A10-6800K vs Core i7-870

A10-6800K vs Core i7-870 Performance Spectrum

A10-6800K

4 / 4

3,186

+0.7%

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i7-870

4 / 8

3,164

0.0%

Pentium Dual Core T2390

About PassMark

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

A10-6800K vs Core i7-870 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

A10-6800K vs Core i7-870: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

A10-6800K

2013

Why buy it

✅+0.2% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon HD 8670D, while Core i7-870 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Core i7-870

2009

Why buy it

✅Draws 95W instead of 100W, a 5W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (476 vs 477).
❌Lower PassMark (3,164 vs 3,186).
❌Launch MSRP is still $300 MSRP, while A10-6800K mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while A10-6800K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is A10-6800K better than Core i7-870?

Yes. A10-6800K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.7% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, A10-6800K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.8% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, A10-6800K is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

A10-6800K is still the much better call for a fresh build. A10-6800K comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $300 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-870 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2009 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (10.5 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1156.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

A10-6800K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2009) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

A10-6800K vs Core i7-870 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

A10-6800K

The A10-6800K is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 1 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Richland (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 4.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 4096 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM2. Thermal design power (TDP): 100 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 3,186 points. Launch price was $142.

Core i7-870

The Core i7-870 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 September 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.93 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,164 points. Launch price was $305.

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Processing Power

The A10-6800K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-870's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the A10-6800K versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-870 — a 20% clock advantage for the A10-6800K (base: 4.1 GHz vs 2.93 GHz). The A10-6800K uses the Richland (2013−2014) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-870 uses Lynnfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the A10-6800K scores 3,186 against the Core i7-870's 3,164 — a 0.7% lead for the A10-6800K. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 477 vs 476, a 0.2% lead for the A10-6800K that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A10-6800K vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-870.

Feature	A10-6800K	Core i7-870
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	4.4 GHz+22%	3.6 GHz
Base Clock	4.1 GHz+40%	2.93 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	4096 kB+1500%	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm-29%	45 nm
Architecture	Richland (2013−2014)	Lynnfield (2009−2010)
PassMark	3,186	3,164
Geekbench 6 Single	477	476
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,541

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Memory & Platform

The A10-6800K uses the FM2 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-870 uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-2133 on the A10-6800K versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i7-870 — the A10-6800K supports 60% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A10-6800K supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: A55,A75,A85X (A10-6800K) and P55,H55,H57,Q57 (Core i7-870).

Feature	A10-6800K	Core i7-870
Socket	FM2	LGA1156
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-2133+60%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+100%	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Only the A10-6800K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: AMD-V (A10-6800K) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-870). The A10-6800K includes integrated graphics (Radeon HD 8670D), while the Core i7-870 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A10-6800K targets Budget, Core i7-870 targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: A10-6800K rivals Core i3-4130.