A10-7870K vs Core i7-2657M

A10-7870K vs Core i7-2657M Performance Spectrum

A10-7870K

4 / 4

3,506

+0.4%

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i7-2657M

2 / 4

3,491

0.0%

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.

A10-7870K vs Core i7-2657M 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.

A10-7870K vs Core i7-2657M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A10-7870K

2015

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +15.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i7-2657M.

Trade-offs

❌458.8% higher power demand at 95W vs 17W.

Core i7-2657M

2011

Why buy it

✅Draws 17W instead of 95W, a 78W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than A10-7870K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (3,491 vs 3,506).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike A10-7870K.

Quick Answers

So, is A10-7870K better than Core i7-2657M?

Yes. A10-7870K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 15.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.4% 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, A10-7870K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 15.6% 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, A10-7870K is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

A10-7870K still makes the most sense overall. A10-7870K comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 15.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

A10-7870K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

A10-7870K vs Core i7-2657M Technical Specifications

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

A10-7870K

The A10-7870K is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 28 May 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Godaveri (2014−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 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: 3,506 points. Launch price was $120.

Core i7-2657M

The Core i7-2657M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 3,491 points. Launch price was $317.

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Processing Power

The A10-7870K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-2657M offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the A10-7870K has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the A10-7870K versus 2.7 GHz on the Core i7-2657M — a 41.2% clock advantage for the A10-7870K (base: 3.9 GHz vs 1.6 GHz). The A10-7870K uses the Godaveri (2014−2016) architecture (28 nm), while the Core i7-2657M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the A10-7870K scores 3,506 against the Core i7-2657M's 3,491 — a 0.4% lead for the A10-7870K. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 550 vs 535, a 2.8% lead for the A10-7870K that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A10-7870K vs 4 MB on the Core i7-2657M.

Feature	A10-7870K	Core i7-2657M
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	4.1 GHz+52%	2.7 GHz
Base Clock	3.9 GHz+144%	1.6 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	4 MB
L2 Cache	4096 kB+700%	512 kB
Process	28 nm-13%	32 nm
Architecture	Godaveri (2014−2016)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	3,506	3,491
Geekbench 6 Single	550+3%	535

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Memory & Platform

The A10-7870K uses the FM2+ socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-2657M uses BGA1023 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-2133 on the A10-7870K versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i7-2657M — the A10-7870K supports 60% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A10-7870K supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: A55,A68H,A75,A78,A85X,A88X (A10-7870K) and HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67,UM67 (Core i7-2657M).

Feature	A10-7870K	Core i7-2657M
Socket	FM2+	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-2133+60%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+300%	8 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Only the A10-7870K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: AMD-V (A10-7870K) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-2657M). Both include integrated graphics — Radeon R7 (A10-7870K) and HD Graphics 3000 (Core i7-2657M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A10-7870K targets Budget, Core i7-2657M targets Ultrabook. Direct competitor: A10-7870K rivals Core i3-4370; Core i7-2657M rivals A6-3420M.