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Intel Core i7-2700K review: 74 specs compared

Avg. price:~£35PassMark multi-core score:5694N. of physical cores:4CPU boost clock speed:3.9 GHzCPU socket:LGA1155TDP (Thermal design power):95 W

Intel Core i7-2700K Review: Compare 74 technical specifications and 15 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Processors category and whether it is worth buying.

Intel Core i7-2700K

6.6/10

▼Worse than 54% of processors

7.6

▲Better than 65%

4.3

▼Worse than 76%

8.0

▲Better than 72%

?

Not in any best-of list yet

2.7
Gaming
Gaming
2.7/ 10
✕
What it is
Measures single-core benchmark performance, peak boost clock speeds, and fast L3 cache sizing critical for high frame rates.
When it matters
When you want to play demanding mobile games, 3D titles, or run graphics-intensive apps smoothly.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components
30.0%
2.7
PassMark single-core score
25.0%
1.8
Geekbench 6 single-core score
20.0%
4.5
CPU boost clock speed
17.0%
1.8
L3 cache
8.0%
2.3
N. of physical cores
2.6
Video editing
Video editing
2.6/ 10
✕
What it is
Assesses multi-core benchmark throughput, total physical core and thread count, and cache bandwidth for rapid video rendering.
When it matters
When evaluating how effectively this processors meets your specific video editing needs.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components
45.0%
2.3
Geekbench 6 multi-core score
20.0%
2.3
N. of physical cores
20.0%
4.4
CPU threads
15.0%
1.8
L3 cache

Where to buy

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Best rankings

What reviewers say about the Intel Core i7-2700K

Based on 8 · 6

Reviewers praise its overclocking headroom and efficiency, but most feel it offers little gain over the previous generation.

Praised

Mixed views

Criticised

Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the Intel Core i7-2700K

Based on 45 owners sharing their experience in online comments

87%positive9%mixed4%negative

Owners praise its lasting speed and overclocking headroom, while heat and newer games reveal its age.

What owners like

Owners report stable 4.5 to 5.2 GHz overclocks on decent air or water cooling, often at 1.4 to 1.5 V, with a BIOS profile holding for years.14
Owners say the 2700K keeps up with mid-range GPUs like the GTX 670, 1060 and 1660 Ti in 1080p gaming, and it handles streaming well.13
Owners say the CPU keeps running reliably for 9 to 11 years, and many still use it for light work, retro gaming or a backup machine.10
Owners say the 2700K still ranks strongly in Cinebench and benchmarks against the 3770K and 4770K, beating them at similar clocks.4
Owners say that with a proper AIO or tower cooler, temperatures stay around 34 to 68 °C under load, even at about 4.5 GHz.3
Owners say they keep this build for nostalgia, calling it a favourite 2011 system they still enjoy using.3
Owners say the 2700K lasted many years and gave excellent value, with some reporting over a decade of use.3

What owners dislike

Owners say that from about 2020 onward, the CPU bottlenecks newer GPUs and struggles with recent games like Battlefield 2042, forcing low settings.4
Owners say reaching 5 GHz needs about 1.49 V or more, and some high-clock settings are not stable under long stress tests.4
Owners say it runs hot with a weak cooler, and one owner saw 98 to 100 °C after the AIO cooler aged.3

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

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Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i7-2700K

6.6

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Platform

7.1

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Processor type

CPU socket

Chipset

?

CPU architecture

Instruction sets

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Performance

4.0

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N. of physical cores

CPU threads

CPU boost clock speed

CPU base clock speed

PassMark multi-core score

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What reviewers say

Architecture

3.9

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Semiconductor size

Foundry

L3 cache

L2 cache

L1 cache

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Memory & PCIe

4.3

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DDR memory version

Maximum memory speed

Max memory speed (JEDEC)

Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)

?

Maximum memory capacity

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What reviewers say

Integrated graphics

6.6

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Integrated graphics

Integrated GPU model

Integrated GPU execution units

Integrated GPU base frequency

Integrated media encoders/decoders

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What reviewers say

Power & Thermal

6.5

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TDP (Thermal design power)

Base power (PL1)

Boost power (PL2)

?

Tau (power duration limit)

?

Configurable TDP

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What reviewers say

Intel Core i7-2700K vs the average processor

Why is Intel Core i7-2700K better than the average processor?

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Unlocked for overclocking
This processor has an unlocked multiplier, while the average processor does not. 22.6% of processors offer this.
Includes a cooler
This processor includes a cooler, while the average processor does not. 26.9% of processors include a cooler.
Supports memory overclocking
This processor supports memory overclocking, while the average processor does not. 43.9% of processors support memory overclocking.
19.4% higher review score
Reviews score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 72% of models
80%
7.8
Average grade
20%
9.0
Popularity
Grades by review (15)
10 reviews: 5 with a printed score, 5 estimated from the review. 5 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
8.0 vs 6.7
30.6% higher sentiment score
9.4 vs 7.2
7.14x cheaper
Intel Core i7-2700K is cheaper than the average processor (£35 vs £250).
£35 vs £250
2.43x higher GPU clock speed
This processor has a higher integrated GPU frequency than the average processor (850 MHz vs 350 MHz). The average processor has integrated GPU frequency of 350 MHz.
850 MHz vs 350 MHz
27.1% faster Blender rendering
This processor has a lower Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (506 vs 398). The average processor needs 398.015 for the Blender BMW27 test.
506 vs 398.015

19.4% higher review score
Reviews score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 72% of models
80%
7.8
Average grade
20%
9.0
Popularity
Grades by review (15)
10 reviews: 5 with a printed score, 5 estimated from the review. 5 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
8.0 vs 6.7
30.6% higher sentiment score
9.4 vs 7.2
7.14x cheaper
Intel Core i7-2700K is cheaper than the average processor (£35 vs £250).
£35 vs £250

Unlocked for overclocking
This processor has an unlocked multiplier, while the average processor does not. 22.6% of processors offer this.
27.1% faster Blender rendering
This processor has a lower Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (506 vs 398). The average processor needs 398.015 for the Blender BMW27 test.
506 vs 398.015

8.1% more L3 per core
This processor has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.85 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
2 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core

Supports memory overclocking
This processor supports memory overclocking, while the average processor does not. 43.9% of processors support memory overclocking.

2.43x higher GPU clock speed
This processor has a higher integrated GPU frequency than the average processor (850 MHz vs 350 MHz). The average processor has integrated GPU frequency of 350 MHz.
850 MHz vs 350 MHz

Includes a cooler
This processor includes a cooler, while the average processor does not. 26.9% of processors include a cooler.

Why is Intel Core i7-2700K worse than the average processor?

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56.1% lower single-core score
This processor has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (674 vs 1,535). The average processor scores 1,535 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
674 vs 1,535
29.2% weaker single-core performance
This processor has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,812 vs 2,558). The average processor scores 2,558 in PassMark single-core.
1,812 vs 2,558
56% lower multi-core score
This processor has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (2,293 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
2,293 vs 5,209
50.4% lower PassMark score
This processor has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (5,694 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
5,694 vs 11,469
2.67x larger process node
This processor has a higher process node than the average processor (32 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
32 nm vs 12 nm
2 fewer CPU cores
This processor has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
4 vs 6
Weaker security extensions
This processor provides less advanced security extensions than the average processor (AES-NI, NX bit vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK).
AES-NI, NX bit vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK
No configurable TDP
This processor does not support configurable TDP, while the average processor does. 53.7% of processors support configurable TDP.

Weaker security extensions
This processor provides less advanced security extensions than the average processor (AES-NI, NX bit vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK).
AES-NI, NX bit vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK
Narrower instruction support
This processor supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V).
MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V
9 years older release date
This processor has an older release date than the average processor (2011 vs 2020).
October 2011
2011 vs 2020
More limited crypto acceleration
This processor offers more limited crypto acceleration than the average processor (AES vs AES, SHA).
AES vs AES, SHA

56.1% lower single-core score
This processor has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (674 vs 1,535). The average processor scores 1,535 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
674 vs 1,535
29.2% weaker single-core performance
This processor has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,812 vs 2,558). The average processor scores 2,558 in PassMark single-core.
1,812 vs 2,558
56% lower multi-core score
This processor has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (2,293 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
2,293 vs 5,209
50.4% lower PassMark score
This processor has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (5,694 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
5,694 vs 11,469
2 fewer CPU cores
This processor has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
4 vs 6
11.4% lower boost clock
This processor has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.9 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.4 GHz.
3.9 GHz vs 4.4 GHz
37.5% lower bus transfer rate
This processor has a lower bus transfer rate than the average processor (5 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor offers bus transfer rate of 8 GT/s.
5 GT/s vs 8 GT/s

2.67x larger process node
This processor has a higher process node than the average processor (32 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
32 nm vs 12 nm
Less advanced microarchitecture
This processor uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Sandy Bridge vs Kaby Lake).
Sandy Bridge vs Kaby Lake
66.7% smaller L2 cache
This processor has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1 MB vs 3 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 3 MB.
1 MB vs 3 MB
50% less L2 per core
This processor has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
0.25 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
22% larger die size
This processor has a higher die size than the average processor (216 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
216 mm² vs 177 mm²
33.3% smaller L1 cache
This processor has a lower L1 cache than the average processor (256 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
256 KB vs 384 KB
Less advanced foundry
This processor uses a less advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 32 nm vs Intel 14 nm).
Intel 32 nm vs Intel 14 nm

58.3% lower memory speed
This processor has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (1,333 MHz vs 3,200 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 3,200 MHz.
1,333 MHz vs 3,200 MHz
55.2% lower memory bandwidth
This processor has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (21 GB/s vs 46.9 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 46.9 GB/s.
21 GB/s vs 46.9 GB/s
Older DDR support
This processor supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3 vs DDR4).
DDR3 vs DDR4
Lower JEDEC memory speed
This processor has a lower JEDEC memory speed than the average processor (DDR3-1333 MHz vs DDR4-3200 MHz). The average processor supports JEDEC memory speed of DDR4-3200 MHz.
DDR3-1,333 MHz vs DDR4-3,200 MHz
Older PCIe version
This processor supports an older PCIe version than the average processor (2 vs 3).
2 vs 3
Limited PCIe bifurcation
This processor supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x16 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4).
x16 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4
50% less memory capacity
This processor has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average processor (32 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
32 GB vs 64 GB

Narrower media codec support
This processor supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (H.264 (HW decode/encode), MPEG-2 (HW decode), VC-1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode/encode)).
H.264 (HW decode/encode), MPEG-2 (HW decode), VC-1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode/encode)
Inferior integrated GPU
This processor uses an inferior integrated GPU to the average processor (Intel HD Graphics 3000 vs Intel UHD Graphics 630).
Intel HD Graphics 3,000 vs Intel UHD Graphics 630
50% fewer GPU execution units
This processor has fewer GPU execution units than the average processor (12 vs 24). The average processor has 24 GPU execution units.
12 vs 24

No configurable TDP
This processor does not support configurable TDP, while the average processor does. 53.7% of processors support configurable TDP.
2.11x higher base power
This processor has a higher base power draw than the average processor (95 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
95 W vs 45 W
2.11x higher TDP
This processor has a higher TDP than the average processor (95 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
95 W vs 45 W
2 °C lower temperature limit
This processor has a lower temperature limit than the average processor (98 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor can run up to 100 °C.
98 °C vs 100 °C

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0

Nexus Tech

≈ estimated

08/11/2023

Hands-on review · gaming, productivity and 5GHz overclock tests

Verdict

Intel Core i7-2700K, a Sandy Bridge chip, performed excellently in most tests and stayed strong for years.

5.0

Old But Not Obsolete Tech

≈ estimated

27/06/2022

Retrospective review · gaming and benchmark tests

Verdict

Intel Core i7-2700K is still playable for owners at low to medium settings, but newer CPUs are the better buy.

10

Nicolas11x12 English

✓ explicit

06/01/2012

Hands-on review · benchmarks, games and temperatures

Verdict

Intel Core i7-2700K offers strong performance and low power use, but its stock cooler runs hot under load.

7.0

Tech 215

≈ estimated

20/03/2020

Head-to-head benchmarks · i7-2700K vs Pentium G4620

Verdict

Intel Core i7-2700K is still a capable multitasking chip, but it offers no upgrade path.

8.0

Cheap Bastard

≈ estimated

17/01/2020

Hands-on benchmarks · 10 games at 1080p and 1440p

Verdict

Intel Core i7-2700K still handles most games well for its age, with the GPU often the limit and one CPU-bound exception.

7.0

Nicolas11x12 English

≈ estimated

21/05/2012

Comparison review · i7-2700K vs i7-3770K benchmarks

Verdict

Intel Core i7-2700K gives existing owners little reason to upgrade, though it runs hot and draws more power.

Not graded

Hands-on video, no verdict

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

9.5

kitguru.net

≈ estimated

27/10/2011

Intel Core i7 2700k Review

Benchmark test · Overclocking

Verdict

The Intel Core i7-2700K is a fast, easy-to-overclock quad-core that reached a stable 5GHz on air cooling, though it is only a small step up from the 2600K.

6.0

legitreviews.com

≈ estimated

24/10/2011

Intel Core i7-2700K Sandy Bridge 3.5 GHz CPU Review

Benchmark test · Speed bump

Verdict

The Intel Core i7-2700K is the 2600K with a 100MHz higher clock, making it the top Sandy Bridge chip for LGA1155 boards, though the design is unchanged.

8.0

techradar.com

✓ explicit

01/12/2011

Intel Core i7 2700K review

Benchmark test · Flagship desktop chip

Verdict

The Intel Core i7-2700K comfortably beats AMD's best desktop chips, but it is largely the Core i7-2600K with a higher clock, so it is no big step forward.

8.0

uk.pcmag.com

✓ explicit

20/04/2012

Intel Core i7-2700K - Review 2012 Would you like to see how this processor compares to more modern chips in legacy gaming benchmarks?

Lab test · Sandy Bridge refresh

Verdict

The Intel Core i7-2700K is a 100MHz bump on the 2600K, so it suits enthusiasts chasing the last bit of speed, not 2600K owners.

8.1

gamestar.de

✓ explicit

04/02/2012

Intel Core i7 2700K - Is the fastest Sandy Bridge CPU worth it?

Lab test · Gaming performance

Verdict

The Intel Core i7-2700K is the fastest socket 1155 chip, though its clock edge over the 2600K makes little difference in games.

9.0

computerwoche.de

≈ estimated

11/03/2012

Better than the Core i7-3820 for LGA2011: CPU Test – Intel Core i7-2700K

Lab test · Platform comparison

Verdict

The Intel Core i7-2700K handles office and multi-threaded work well, and it runs on the simpler LGA1155 platform rather than LGA2011.

8.0

au-ja.de

≈ estimated

04/11/2011

Intel Core i7-2700K - For a few more megahertz

Lab test · Overclocking

Verdict

The Intel Core i7-2700K overclocks well, staying stable at 4.7GHz with no extra voltage, but its gains shrink while power use climbs sharply.

10

lesnumeriques.com

✓ explicit

02/12/2011

Intel Core i7 2700K Review - Les Numériques

Lab test · Everyday CPU

Verdict

The Intel Core i7-2700K is a well-rounded quad-core with a turbo mode, but its built-in graphics lack DirectX 11 support and it's only slightly faster than the 2600K.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core i7-2700K

Exceptional overclocking headroom, often reaching 4.8GHz to 5.0GHz on air or water cooling
Highly efficient power consumption compared to previous generations and contemporary competitors
Significant performance boost for multi-threaded tasks like 3D rendering and video editing via Hyper-Threading
Uses a soldered Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS), which aids in maintaining lower operating temperatures
Remained a viable and stable performer for many years after its 2011 launch
Fully unlocked multiplier makes the overclocking process simple and accessible for enthusiasts

What customers don't like about Intel Core i7-2700K

Minimal performance gain (roughly 2-3%) over the cheaper i7-2600K, which could often be overclocked to match it
Higher initial price tag compared to the i7-2600K for what many considered a minor 'speed bump'
Integrated HD 3000 graphics are insufficient for modern gaming or high-end enthusiast needs
Requires aftermarket cooling for high overclocks as it can heat up quickly under heavy load
Dated architecture lacks modern features like native M.2 NVMe support and PCIe Gen 3.0
Significant bottleneck for modern high-end GPUs due to its aging IPC and platform limitations

Verdict

The Intel Core i7-2700K is a high-performance Sandy Bridge desktop processor featuring 4 cores, 8 threads via Hyper-Threading, and a base clock of 3.5 GHz that boosts up to 3.9 GHz. Built on a 32nm process with a 95W TDP, it includes 8 MB of Intel Smart Cache, an LGA 1155 socket, and integrated HD Graphics 3000. Its primary advantages include an unlocked multiplier for extensive overclocking headroom, reliable performance for gaming and multitasking, and efficient soldered thermal construction that aids in cooling. However, it offers only a marginal 100 MHz speed increase over the i7-2600K, lacks native support for modern features like PCIe 3.0 or DDR4, and its integrated graphics are generally insufficient for demanding enthusiasts.

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