensive model. That happens because the video card is the component that dictates gaming performance in this kind of system, considering that you have a mid-range or high-end video card, of course. Therefore, it is a better deal if you pick a more affordable CPU and spend your money on buying a more powerful video card. In addition, if you are an average user who is looking for extra processing power, we believe that the Core i5 will provide you with a better price/performance ratio.

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Published on:
Apr 23, 2012

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bjorn3d‘s review Edit Like Unlike

Before today, Sandy Bridge’s limited overclocking ability had been widely discussed among members of the tech press. While we cannot test this contention on the non-K series to see just how much headroom the processor gives, our Core i7 2600K with unlocked multiplier proved to be an easy overclocker. We were able to overclock the processor to 4.8GHz within the first 5 minutes just by raising the multiplier. With the K model priced at only $10-25 more than the non-K models, we do not think it will be much of an issue for enthusiasts. Unfortunately, at launch, Intel only has two K models: 2500K and 2600K, so the selection will be limited. With the Core i5 2600K selling at $317, we believe that the performance of the chip is sufficient enough for even current Nehalem users.

9.7 Rated at:

Published on:
Jan 02, 2011

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xbitlabs‘s review Edit Like Unlike

As our tests showed, the recently launched Core i7-990X Extreme Edition processor with maximally increased clock speed can only compete against Core i7-2600K in a few individual cases – in those few applications that create heavy load that could be well-paralleled. In fact, the most expensive processor in the market, the 1000-dollar six-core Core i7-990X Extreme Edition, can be titled the today’s fastest CPU only during video processing and transcoding, final rendering and a few specific tasks, such as encryption and batch image processing. As for the majority of general-purpose applications, including contemporary 3D games, it yields significantly to Core i7-2600K. Although the latter CPU has a smaller L3 cache, it can boast much higher relative performance per core.

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Published on:
Apr 05, 2011

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Tom's Hardware‘s review Edit Like Unlike

Sandy Bridge overclocks well. It certainly didn’t take this article to find that Sandy Bridge overclocks very well, at least as long as we’re talking about the K-series processors in Intel's Core i5/i7 portfolio. Going beyond 4 GHz is easily possible, even without a voltage increase, and our processor sample scaled reliably all the way up to 5 GHz on the standard Intel cooler. While all previous processor generations caused an increase in power consumption that was always more substantial than the added performance (especially at higher, more difficultly-achieved frequencies), Sandy Bridge is the first processor architecture where clock speed and power consumption scale almost linearly.

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Published on:
Feb 01, 2011

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hardwaresecrets‘s review Edit Like Unlike

The Core i7-2600K (3.4 GHz) proved to be an impressive product for the user looking for a high-end CPU. Available for the same price as the Core i7-875K (2.93 GHz), the new Core i7-2600K (3.4 GHz) was faster in all programs we ran (except on 3DMark 11, where the performance being measured was actually the video card’s, not the CPU’s), making it a no-brainer if you were contemplating buying the Core i7-875K. If you are a professional user working with video and photo editing, 3D rendering, and other applications that really need more processing power, you will surely benefit from the new Core i7-2600K and its very attractive price for this kind of use.

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Published on:
Jan 21, 2011

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AnandTech‘s review Edit Like Unlike

Unless you're running a lot of heavily threaded applications, I would recommend a Core i7-2600K over even a Core i7-980X. While six cores are nice, you're better off pocketing the difference in cost and enjoying nearly the same performance across the board (if not better in many cases). The HD Graphics 2000 is not as impressive. It's generally faster than what we had with Clarkdale, but it's not exactly moving the industry forward. Unless you already have a high-end Core i7, this is what you'll want to upgrade to.

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Published on:
Jan 03, 2011

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HEXUS‘s review Edit Like Unlike

Indeed, the Core i7 2600K, priced at around £250, takes away many of the reasons for opting towards Intel's traditional performance platform, X58, and the lower-priced Core i3 and Core i5 chips, especially the 2500K, are compelling in their own right. Intel has opened up 2011 with a hugely impressive collection of second-generation Core processors for both the mobile and desktop platforms. Sandy Bridge raises the bar for just how good a processor you can buy for a reasonable outlay, and serves to diminish the need to look at older platforms. We have little hesitation in recommending them to anybody.

9.0 Rated at:

Published on:
Jan 07, 2011

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TechSpot‘s review Edit Like Unlike

Overall the new Sandy Bridge range looks impressive based on what we've been able to sample from the new Core i7 2600K and Core i5 2500K processors. Performance has been boosted in all areas, while power consumption has been significantly reduced and a number of impressive features have been added. The best part is consumers will enjoy the 2nd generation of Intel Core processors without paying a price premium.

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Published on:
Jan 03, 2011

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hardocp‘s review Edit Like Unlike

However, for the majority of us, the 2500K and 2600K represent tremendous values for desktop computing and gaming. If you are still back on a dual core Socket 775 system, you just found out it is time to upgrade. If you are on a Socket 1156 or 1366 system, then you might likely be best off staying put, but I am very sure many of you will see enough value in Sandy Bridge to start putting together a new build list, especially if you are still running a dual core.

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Published on:
Jan 03, 2011

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www.pcper.com‘s review Edit Like Unlike

The Core i7-2600K should quickly become the mid-range processor of choice for gamers and enthusiasts alike with a combination of performance and value we haven't seen in a long time. Even the lower end Core i3-2100 and Core i5-2400 impressed on the performance front and are actually starting out lower than any Lynnfield processors on the market making them an easy selection for a budget build. The inclusion of the Quick Sync Video is a great feature for consumers and should finally push fast transcoding to the entire market - something the GPU guys have been striving for years now.

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Published on:
Jan 02, 2011

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HotHardware‘s review Edit Like Unlike

There are a number of performance related aspects to summarize here, including CPU, graphics, and motherboard / chipset performance. First let’s focus on CPU performance relative to previous generation Intel processors. The Core i7-2600K is arguably the fastest quad-core processor released from Intel to date. It hung with or surpassed the Core i7-975 and was clearly outpaced by only Intel’s 6-core processors.

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Published on:
Jan 02, 2011

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PC Advisor‘s review Edit Like Unlike

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 line (including the hexacores) can now be scratched off the wish-list of most aspiring gaming/performance PC buyers, replacing the same with a Sandy Bridge board and processor instead. On balance, paying about the same amount for a higher-end processor and getting a 25 per cent increase in performance (besides overclockability) is a deal that is very hard to pass up. Despite the rapid socket changes Intel is going through, we can safely say that those looking to build a performance PC won't regret a Sandy Bridge purchase.

9.0 Rated at:

Published on:
Jan 06, 2011

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TechRadar UK‘s review Edit Like Unlike

But here's the thing. In simple CPU performance terms, the Intel Core i5-2500K and Core i7-2600K are staggering. They overclock like the clappers. The integrated graphics is way better than anything before and the transcode engine threatens to annihilate the very idea of running some software on discrete graphics chips before it's even taken hold. Put simply, these new chips bring massive performance to a lower price point than ever before. How can you argue with that?

9.0 Rated at:

Published on:
Jan 03, 2011

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www.legitreviews.com‘s review Edit Like Unlike

Intel launches their "Tock" architecture, Sandy Bridge, and it's a winner. With incredible power efficiency, performance per watt is at an all time high. For enthusiasts Sandy Bridge is a dream with a mountain of overclocking headroom at a price that won't destroy your budget.

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Published on:
Jan 02, 2011

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PC Magazine‘s review Edit Like Unlike

Intel takes a giant step forward with the Core i7-2600K, one of its inaugural Sandy Bridge CPUs, in terms of both value and media processing. Its much-touted onboard graphics won't displace what you get with a discrete graphics card, but overall this is an impressive mainstream release.

8.0 Rated at:

Published on:
Jan 03, 2011

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benchmarkreviews‘s review Edit Like Unlike

Considered on its own, the Intel Core i7-2600K is a very impressive CPU. At $317 MSRP, the bang for the buck is amazing, and it will only get better as programs that can make full use of the processor's new features become available. Overclocking it to 4.5Ghz or more is easy and leads to massive increases in performance. If you plan to build a Sandy Bridge system, some up-front research could save you some grief later.

8.5 Rated at:

Published on:
Jan 02, 2011

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overclockersclub‘s review Edit Like Unlike

There is no doubt about it, Sandybridge is hot and offers great overclocking headroom with the K-Spec CPUs. Compressing media for use on portable devices is something we all do. Sandybridge does this very well. What this all boils down to is a new series of processors that deliver excellent performance across all aspects for a mid range price point. Intel has a winner with Sandybridge.

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Published on:
Jan 02, 2011

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tweaktown‘s review Edit Like Unlike

Intel is certainly on the right path with Sandy Bridge. But even taking the GPU out of the picture, Intel has a pretty awesome CPU to offer to the market. I mean, we saw performance increases across the board. The Core i7-2600K will sell at $317 (in 1,000 unit lots). Both are excellent value for the performance they show.

9.0 Rated at:

Published on:
Jan 03, 2011

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expertreviews‘s review Edit Like Unlike

A powerful processor, that’s also power-efficient and easy to overclock. The Core i7-2600K is an incredible processor, and a worthy winner of our Ultimate award.

10.0 Rated at:

Published on:
Jan 03, 2011

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hardwarecanucks‘s review Edit Like Unlike

Overall, both the 2600K and 2500K showed a great amount of potential and really did impress more often than not. In most situations, both chips ran circles around similarly-priced solutions from both Intel’s and AMD’s stables. Overclocking was an interesting affair to say the least and it is expected that the vast majority of these new processors will have the ability to reach between 4.4Ghz and 4.7Ghz. Anything more than 4.7Ghz will be hard to achieve even on water cooling but these are still some incredible numbers.

n/a Not rated

Published on:
Jan 02, 2011

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Tom's Hardware‘s review Edit Like Unlike

No doubt, there’s a lot going on in this launch. The Sandy Bridge introduction hits a number of high notes that have me dusting off an award, while simultaneously compelling me to cringe at a couple of Intel’s clumsier moves. Overclocking isn’t handled well at all. Really, the only viable option for power users is a K-series SKU. The graphics situation, at least on the desktop, is also pretty whacky.

n/a Not rated

Published on:
Jan 03, 2011

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www.computeractive.co.uk‘s review Edit Like Unlike

Of all the Intel's new "Sandy Bridge" processors, this model is the most powerful. It runs at 3.4GHz, with a massive 8GB of cache memory built into the chip, and uses four processor cores, each using Intel's Hyperthreading technology to work with two queues of tasks. That means that your computer sees it as not one, two or even four but eight processors.

8.0 Rated at:

Published on:
Jan 03, 2011

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computershopper‘s review Edit Like Unlike

With significant speedups in both single- and multi-threaded applications, a low price, and excellent overclockability, this new high-performance chip is a performance enthusiast’s dream.

9.0 Rated at:

Published on:
Jan 04, 2011

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motherboards‘s review Edit Like Unlike

The 2600K CPU is clocked at 3.4GHz for the default clock and 3.8GHz for the Turbo Boost 2.0 maximum. The full package has the tools and with an unlocked processor you can really make your system sing by overclocking. I was able to hit over 4.5GHz on air without a fancy cooler or a lot of time, just imagine what could be done with better cooling?

n/a Not rated

Published on:
Jan 02, 2011

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