Core i7-870 vs A8-7600
Core i7-870
A8-7600
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i7-870 is positioned at rank 987 and the A8-7600 is on rank 397, so the A8-7600 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-870
Performance Per Dollar A8-7600
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-870 | A8-7600 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($80) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Lynnfield (2009−2010) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Kaveri (2014−2015) / 28 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-870 | A8-7600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($80) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i7-870 and A8-7600
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.
A8-7600
The A8-7600 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Kaveri (2014−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L2 cache: 4096 kB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 3,214 points. Launch price was $90.
Processing Power
The Core i7-870 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, matching the A8-7600's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-870 versus 3.8 GHz on the A8-7600 — a 5.4% clock advantage for the A8-7600 (base: 2.93 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Core i7-870 uses the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the A8-7600 uses Kaveri (2014−2015) (28 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-870 scores 3,164 against the A8-7600's 3,214 — a 1.6% lead for the A8-7600.
| Feature | Core i7-870 | A8-7600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.6 GHz | 3.8 GHz+6% |
| Base Clock | 2.93 GHz | 3.1 GHz+6% |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total) | — |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 4096 kB+1500% |
| Process | 45 nm | 28 nm-38% |
| Architecture | Lynnfield (2009−2010) | Kaveri (2014−2015) |
| PassMark | 3,164 | 3,214+2% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 476 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 1,541 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-870 uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the A8-7600 uses FM2+ (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Core i7-870 versus 2133 on the A8-7600 — the A8-7600 supports 199.4% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A8-7600 supports up to 64 of RAM compared to 16 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: P55,H55,H57,Q57 (Core i7-870) and FM2+ (A8-7600).
| Feature | Core i7-870 | A8-7600 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1156 | FM2+ |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | 2133+71000% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB+26214300% | 64 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-870) vs true (A8-7600). The A8-7600 includes integrated graphics (Radeon R7 Graphics), while the Core i7-870 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-870 targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: A8-7600 rivals Core i3-4150.
| Feature | Core i7-870 | A8-7600 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | None | Radeon R7 Graphics |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | true |
| Target Use | Legacy Desktop | — |
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