Athlon X4 870K vs Core i7-880

Athlon X4 870K vs Core i7-880 Performance Spectrum

Athlon X4 870K

4 / 4

3,443

+0.4%

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i7-880

4 / 8

3,429

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.

Athlon X4 870K vs Core i7-880 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.

Athlon X4 870K vs Core i7-880: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Athlon X4 870K

2015

Why buy it

✅Costs $493 less on MSRP ($90 MSRP vs $583 MSRP).
✅Delivers 550.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 38.3 vs 5.9 PassMark/$ ($90 MSRP vs $583 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i7-880.

Core i7-880

2010

Why buy it

✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Athlon X4 870K.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,429 vs 3,443).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 5.9 vs 38.3 PassMark/$ ($583 MSRP vs $90 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Athlon X4 870K better than Core i7-880?

Yes. Athlon X4 870K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.0% 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, Athlon X4 870K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.0% 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, Athlon X4 870K 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?

Athlon X4 870K is the better buy right now. Athlon X4 870K comes in $493 cheaper on MSRP at $90 MSRP versus $583 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 550.4% better value on MSRP (38.3 vs 5.9 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Athlon X4 870K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2010) 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.

Athlon X4 870K vs Core i7-880 Technical Specifications

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

Athlon X4 870K

The Athlon X4 870K is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. 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. L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 3,443 points. Launch price was $149.

Core i7-880

The Core i7-880 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 May 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.06 GHz, with boost up to 3.73 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: 3,429 points. Launch price was $583.

⚡

Processing Power

The Athlon X4 870K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-880's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the Athlon X4 870K versus 3.73 GHz on the Core i7-880 — a 9.5% clock advantage for the Athlon X4 870K (base: 3.9 GHz vs 3.06 GHz). The Athlon X4 870K uses the Godaveri (2014−2016) architecture (28 nm), while the Core i7-880 uses Lynnfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon X4 870K scores 3,443 against the Core i7-880's 3,429 — a 0.4% lead for the Athlon X4 870K.

Feature	Athlon X4 870K	Core i7-880
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	4.1 GHz+10%	3.73 GHz
Base Clock	3.9 GHz+27%	3.06 GHz
L3 Cache	—	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	4 MB+1500%	256 kB (per core)
Process	28 nm-38%	45 nm
Architecture	Godaveri (2014−2016)	Lynnfield (2009−2010)
PassMark	3,443	3,429
Geekbench 6 Single	—	507
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,478

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Athlon X4 870K uses the FM2+ socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-880 uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-2133 on the Athlon X4 870K versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i7-880 — the Athlon X4 870K supports 60% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Athlon X4 870K supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: AMD FM2+ (Athlon X4 870K) and P55,H55,H57,Q57 (Core i7-880).

Feature	Athlon X4 870K	Core i7-880
Socket	FM2+	LGA1156
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-2133+60%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+300%	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Athlon X4 870K) / Yes (Core i7-880).

Feature	Athlon X4 870K	Core i7-880
Integrated GPU	No	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	Yes

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Athlon X4 870K was priced at $90, while the Core i7-880 came in at $583. On launch pricing ($90 vs $583), Athlon X4 870K was $493 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon X4 870K delivers 38.3 pts/$ vs 5.9 pts/$ for the Core i7-880 — making the Athlon X4 870K the 146.7% better value option.

Feature	Athlon X4 870K	Core i7-880
MSRP	$90-85%	$583
Performance per Dollar	38.3+549%	5.9
Release Date	2015	2010

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