Intel Core i7-2700K
Also called intel core i7-2700k, core i7-2700k, 270k+, core-i7-2700k
Intel Core i7 desktop processor on Sandy Bridge, with 4 cores and 24 threads and 8 MB L3 on a 32 nm process addressing up to 32 GB and Intel HD Graphics 3000.
What you need to know
Intel Core i7-2700K is a legacy desktop cpu.
Intel Core i7-2700K launched in 2011., It has 4 cores and 24 threads on Sandy Bridge, dropping into the LGA1155 socket. Treat the spec table as the facts. Age alone does not tell you to throw it out.
- Still good?
- Only if the workload is light
- Product age
- 15 years old
- Upgrade pressure
- Moderate
What this hardware means today
Age and usefulness are not the same number. This page keeps them separate.
- Performance today
- Average. Average for the class when RAM, storage, and the GPU keep up.
- Product age 15 years old
- Legacy. Launched 2011. Newer platforms exist. That does not make this chip unusable by itself.
- Support status
- Supported. Current Windows and current applications still run on this class of CPU. Platform BIOS support depends on the motherboard or laptop vendor.
- Upgrade pressure
- Moderate. Upgrade pressure comes from platform features and specific CPU-bound work, not from the chip being unusable.
Where does it sit?
Sandy Bridge sits on Intel's recent Core timeline. Later desktop branding moved toward Core Ultra.
Performance context
These are qualitative readings, not a fake 8.7 out of 10. Workload still wins.
Gaming: Good
Playable in lighter titles. A weak GPU will hide whatever this chip still has.
Productivity: Average
4 cores cover office, browser, and compile work in this class.
Multithreaded workloads: Very Good
24 threads. Heavy encodes still scale further on higher-core parts.
General use: Good
Everyday Windows use is not where most people notice this SKU first.
Efficiency: Good
Power is not recorded on this sheet.
Should you upgrade?
Probably not based on CPU performance alone.
Upgrade makes more sense if
- Your workload is strongly CPU limited
- You need a newer platform for memory, I/O, or chipset features
- You need substantially more multicore performance
- You need newer connectivity that your current board cannot offer
Upgrade makes less sense if
- The GPU is the real bottleneck
- Current applications are already responsive
- The CPU rarely limits your workload
Specifications
Figures below follow the Feex Hardware Database record for this SKU. Fields without a recorded value are omitted.
Processor
Intel Core i7-2700K is built on Sandy Bridge using a 32 nm process at Intel.
| Manufacturer | Intel |
|---|---|
| Family | Core i7 |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge |
| Generation | 2 |
| Manufacturing process | 32 nm |
| Foundry | Intel |
| Segment | Desktop |
Cores and threads
Intel Core i7-2700K has 4 cores and 24 threads.
| Cores | 4 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 24 |
Clock speeds
Base clock is 3.5 GHz. Boost reaches 3.9 GHz.
| Base frequency | 3.5 GHz |
|---|---|
| Max boost | 3.9 GHz |
Cache
Cache on this sheet is 8 MB L3.
| L3 cache | 8 MB |
|---|---|
| Total cache | 8 MB |
Memory
Intel Core i7-2700K addresses 32 GB across 2 memory channels.
| Max capacity | 32 GB |
|---|---|
| Channels | 2 |
| Max bandwidth | 21 GB/s |
| ECC support | No |
Package and power
Intel Core i7-2700K uses the LGA1155 socket.
| Socket | LGA1155 |
|---|---|
| PCIe | 16 lanes |
Integrated graphics
Intel Core i7-2700K includes Intel HD Graphics 3000.
| Integrated graphics | Intel HD Graphics 3000 |
|---|
Market
Intel Core i7-2700K launched 2011 at USD 332 (suggested price at launch).
| Launch date | 2011 |
|---|---|
| Launch MSRP | USD 332 (suggested price at launch) |
| Model | 270K+ |
Features
Intel Core i7-2700K records 12 instruction sets on this sheet.
| Instruction sets | AES-NIAVXHyper-Threading64-bit (x86-64)SSE4.1SSE4.2Enhanced SpeedStepSSESSE2SSE3SSSE3MMX |
|---|---|
| Virtualization | VT-x (Hardware Virtualization) |
Independent scores
These are PassMark CPU figures. They are not Feex measurements.
| Single-core score | 1,812 |
|---|---|
| Multi-core score | 5,695 |
| Overall score | 3,212 |
| Productivity score | 6,239 |
| Creator score | 6,394 |
| Engineering score | 5,481 |
| Gaming score | 6,860 |
Compatibility
| Socket | LGA1155 |
|---|---|
| Board | A shared socket is not automatic compatibility. Check the motherboard CPU list and BIOS revision. |
| Memory | up to 32 GB |
| Graphics | Intel HD Graphics 3000 |
A shared socket is not automatic compatibility. Boards often need a BIOS update before a newer chip in the same socket will post.
Cooler clearance, VRM quality, and power limits matter as much as the socket name.
Read the memory list on the board. The CPU can list more standards than one motherboard will accept.
No post after a CPU swap
Clear CMOS only after you confirm the board list includes this SKU and the BIOS is new enough. A supported name on a box is not the same as a flashed board.
Sources and verification
Reviewed by Feex editorial. Last verified August 2026 Status: Partially Verified. How we research.
- Feex Hardware Database · Specification source used for this sheet. CC BY 4.0.
- PassMark Software · CPU benchmark page for Intel Core i7-2700K
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