A10-7700K vs Core i7-870

CPU

GPU

A10-7700K

4 Cores4 Thrd95 WWMax: 3.8 GHz2014

Similar parts

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Core i7-870

4 Cores8 Thrd95 WWMax: 3.6 GHz2009

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A10-7700K vs Core i7-870 Performance Spectrum

A10-7700K

4 / 4

3,182

+0.6%

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.

A10-7700K 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.

A10-7700K 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.

A10-7700K

2014

Why buy it

✅+0.6% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $148 less on MSRP ($152 MSRP vs $300 MSRP).
✅Delivers 98.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 20.9 vs 10.5 PassMark/$ ($152 MSRP vs $300 MSRP).
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon R7, while Core i7-870 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (442 vs 476).

Core i7-870

2009

Why buy it

✅+7.7% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,164 vs 3,182).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 10.5 vs 20.9 PassMark/$ ($300 MSRP vs $152 MSRP).
❌No integrated graphics, while A10-7700K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is A10-7700K better than Core i7-870?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-870 is ahead with a 2.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, A10-7700K pulls ahead with 0.6% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, A10-7700K is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

A10-7700K is the better buy right now. A10-7700K comes in $148 cheaper on MSRP at $152 MSRP versus $300 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.6% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i7-870 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 2.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 98.5% better value on MSRP (20.9 vs 10.5 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

A10-7700K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 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.

A10-7700K vs Core i7-870 Technical Specifications

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

A10-7700K

The A10-7700K is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 14 January 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Godaveri (2014−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 4096 kB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 3,182 points. Launch price was $152.

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 A10-7700K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-870's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the A10-7700K versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-870 — a 5.4% clock advantage for the A10-7700K (base: 3.5 GHz vs 2.93 GHz). The A10-7700K uses the Godaveri (2014−2016) architecture (28 nm), while the Core i7-870 uses Lynnfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the A10-7700K scores 3,182 against the Core i7-870's 3,164 — a 0.6% lead for the A10-7700K. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 442 vs 476, a 7.4% lead for the Core i7-870 that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A10-7700K vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-870.

Feature	A10-7700K	Core i7-870
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz+6%	3.6 GHz
Base Clock	3.5 GHz+19%	2.93 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	4096 kB+1500%	256 kB (per core)
Process	28 nm-38%	45 nm
Architecture	Godaveri (2014−2016)	Lynnfield (2009−2010)
PassMark	3,182	3,164
Geekbench 6 Single	442	476+8%
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,541

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Memory & Platform

The A10-7700K 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 A10-7700K versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i7-870 — the A10-7700K supports 60% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A10-7700K 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,A58,A68H,A75,A78,A85X,A88X (A10-7700K) and P55,H55,H57,Q57 (Core i7-870).

Feature	A10-7700K	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 A10-7700K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: AMD-V (A10-7700K) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-870). The A10-7700K includes integrated graphics (Radeon R7), while the Core i7-870 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A10-7700K targets Budget, Core i7-870 targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: A10-7700K rivals Core i3-4360.

Feature	A10-7700K	Core i7-870
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	Radeon R7	None
Unlocked	Yes	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	AMD-V	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Budget	Legacy Desktop

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the A10-7700K was priced at $152, while the Core i7-870 came in at $300. On launch pricing ($152 vs $300), A10-7700K was $148 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the A10-7700K delivers 20.9 pts/$ vs 10.5 pts/$ for the Core i7-870 — making the A10-7700K the 66% better value option.

Feature	A10-7700K	Core i7-870
MSRP	$152-49%	$300
Performance per Dollar	20.9+99%	10.5
Release Date	2014	2009

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