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Core i7-2600K processor, the price of a new one on Amazon and ebay is 19,078 rubles, which is equal to $329. Marked by the manufacturer as: BX80623I72600K.

The number of cores is 4, produced using a 32 nm process technology, Sandy Bridge architecture. Thanks to Hyper-Threading technology, the number of threads is 8, which is twice the number of physical cores and increases the performance of multi-threaded applications and games.

The base frequency of the Core i7-2600K cores is 3.4 GHz. The maximum frequency in Intel Turbo Boost mode reaches 3.8 GHz. Please note that the Intel Core i7-2600K cooler must cool processors with a TDP of at least 95 W at standard frequencies. During overclocking, the requirements increase.

The motherboard for Intel Core i7-2600K must have an LGA1155 socket. The power system must be able to withstand processors with a thermal package of at least 95 W.

Thanks to the integrated Intel® HD Graphics 3000, the computer can operate without a discrete graphics card because the monitor is connected to the video output on the motherboard.

Price in Russia

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Intel Core i7-2600K test

The data comes from user tests who tested their systems both overclocked and unoverclocked. Thus, you see the average values ​​​​corresponding to the processor.

Numerical speed

Different tasks require different strengths CPU. A system with a small number of fast cores will be great for gaming, but will be inferior to a system with a large number of slow cores in a rendering scenario.

We believe that a processor with at least 4 cores/4 threads is suitable for a budget gaming computer. At the same time, some games can load it at 100% and slow down, and performing any tasks in the background will lead to a drop in FPS.

Ideally, the buyer should aim for a minimum of 6/6 or 6/12, but keep in mind that systems with more than 16 threads are currently only suitable for professional applications.

The data is obtained from tests of users who tested their systems both overclocked (the maximum value in the table) and without (the minimum). A typical result is shown in the middle, with the color bar indicating its position among all systems tested.

Accessories

motherboards

• Asus H97-PLUS
• Lenovo 30AH004MUS
• Gigabyte GA-H97M-D3H
• Acer Nitro AN515-52
• Fujitsu PRIMERGY TX1310 M1
• HP OMEN by HP Laptop 15-dc0xxx
• HP OMEN X by HP Laptop 17-ap0xx

Video cards

• No data

RAM

• No data

SSD

• No data

We have compiled a list of components that users most often choose when assembling a computer based on the Core i7-2600K. Also, with these components, the best test results and stable operation are achieved.

The most popular config: motherboard for Intel Core i7-2600K - Asus H97-PLUS.

Characteristics

Basic

Video core

RAM

Product release date.

Delay expected

Expected end-of-production is an estimate of when a product will begin the end-of-production process. The Product Discontinuation Notice (PDN), published at the beginning of the process, will include all the major phase-out details. Some departments may communicate phase-out information prior to publishing the PDN. Contact your Intel representative for information regarding discontinuation dates and extension options.

Lithography

Lithography indicates the semiconductor technology used to produce integrated chipsets and the report is shown in nanometer (nm), which indicates the size of the features built into the semiconductor.

Number of Cores

Core count is a hardware term that describes the number of independent central processing units in a single computing component (chip).

Number of threads

A thread or thread of execution is a software term that refers to a basic, ordered sequence of instructions that can be transmitted or processed by a single CPU core.

Base processor clock speed

The base frequency of the processor is the speed at which the processor transistors open/close. The base frequency of the processor is the operating point where the design power (TDP) is set. Frequency is measured in gigahertz (GHz), or billions of cycles per second.

Maximum clock speed with Turbo Boost technology

Maximum Turbo Clock Speed ​​is the maximum single-core processor clock speed that can be achieved using its supported Intel® Turbo Boost and Intel® Thermal Velocity Boost technologies. Frequency is measured in gigahertz (GHz), or billions of cycles per second.

Cache memory

The processor cache is an area of ​​high-speed memory located in the processor. Intel® Smart Cache refers to an architecture that allows all cores to dynamically share last-level cache access.

System bus frequency

A bus is a subsystem that transfers data between computer components or between computers. An example is the system bus (FSB), through which data is exchanged between the processor and the memory controller unit; DMI interface, which is a point-to-point connection between the integrated Intel memory controller and the Intel I/O controller assembly on the system board; and a Quick Path Interconnect (QPI) connecting the processor and integrated memory controller.

Design power

Thermal design power (TDP) indicates the average performance in watts when the processor's power is dissipated (running at base frequency with all cores engaged) under a challenging workload as defined by Intel. Read the requirements for thermoregulation systems presented in the technical description.

Available options for embedded systems

Available options for Embedded Systems indicate products that provide extended purchasing availability for intelligent systems and embedded solutions. Product specifications and conditions of use are provided in the Production Release Qualification (PRQ) report. Contact your Intel representative for details.

Max. memory capacity (depending on memory type)

Max. memory capacity refers to the maximum amount of memory supported by the processor.

Memory types

Intel® processors support four different types memory: single-channel, dual-channel, triple-channel and Flex.

Max. number of memory channels

The number of memory channels determines the throughput of applications.

Max. memory bandwidth

Max. Memory bandwidth refers to the maximum speed at which data can be read from or stored in memory by the processor (in GB/s).

ECC memory support‡

ECC memory support indicates the processor's support for error correction code memory. ECC memory is a type of memory that supports identifying and correcting common types of internal memory corruption. Note that ECC memory support requires both processor and chipset support.

Processor-integrated graphics‡

The processor's graphics system is a graphics processing circuit integrated into the processor that shapes the operation of video system functions, computing processes, multimedia and information display. Intel® HD Graphics, Iris™ Graphics, Iris Plus Graphics, and Iris Pro Graphics deliver advanced media conversion, high frame rates, and 4K Ultra HD (UHD) video capabilities. For more information, see the Intel® Graphics Technology page.

Graphics base clock

The graphics base clock is the nominal/guaranteed graphics rendering clock speed (MHz).

Max. dynamic graphics frequency

Max. Dynamic Graphics Frequency is the maximum conventional rendering frequency (MHz) supported by Intel® HD Graphics with Dynamic Frequency.

Intel® Quick Sync Video

Intel® Quick Sync Video Technology enables fast video conversion for portable media players, web hosting, and video editing and creation.

InTru 3D technology

Intel InTru 3D technology enables 3D stereoscopic Blu-ray* video playback at 1080p resolution using HDMI* 1.4 and high-quality audio.

Intel® Flexible Display Interface (Intel® FDI)

Intel® Flexible Display is an innovative interface that enables independent display on two channels using integrated graphics.

Intel® Clear Video HD Technology

Intel® Clear Video HD Technology, like its predecessor Intel® Clear Video Technology, is a set of video encoding and processing technologies built into the integrated processor graphics system. These technologies make video playback more stable and graphics clearer, brighter and more realistic. Intel® Clear Video HD technology delivers more vibrant colors and more realistic skin with video quality enhancements.

PCI Express Edition

The PCI Express edition is the version supported by the processor. PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) is a high-speed serial expansion bus standard for computers to connect hardware devices to it. Different versions of PCI Express support different data transfer rates.

Max. number of PCI Express channels

The PCI Express (PCIe) lane consists of two differential signal pairs for receiving and transmitting data, and is also the basic element of the PCIe bus. The number of PCI Express lanes is the total number of lanes that the processor supports.

Supported Connectors

A socket is a component that provides mechanical and electrical connections between the processor and the motherboard.

T CASE

The critical temperature is the maximum temperature allowed within the processor's integrated heat spreader (IHS).

Intel® Turbo Boost Technology‡

Intel® Turbo Boost Technology dynamically increases the processor frequency to the required level, using the difference between the nominal and maximum temperature and power parameters, allowing you to increase power efficiency or overclock the processor when necessary.

Intel® vPro™ Platform Compliant

The Intel vPro® platform is a set of hardware and technologies used to create business computing endpoints with high performance, built-in security, advanced management features and platform stability.

Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology‡

Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology (Intel® HT Technology) provides two processing threads for each physical core. Multithreaded applications can perform more tasks in parallel, making work much faster.

Intel® Virtualization Technology (VT-x)‡

Intel® Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O (VT-x) allows a single hardware platform to function as multiple “virtual” platforms. The technology improves management capabilities, reducing downtime and maintaining productivity by dedicating separate partitions for computing operations.

Intel® Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O (VT-d)‡

Intel® Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O complements virtualization support in IA-32 architecture-based processors (VT-x) and Itanium® processors (VT-i) with I/O device virtualization capabilities. Intel® Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O helps users increase system security, reliability, and I/O device performance in virtual environments.

Intel® VT-x with Extended Page Tables (EPT)‡

Intel® VT-x with Extended Page Tables Technology, also known as Second Level Address Translation (SLAT), accelerates memory-intensive virtualized applications. Extended Page Tables technology on Intel® Virtualization Technology-enabled platforms reduces memory and power overhead and improves battery life by optimizing page forward table management in hardware.

Intel® 64‡ Architecture

Intel® 64 architecture, when combined with the right software, supports 64-bit applications on servers, workstations, desktops, and laptops.¹ Intel® 64 architecture delivers performance improvements that enable computing systems to utilize more than 4 GB of virtual and physical memory .

Command set

The command set contains basic commands and instructions that the microprocessor understands and can execute. The value shown indicates which Intel instruction set the processor is compatible with.

Command Set Extensions

Instruction set extensions are additional instructions that can be used to improve performance when performing operations on multiple data objects. These include SSE (Support for SIMD Extensions) and AVX (Vector Extensions).

Idle states

Idle state (or C-state) mode is used to save power when the processor is idle. C0 means operating state, that is, the CPU is currently performing useful work. C1 is the first idle state, C2 is the second idle state, etc. The higher the numerical indicator of the C-state, the more energy saving actions the program performs.

Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology

Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® technology delivers high performance while meeting the power requirements of mobile systems. Standard Intel SpeedStep® technology allows you to switch voltage and frequency levels depending on the load on the processor. Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® technology is built on the same architecture and uses design strategies such as voltage and frequency change separation, and clock distribution and recovery.

Thermal control technologies

Thermal management technologies protect the processor chassis and system from failure due to overheating through multiple management features temperature conditions. An on-chip Digital Thermal Sensor (DTS) senses core temperature, and thermal management features reduce processor chassis power consumption when necessary, thereby reducing temperatures to ensure operation within normal operating specifications.

Intel® Fast Memory Access Technology

Intel® Fast Memory Access Technology is an advanced graphics memory controller block (GMCH) backbone architecture that improves system performance by optimizing the use of available bandwidth and reducing memory access latency.

Intel® Flex Memory Access Technology

Intel® Flex Memory Access makes upgrading easy by supporting a variety of memory sizes and operating in dual-channel mode.

Intel® Privacy Technology‡

Intel® Privacy Technology is a built-in, token-based security technology. This technology provides simple, secure controls to control access to online commercial and business data, protecting against security threats and fraud. Intel® Privacy Technology uses hardware-based mechanisms to authenticate PCs to websites, banking systems and network services, confirming the uniqueness of this PC, protects against unauthorized access and prevents attacks using malware. Intel® Privacy Protection Technology can be used as a key component of two-factor authentication solutions designed to protect information on websites and control access to business applications.

New Intel® AES Commands

Intel® AES-NI (Intel® AES New Instructions) commands are a set of commands that enable you to quickly and securely encrypt and decrypt data. AES-NI commands can be used to solve a wide range of cryptographic problems, such as applications that provide bulk encryption, decryption, authentication, random number generation, and authenticated encryption.

Intel® Trusted Execution Technology‡

Intel® Trusted Execution Technology enhances secure command execution through hardware enhancements to Intel® processors and chipsets. This technology provides digital office platforms with security features such as measured application launch and secure command execution. This is achieved by creating an environment where applications run in isolation from other applications on the system.

Function Execute Cancel Bit ‡

The execution cancel bit is a hardware security feature that can reduce vulnerability to viruses and malicious code, and prevent malware from executing and spreading on a server or network.

Today we will focus on Intel Core i7 processors, with the main focus on models with higher performance than the i7-880. The need to test them according to new technique arose not only on its own, but also because a few days remain before the announcement of the LGA2011 platform. First of all, it (like its predecessor LGA1567) is intended for multiprocessor high-performance systems, but at the same time it will replace the extreme LGA1366 on the desktop market, which has already existed for almost three years.

Thus, in the segment of “computers for enthusiasts” the already boring dual power will end, when the best results on most mass-produced software are demonstrated by Sandy Bridge architecture processors for LGA1155, but the maximum return from multi-threaded software can be obtained using six-core Gulftown processors, which appeared a year and a half ago and related to the older Westmere microarchitecture. Several PCIe x16 slots (which can be useful for serious milti-GPU solutions) without additional crutches are now provided only within the framework of LGA1356, which is already well established on the market, and it is in Sandy Bridge games that they significantly outperform their predecessors, which makes such a division of platforms even more offensive. Soon they will do away with it by releasing multi-core Sandy Bridge E-family, which, in addition to the new architecture, can offer the user a built-in PCIe controller with support for 40 lines of this interface, which will allow implementing schemes like x16+x16 or x16+ without any complicated tricks x8+x8 or even x8+x8+x8+x8, which within the LGA1155 platform is achievable only with the help of additional chips.

In general, to compare with such “newbies” we will need the results of the most productive “oldies”, which we will obtain today. But not only that - at the same time we will also test some of the “lower of the older” processors, so you can consider this article also a kind of continuation of the series about “performance boundaries” in relation to the Core i7 family.

Test bench configuration

With the LGA1156 and LGA1155 platforms everything is simple. For the first, four Core i7 models were released, among which the younger and older ones are easily and clearly identified - 860 and 880. The case of LGA1155 is even more transparent: within this platform there are two suitable processors, completely identical to each other in normal mode using discrete graphics, so all arrows point to the Core i7-2600. In the near future, Intel plans to release new model for overclocking fans, namely the Core i7-2700K (by the way: nothing has been heard about its “regular” analogue yet), which will actually replace the i7-2600K in price and positioning, but there is no fundamental difference between the two processors: some 100 MHz clock frequency, i.e. only about 3%, which will only lead to a proportional increase in performance (at best). However, if 2700K appears at the same time or a little earlier than SB-E, we will test it too. But not now :) Energy-efficient models were also produced for both platforms, but they are somewhat away from main line, so we won’t deal with them today.

But within LGA1366 everything is less clear. However, there are no problems with the older model: it is the Core i7-990X Extreme Edition. Before its appearance, there was also a kind of dual power, since in low-threaded tasks Gulftown usually lost to the equal-frequency Bloomfield, so the extreme 980X and 975 fought for first place with varying success, but the release of the 990X with a higher clock frequency than the 975 quickly put everything in order to their places. But there are... two junior processors. The first is the unconditionally junior Core i7-920, which appeared simultaneously with the launch of the platform at the end of 2008. Moreover, for a long time this processor was not only the youngest in the family, but also simply the only Core i7 available to the mass buyer, which was corrected only after the Core i7-860 appeared in September next year. Accordingly, the 920 was almost the most popular processor for LGA1366. Now, of course, as new purchase it is absolutely not interesting, but a considerable number of users have it in their hands, so we have no right not to test it. And there was also the Core i7-970 - the youngest of the line of six-core “desktop” processors. Again, there is no particular point in buying it, since the Core i7-980 is shipped at the same price (which should not be confused with the Core i7-980X Extreme Edition, which some sometimes do), but these processors differ (as usual) only in one clock step, but otherwise the same. Therefore, it was more interesting for us to test the 970.

There will be no AMD processors in testing today. Since, as we have already established, the best of them, namely the Phenom II X6 1100T, is approximately equal in overall average performance to only the Core i7-860 or Core i5-2400, compare it with models such as the i7-2600 or i7-990X, doesn't make any sense. In terms of price, too, this is a completely different class. And the appearance of the “bulldozer” FX-8150 did not bring significant changes to the “picture of the world”: in some places it is faster than its predecessor, in others it is even slower, but it still belongs to a slightly different class than the Core i7. When AMD returns to the top segment, then we will return to its products as part of testing high-performance solutions. In the meantime, alas, they are simply not available in AMD’s product range.

We usually equip test systems with 8 GB of RAM, but we made an exception for LGA1366 - since this is the only system on the market with a three-channel memory controller, we decided not to ignore this “feature”. Well, if you install a 4 GB module in each channel (as we usually do), the total amount of memory will be no less than 12 GB. As part of testing using the previous method, this platform had a similar head start - 6 GB versus the typical 4 GB. And it often helped her :) So we’ll see whether the effect of increasing memory to 12 GB will be found in modern applications, or whether it’s a waste of money. The different memory clock frequencies are due to the fact that regular and extreme processors running LGA1366 have different UnCore frequencies. Although, in principle, models based on the Gulftown core in “manual mode” support a 2:3 ratio, and not just 1:2 (this allows you to use high-speed memory without overclocking this unit, and the latter can also be overclocked), we did not use this option . Maybe we’ll get into it as part of some special testing. Although, on the other hand, it’s probably not worth it anymore - the platform is still relevant, but it doesn’t have long to live, as was said at the beginning of the article :) Moreover, all previous tests showed that the effect is from the fast memory itself much less than from overclocking UnCore, so greater benefits can be achieved without chasing high-frequency “overclocking” modules, but by using the “default” 1:2 and overclocking the cache.

Testing

Traditionally, we divide all tests into a number of groups and show on diagrams the average result for a group of tests/applications (you can find out more about the testing methodology in a separate article). The results in the diagrams are given in points; the performance of the reference test system from the 2011 sample site is taken as 100 points. It is based on the processor AMD Athlon II X4 620, but the amount of memory (8 GB) and video card () are standard for all tests of the “main line” and can only be changed within the framework of special studies. Those who are interested in more detailed information are again traditionally invited to download a table in Microsoft Excel format, in which all the results are presented both converted into points and in “natural” form.

Interactive work in 3D packages

The leadership of the Core i7-2600 does not need any special explanation: the best from Sandy Bridge - and that says it all. The results of the remaining subjects are arranged in descending order of clock frequency, and in this traditionally low-threaded group it depends on the operation of Turbo Boost technology, which is “more aggressive” in Lynnfield than in Bloomfield and Gulftown. The only saving grace of the Core i7-990X is that its starting frequency is very high, but the 970 and, especially, the 920 models have nothing to “cover” :)

Final rendering of 3D scenes

In general, multi-core processors are created for such applications (primarily), so no one doubted the victory of six cores (which ultimately gives as many as 12 computational threads). However, the efficiency of the new architecture has not gone away: the 990X model managed to outperform the 880 by one and a half times (which is logical), but its advantage over the 2600 was reduced to a more modest 20-25%. So you can immediately predict that the older multi-core SB-E will score around 400 points in this test and quickly show Who is the head in this house :)

Packing and Unpacking

A capacious cache and 7-Zip's ability to effectively use many computation threads when compressing data still do not allow Gulftown to win a convincing victory. The extreme 990X, however, managed to capture the highest step of the pedestal, but the 970 was already noticeably behind the 2600. Again, we are waiting for new records after the processors for the LGA2011 platform appear in our hands: everything is fine with the number of cores, but with the architecture and cache memory - it's absolutely wonderful.

Audio encoding

This test is designed in such a way that it “plays along” with multi-core processors - if we ran many simultaneous operations regardless of the physical number of cores, it is very possible that the results would become less pronounced. But even in its current form, it becomes obvious that with the same architecture, six cores are, of course, better than four, but “brute force” does not solve everything - improvements in Sandy Bridge make it possible to reduce the lag to a minimum.

Compilation

Six cores, 12 threads, 12 MB L3 cache - the result is predictable. Moreover, as we have already noted, compilers are quite cool about improvements in the new architecture, so the increase is close to explainable by a simple difference in the clock frequencies of the cores and cache. However, we repeat - the final point here will be reached closer to the end of October;)

Mathematical and engineering calculations

It looks like the first group, although there is actually something to consider here, and the Core i7-970 does not look so pale. But it still cannot overtake or at least catch up with the Core i7-2600 - for this it would also have to have an advantage in clock frequency, which it does not.

Raster graphics

Some things here are already optimized for multithreading, but not everything. Therefore, Gulftown may already be able to pull away from the older cores, but is still unable to defeat Sandy Bridge. Moreover, even where there is optimization, the four cores of the latter turn out to be a very impressive force: the i7-2600 outperformed the i7-990X in Photoshop and almost kept up with it in ACDSee. With a logical overall result.

Vector graphics

But here there is practically no support for multithreading, so the result is also logical: the main thing is the architecture, and, other things being equal, the clock frequency, which together gives the maximum “single-threaded performance” required in this case.

Video encoding

It would seem that media encoding is an area where the trend towards increasing the number of cores has no alternatives. And it seemed right, but... Architectural improvements should not be discounted either. But in the new family they not only improved what was implemented previously, but also added new instructions, in particular the AVX set. The latter is already supported, for example, by the x264 encoder. Perhaps this was not the only factor that influenced the final result, but it is the result that is important. And it is this: in this test, the Core i7-2600 outperforms its opponent, the Core i7-970, despite being one and a half times behind in the number of cores! The picture is similar in the Microsoft Expression Encoder test. Older programs, of course, to a greater extent prefer multi-cores to the novelty of each core, however, as we see, even in such a traditionally multi-threaded area as video encoding, in the end the i7-970 showed almost the same result as the i7-2600, and the i7 -990X managed to retain first place, but with a very modest margin: some 10%. He destroyed the old quad-core Core i7 with ease, but now he has found a scythe on a stone.

Office software

To put it mildly, this is not the most interesting subject area for the processors being tested today - it is obvious that the performance of such processors is excessive here. Even the slowest Core i7-920 is 40% faster than our reference Athlon II X4 620, which is already a lot for the office :) So let’s just admire the results, and there were enough explanations in the text above - these applications are not original.

Java

Refinement of the test using a new method allowed the six-core Intel monsters to be released from the handbrake, although, as we see, it did not help them that much. Even though the JVM prefers “real” cores to “virtual” threads, the old six-core is not far behind the new quad-core. Now, if you compare similar architectures, the advantage is more than obvious.

Games

At the very least, game engines are slowly mastering multithreading. Although, as we have already seen more than once, the main divide is between processors that perform only two threads of calculations simultaneously (and these are now found only in the budget sector itself) and everyone else. The last group, however, can also be quite clearly divided into “quad-thread” and “quad-core”, although there is a strong feeling that the large cache memory capacity of the latter, and not “honest multi-core”, plays a significant role in this division. But all these battles happen “somewhere out there” - below $200. And today we have higher-end processors. Where there are at least four cores, and Hyper-Threading is supported by all of them. In general, translating from Russian to Russian, by and large, even the “old man” Core i7-920 is enough for all gaming exercises, and it is not surprising that here other participants outperformed it to a much lesser extent than in other tests. Well, the winner was the Core i7-2600 - the large cache in Gulftown is compensated by its low operating frequency, and there are simply more than a lot of cores.

Total

The ideal spherical computer enthusiast in the vacuum where he lives should have at least two high-performance computers. One is on a pair of Xeon X5690 (analogous to the Core i7-990X, but capable of working in a dual-processor configuration) somewhere in a closet: needed in order to solve “heavy” tasks, such as coding, rendering and other things. And the second - on some processor of the “second Core generation"(maybe even a dual-core Core i3-2130): for interactive tasks. But since nothing is ideal in nature, and we do not live in a vacuum, the most reasonable compromise for all applications is now the Core i7-2600 in a single powerful desktop. Yes, of course, the six-core extreme machine managed to beat it in the overall standings, but only by 10% at a three times higher price. And the advantage is not observed at all in everyday tasks - this is where the 990X does not shine. However, for those for whom rendering or video editing is the main area of ​​computer use, any of the Gulftown, of course, will be suitable for maximum degree. At least until the end of October - when, as we said at the beginning of the article, the dual power will end, since six-core Sandy Bridge architecture processors will appear on the market.

But is it really necessary to have so many cores on a desktop? In general, as we see, there is a benefit from them, and a noticeable one, but only in very specific areas. That is, if the user finds a task for such a dreadnought, it will certainly show itself. And if it doesn’t find it, you’ll just end up with an expensive heater :) Along the way, by the way, we can put an end to last year’s debate about which is more promising: LGA1156 or LGA1366. There was such a fairly popular point of view: I’ll take an inexpensive Core i7-930 now, and when the six-core models become cheaper, I’ll upgrade with little effort. However, as often happens, the wool-for-prospects program failed. De jure LGA1155 replaced LGA1156, but de facto this platform made purchasing a six-core processor for LGA1366 pointless for most users. Yes, non-extreme models of the latter have appeared, but what's the point? All the same, both 970 and 980 are on par with a set of 2600 and a good motherboard, and can demonstrate superiority over the latter only in a small (relatively) number of tasks. Are there any that are regularly used? Then, on the one hand, there is a benefit from the purchase, and on the other hand, it would be greater if you immediately bought even the extreme Core i7-980X, without waiting for a price reduction: in six months or a year the investment would have been completely recouped (even if only psychological effect). In addition, the further, the usefulness of relatively “outdated” processors becomes less due to progress in the field of software production: let us recall that in the x264 test the Core i7-2600 overtook the “old man” 970. Just in a task convenient for the latter!

In general, multi-core processors continue to remain a kind of “thing in itself”. Another question is that just a few years ago “many” meant “four”, but now processors with that number of cores have entered the mass segment. And their performance is constantly growing: let us remember, again, that the 920, 860 and 2600 are processors from the same price bracket. Only at different times: the end of 2008, the second half of 2009 and the beginning of 2011, respectively. Well, in 2010, the 870/950/960, not shown in the diagram, were sold at the same price. That is, the process of increasing productivity for the same price is continuous. The result is approximately one and a half times growth in just over two years. On the same number of cores and with lower power consumption - simply due to architectural improvements. And for those users who still need more (and are willing to pay for it), six-core processors are now offered that can compete in performance with former dual-processor systems. And, of course, the latter have not gone away either, having “increased their muscles” accordingly. In general, revolutions are no longer needed - with such and such evolution;)

17.02.2014 01:55

The time for Sandy Bridge architecture has passed, and the time has passed. But even despite the leading position of code-named processors (at least for home systems of ordinary users), silicon veterans of the past can still demonstrate very good performance, fortunately, not all of them have been discontinued yet. Moreover, the socket number LGA 1155 is still the most alive. And motherboards based on the top Intel Z77 chipset are actually stuffed the most popular and relevant peripheral technologies. This means there is still no great need to switch to Socket 1150. However, today we will not talk about this. A CPU called Intel Core i7-2600K fell into our hands, albeit very late.

Intel Core i7 is Intel Core i7, with it the system works more than quickly, this is felt when working in any application, the difference is especially clearly visible when switching to an Intel Core i7-2600K from an Intel Core i5 or even from third line processors.

There is some technical detail, which, although not so significant, was reflected in systems built on the basis of Socket 1155, which is absent on the more modern platform for Socket 1150, which is quite natural. The fact is that the second generation of processors for LGA 1155 does not formally operate with the PCI-Express 3.0 interface, but Ivy Bridge is quite capable. And some video cards, for example, the seventh series from NVIDIA, may not work entirely correctly. But in most cases, the problem is solved by updating the motherboard software.

Quad-core Intel Core i7-2600K processor with 8 computing threads (thanks to Hyper-Threading virtualization technology) based on the technology 32 nm. The nominal CPU clock speed is 3400 MHz(in turbo mode - 3800 MHz). The L3 cache capacity is as large as 8 MB, and this fact most attracts users who prefer speed when working with severe graphics, rendering and other tasks that require resources for large volumes of data. However, the most main feature The Intel Core i7-2600K is, of course, an unlocked multiplier that allows you to conquer sky-high clock speeds and set world records if you are an avid computer enthusiast.

Even an aluminum cooler (of course a rather large one) is quite enough to fully dissipate heat from the Intel Core i7-2600K.

Don't forget about the built-in generation graphics core HD Graphics 3000(clock frequency - 1350 MHz). But this chip is not able to handle DirectX 11 applications, and its performance is only suitable for watching video in HD format; you can hardly expect anything more.

We decided to test the Intel Core i7-2600K on the ECS Z77H2-A2X (V1.0) motherboard, which allows you to increase the processor multiplier and also change the core voltage. Note that by pressing buttons automatic overclocking, which is present in the BIOS of the specified board, managed to conquer 4500 MHz what is called s light hand. For automatic overclocking, this is a pretty good result. By the way, ECS Z77H2-A2X (V1.0) in this mode adds for insurance +0.200 V to the rated processor voltage.

We were able to manually overclock the Intel Core i7-2600K to 4800 MHz by simply increasing the multiplier to 48 units, as well as increasing the voltage to 1,440 V.

Intel Core i7 is Intel Core i7, with it the system works more than quickly, this is felt when working in any application, the difference is especially clearly visible when switching to an Intel Core i7-2600K from an Intel Core i5 or from processors altogether. Take a look at the test results, they really match the power that the test person demonstrates stone.

For cooling 95 W To heat the Intel Core i7-2600K, we used the DeepCool LUCIFER cooler. Note that the capabilities of the CO were more than enough, even for significant overclocking. On the one hand, the cooler is really powerful, and on the other, the heat dissipation of the processor under review cannot be called too high. Even an aluminum cooler (of course a rather large one) is quite enough to fully dissipate heat from the Intel Core i7-2600K.

Production of the Intel Core i7-2600K at Intel factories is gradually fading away, but the retail price for this processor still causes some shudder.

Manually we managed to overclock the Intel Core i7-2600K to 4800 MHz by simply increasing the multiplier to 48 units, as well as increasing the voltage to 1.440 V. At a higher clock frequency, the processor no longer behaved so stably; even some problems appeared in the OS. whims, expressed in uncharacteristic thoughtfulness CPU and other symptoms that indicate the near limit of the capabilities of a particular instance. Based on the specified characteristics, the temperature of the hottest core in the S&M test did not rise above 67 degrees, which is quite worthy.

Production of the Intel Core i7-2600K at Intel factories is gradually fading away, but the retail price for this processor still causes some shudder. Cheaper 11500 rubles finding 2600K is hardly possible. This is quite natural, because the performance demonstrated by today’s guest is sufficient not only in 2014, it will be enough in a few years, this is obvious. And it's unlikely price factor capable of stopping true connoisseurs of speed and users eager to conquer overclocking heights.

Intel Core i7-2600K processor testing results:

A premium class processor with maximum performance and phenomenal technical specifications - this is all entirely true for the “Cor i7-2600”. It is the capabilities of this semiconductor solution, as well as the results of its testing in synthetic and game tests, that will be considered. In addition to this, reviews from real owners of this product will be provided.

Niche of this semiconductor solution

Intel's processor products are currently distributed as follows:

Entry-level chips are represented by two lines of solutions: Celeron and, of course, Pentium. The minimum cache size, reduced clock speeds and the presence of only two computing units for processing program code and data ensured a minimum level of performance, which was only sufficient to implement the simplest and least demanding tasks.

The middle segment of processor solutions is occupied by Core i3 chips. They have a larger cache size, higher CPU clock speeds and already 4 logical code processing units.

As you can easily guess from the labeling, the i7-2600 belongs to the latter group of devices. It boasts uncompromising performance and the ability to solve any problem.

Possible CPU configuration options. Their features

The i7-2600 CPU in question had only two possible configuration options. A review of the price lists indicated that one of them was called Trail. It included the following:

CPU in a protective plastic case.

Installation and use instructions.

Branded warranty card.

Sticker with the logo of the central processing unit family.

The second possible configuration option was designated as BOX. In addition to everything previously listed, it includes a cooler with thermal paste and a branded cardboard box. The first configuration option is more suitable for large companies that specialize in assembling system units of personal computers. But the second of them will be the optimal choice for small PC assembly organizations and computer enthusiasts.

CPU socket and motherboards

An i7-2600 should be installed in the socket designated LGA1156. This hardware platform was relevant in 2012-2013. Now it has been replaced by more recent developments from Intel. The hero of this review should be installed in motherboards based on 6X and 7X series chipsets. Moreover, installation in products of the latest series is more preferable precisely because of their greater functionality.

Architectural nuances of the chip in question

The solution in question belongs to the 2nd generation Core chips. Their code name according to the manufacturer's nomenclature is Sandy Bridge. Immediately 4 physical units for processing program code were implemented in the Intel Core i7-2600. At the same time, NT technology allows us to obtain 8 logical software processing threads at the software level. Also an undeniable advantage This model of central processor is that it supports both 32-bit and 64-bit computing.

Frequencies

Now about how much the Intel Core i7-2600 MHz has in terms of clock frequency. The reference value of this parameter for this semiconductor solution is set at 3400 MHz. In this case, all 4 code processing blocks take part in the code processing process. If the CPU frequency increases to 3600 MHz, then the chip will automatically turn off two computing modules and half the computing power of the processor device. If the chip frequency is increased to 3800 MHz, only one core will remain in operation. Such dynamic frequency control is provided by TurboBust technology. The algorithm of its work is as follows:

When 4 cores are running, the CPU frequency is minimal and equal to 3.4 GHz.

If the processed code is optimized for 2 physical cores, then the frequency increases to 3.6 GHz.

When working in one thread, the value of this parameter increases to 3.8 GHz.

If the thermal conditions of this semiconductor solution are violated, the CPU frequency will drop to 3.6 GHz. If this does not correct the situation, then the value of this parameter will drop even further - to 3.4 GHz.

Silicon crystal production technology. Energy efficiency. Power Consumption Specifications

The i7-2600 was produced according to technological tolerance standards of 32 nm. The characteristics of this chip indicate that its dimensions are 37.5 by 37.5 mm. At the time of the start of sales, the central processor in question could boast of fairly high energy efficiency compared to similar solutions of previous generations. It consumed 95 watts. And even now this meaning still continues to be relevant. The thermal conditions of the i7-2600 were also quite good. Its temperature, as a rule, was in the range from 40 to 55 degrees. In normal mode, it did not rise above 55 degrees even when working in combination with normal complete system cooling. The maximum temperature allowed for this processor is 72.6 degrees. That is, from the point of view of temperature, the solution under consideration has a truly significant margin of safety.

Cache system. Random Access Memory Subsystem

The premium CPU i7-2600 boasted a well-organized and well-designed cache memory subsystem. Its characteristics indicated that the total size of the first level was 256 KB, which was divided into 4 segments of 64 KB each. Each of these parts could only interact with a specific physical block for processing program code. The second level of cache was organized identically, but each of its parts had a size of 512 KB, and the total volume was 2 MB. The organization of memory at the 3rd level was much simpler. Its size was 8 MB, and they were common to all blocks. The RAM controller was part of the CPU chip. It would be designed to work in conjunction with DDR3, and the maximum this chip could address was 32 GB.

Integrated graphics card

The key architectural innovation of this generation of central processors is that an integrated graphics accelerator was included in its semiconductor crystal. Its model is HD Graphics, and it was developed by Intel. Its minimum clock frequency is limited to 350 MHz, and its highest value is 1100 MHz. The maximum number of monitors simultaneously connected to it is 2. To solve the most simple tasks Having this graphical solution is quite enough. But to implement more serious applications, a discrete, more powerful video card is required. And it is precisely this arrangement that allows the full potential of the solution under consideration to be revealed.

Overclocking

The absence of the “K” index in the chip marking indicates that the frequency multiplier is locked in the i7-2600. Overclocking, as a result, can only be achieved in this case by increasing the clock frequency. It is impossible to achieve a significant increase in performance due to such overclocking, but some 5-7 percent can certainly be obtained. But at the same time special requirements extend to the motherboard (it should be based on the Z68 or Z77 system logic sets), the power supply (it should have increased power, which would provide a safety margin for the system unit even after overclocking) and the CPU cooling system. The algorithm for increasing productivity in this case is as follows:

Go to “BIOS”.

We reduce the frequencies of all components (RAM, for example) and only leave the system bus frequency unchanged.

Then you need to increase the system bus frequency by 1 MHz.

After each such manipulation, we save the changes, reboot the computer system and check it for stress resistance.

When the PC stops working stably, we return to the previous values, and this is the limit for overclocking a PC in this case.

Synthetic tests

In synthetic test packages, the Intel Core i7-2600 shows simply excellent results. In the PCMark 05 package, this chip scores 11,899 points. It is only ahead of the older model of this family with an index of 2700 and a test result of 12,297 points. All other chips of the previous or the same generation are inferior to it. For comparison: the i5-2500K in this case produces 11,649 points, the i7-980 - 11,095 and the Phenom 1100T - 10,551 points. The difference with later flagship chips will be 5% for the 3rd generation, 10% for the 4th and 5th, and 15-20% for the most recent representatives of this architecture, 6th and 7th generations. The balance of power is similar in the CrystalMark test package. Its current version is 0.9. The hero of this review in this case scores 72,378 points. At the same time, the older model represented by the i7 - 2700K produces 74,132. The younger chip i5-2500K - 70,963, i7-980 - 61,986, and Phenom 1100T - 52,057. Synthetic tests- this is, of course, good. But the real performance of a computer system can only be assessed in game tests, and this is what will be discussed in the next section.

Testing in gaming applications

In all gaming applications without exception, the i7-2600 processor produces excellent results. For example, in Tom Clancy’s the hero of this review article produces an FPS of 120. The flagship i7-2700K model can boast a similar FPS in this gaming application. This value in this game is slightly lower for the i5-2500K - 117. But full-fledged 6-core chips produce: i7-980 - 129 FPS and Phenom 1100T - 144 FPS. There is a completely logical explanation for such results: this software is capable of using over 4 computing modules for processing program code.

Completely different results in Far Cry version 2. The hero of this article and the flagship of this generation of central processors are capable of delivering an average of 146 FPS. This value is slightly lower for the i5-2500K - 144. But 6-core CPUs in this case do not produce such good results. i7-980 - 140, and Phenom 1100T - generally 95. In this case, the software is already “tailored” for 4 physical cores, and the better their architecture, the greater value FPS Again, the previously given values ​​are valid for the 1280x1024 mode. If you increase the resolution to 1920x1080, then the indicated values ​​decrease by 20% on average. But the gameplay will still be very, very comfortable. In any modern gaming application, the hero of this article produces a comfortable number of frames per second, and its performance reserve will still be enough for quite a long time. But there is nothing special about it for the reason that it has excellent technical specifications and they are practically in no way inferior to modern flagships.

The cost of a semiconductor solution today

The i7-2600 was a very, very expensive chip for its time. The price for it on the official website of the manufacturer was set at $266. But this cost of this product was relevant for 2012 or 2013. Now this CPU in particular, like the platform as a whole, is outdated both morally and physically. Its warehouse stocks were sold out a long time ago. Therefore, you can purchase this modification of the semiconductor only in used condition. The i7-2600 is priced at 13,000-15,000 rubles on various trading platforms on the World Wide Web. The price may be lower, but this is most likely an exception to the rule, or the processor after overclocking is damaged and does not function quite stably.