Intel Core i7-2600K Processor

by Intel

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 4.5 x 4 x 3.2 inches ; 11.2 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B004EBUXSA
• Item model number: BX80623I72600K
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (110 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
  • #1 in Electronics > Computers & Add-Ons > Computer Components > CPU Processors
• Date first available at Amazon.com: January 9, 2011

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Part of Intel's family of 2nd generation Intel Core computer processors, the Intel Core i7-2600K Processor delivers speed and smooth performance--whether you're creating high-definition videos, playing 3D games, or simply browsing the Internet. The Core i7-2600K is a quad-core processor running at 3.4 GHz with 8 MB of L3 cache, and uses the LGA1155 socket. It is fully unlocked for overclocking flexibility, making it ideal for gamers and enthusiasts who want customized performance. It also offers a rich set of features, including Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0, eight-way multitasking with Hyper-Threading Technology, and Virtualization Technology, that improve speed and computing productivity. Built-in visual technologies, like Clear Video and InTru3D, support high-definition and Blu-ray playback.

Intel Core i7-2600K Processor

Intel Core i7-2600K Processor At a Glance: Quad-core processor running at 3.4 GHz delivers fast performance 8 MB L3 shared cache dynamically allocated to each processor core Fully unlocked core allows for overclocking Uses LGA1155 socket Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 for up to 3.8 GHz speed Hyper-Threading Technology for eight-way multitasking Built-in visuals for a rich, seamless graphic experience

The Intel Core i7-2600K Processor has an unlocked core for overclocking and outstanding performance.

Get every gaming advantage you can with the Core i7-2600K Processor. View larger.

Quad-Core Processor Running at 3.4 GHz for Fast Performance

The Intel Core i7-2600K has four cores and runs at a speedy 3.4 GHz. It features an 8 MB L3 shared cache that is dynamically allocated to each processor core, based on workload. This reduces latency and improves performance.

Additionally, the i7 comes with Advanced Vector Extensions, a set of instructions to improve software performance for intensive applications like audio processing, audio codecs, and image and video editing applications.

Fully Unlocked Core for Overclocking

The Intel Core i7-2600K is fully unlocked, allowing gamers and enthusiasts to overclock the processor and achieve faster performance. With a fully unlocked processor, you can independently raise clock speeds without impacting other system components.

Turbo Boost for Extra Processor Speed

The Core i7-2600K features Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0, allowing it to run at 3.8 GHz when the workload demands additional performance. The technology dynamically increases the processor's frequency as needed by taking advantage of thermal and power headroom when operating below specified limits. The result is adaptive performance that's more intelligent and energy efficient.

Hyper-Threading for Better Multitasking

Intel Hyper-Threading Technology allows each of the i7's four processor cores to work on two tasks at the same time, improving multitasking, speeding up workflow, and getting more done in less time. This makes your PC more responsive--and it makes that dreaded hourglass a thing of the past.

Built-In Visuals Provide Rich, Steady Graphics

The Core i7-2600K features built-in visuals that deliver a smooth graphic experience and eliminate the need for a discrete graphics card, reducing power consumption and system cost. The i7-2600K has a graphic clock speed of 850 MHz and speeds up to 1350 MHz when turbo is enabled.

Intel Quick Sync Video enables quick conversions of video files for portable media players or online sharing. Experience sharp images and rich color with Clear Video Technology, which provides visual quality and color fidelity enhancements for vivid high-definition and Blu-ray playback. Intel HD Graphics offers enhanced 3D performance for immersive mainstream and casual gaming without hesitations or interruptions.

The Core i7 is also equipped with Intel InTru3D, which provides stereoscopic 3D Blu-ray playback in full 1080p resolution and premium audio via HDMI 1.4.

Intel Virtualization Technology

Intel Virtualization Technology allows multiple "virtual" environments to function on one hardware platform. It offers improved manageability, limiting downtime and maintaining productivity by isolating computing activities into separate partitions.

Optimized for Energy Efficiency

The Intel Core i7-2600K is designed to optimize every watt of electricity, resulting in a more energy-efficient system that is cooler and cheaper to run. In a system with other energy-efficient components, the processor can meet Energy Star specifications.

What's in the Box

Intel Core i7-2600K processor, fan/heat-sink cooling solution, warranty booklet, and Intel Inside logo label.

Product Description

Intel Core i7 Processor i7-2600K 3.4 GHz 8MB LGA1155 CPU

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

113 of 119 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Screams., February 9, 2011

By 

Humble Patriot (New England) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Intel Core i7-2600K Processor (Personal Computers)

During my most recent build I upgraded from a Q6600 -- which was a good chip back in its day. This chip SCREAMS, however.

I have it overclocked to 4.5 Ghz on ASUS P8P67 PRO motherboard with 8 gigs of G Skill ripjaws ram using the Asus AI Suite. Windows Experience Index gives this a score of 7.8 in my system. Passmark Software CPU Benchmark (google them) ranks this processor the 7th best performing CPU, in the following order (it was Number 3 when I bought it):

Intel Core i7 990X @ 3.47GHz cpu mark: 10,917 NA

Intel Core i7 995X @ 3.60GHz cpu mark: 10,795 NA

Intel Core i7 980X @ 3.33GHz cpu mark: 10,482 $999.99*

Intel Core i7 970 @ 3.20GHz cpu mark: 9,925 $899.99**

Intel Xeon X5680 @ 3.33GHz cpu mark: 9,721 $1,676.49*

Intel Xeon W3680 @ 3.33GHz cpu mark: 9,655 $1,127.12*

Intel Xeon X5675 @ 3.07GHz cpu mark: 9,326 NA

Intel Core i7-2600K @ 3.40GHz cpu mark: 9,291 $329.99**

Note that three of the CPU's that have better performance scores are NOT commercially available at the current time, and the remaining three processors are three to five times the price of this one. The closest desktop AMD processor is the AMD Phenom II X6 1100T, which has cpu mark scores only in the 6000 range. Passmark also has a price-to-performance chart that rates your best bang for the buck, though many of the highest scoring processors on that chart are simply much slower and much cheaper.

I am very happy with this: it overclocks extremely well and stays very cool. It runs all my programs with blazing speed, including BFBC2 with all settings on high. At 4.5 Ghz and full load, it doesn't go over 38 degrees Celsius.

Get it at this price while they're still available. Highly recommended.

34 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great CPU!, February 1, 2011

By 

Rocket Scientist (Georgia) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Intel Core i7-2600K Processor (Personal Computers)

I've upgraded from my E8400 to this CPU. Even when not overclocked, 2600K outperforms my E8400 exactly 3 times in video processing and rendering. Considering what I've paid for E8400 several years ago, difference in speed is just excellent.

47 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Processor - Fast, Overclockable, Cheap!, February 2, 2011

By 

William Finkelstein "Retired Alpha Geek" (Sonoma County CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Intel Core i7-2600K Processor (Personal Computers)

This processor is so much faster than my prior build, a Core i7-920, it's amazing. This puppy is almost as fast as the fastest $1,000 Gulf Town processor, for 1/3rd the price! It's performing flawlessly for me so far. I'm still playing with the overclocking, but some of my friends have gotten this chip up to 5.2 Ghz and beyond using just air cooling on the same motherboard I have, the Asus Maximus IV Extreme. I'm still playing around in the high 4s.

The design of the Sandy Bridge CPUs appear flawless. I'm just bummed that they wasted all those transistors on a useless (for many of us), mediocre video processor.

The "Cougar Point" P67/H67 Chipset problem is easily avoided. Just don't use the Intel SATA II ports on your Motherboard! No big deal if you have a good quality Motherboard with ample SATA III and non-Intel SATA II ports. How many people have more than 4 Optical and HDDs in their system anyway? The fellow who blamed the problem on the Sandy Bridge CPUs is entirely off base and unjustified...