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.

Core i3-4170T 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.

Core i3-4170T 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.

Core i3-4170T

2015

Why buy it

✅+3.8% higher Geekbench multi-core.
✅Costs $183 less on MSRP ($117 MSRP vs $300 MSRP).
✅Delivers 153.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 26.8 vs 10.5 PassMark/$ ($117 MSRP vs $300 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 95W, a 60W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4400, while Core i7-870 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-870 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 8 MB).

Core i7-870

2009

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +6.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (1,541 vs 1,600).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 10.5 vs 26.8 PassMark/$ ($300 MSRP vs $117 MSRP).
❌171.4% higher power demand at 95W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-4170T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-4170T better than Core i7-870?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-870 is ahead with a 6.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-4170T pulls ahead with 3.8% better Geekbench multi-core. Core i7-870 also has the bigger cache pool with 166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-4170T is the stronger fit. You are getting 3.8% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-4170T is the better buy right now. Core i3-4170T comes in $183 cheaper on MSRP at $117 MSRP versus $300 MSRP, and it still gives you 3.8% better Geekbench multi-core. The compromise is that Core i7-870 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 6.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 153.9% better value on MSRP (26.8 vs 10.5 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i3-4170T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2009) and more multi-core headroom with 2 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.

Core i3-4170T vs Core i7-870 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-4170T

The Core i3-4170T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 March 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333/1600, DDR3L-1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 3,133 points. Launch price was $69.

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 Core i3-4170T packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-870 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-870 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i3-4170T versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-870 — a 11.8% clock advantage for the Core i7-870 (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2.93 GHz). The Core i3-4170T uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-870 uses Lynnfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-4170T scores 3,133 against the Core i7-870's 3,164 — a 1% lead for the Core i7-870. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 800 vs 476, a 50.8% lead for the Core i3-4170T that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 1,600 vs 1,541 (3.8% advantage for the Core i3-4170T). L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-4170T vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-870.

Feature	Core i3-4170T	Core i7-870
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz	3.6 GHz+12%
Base Clock	3.2 GHz+9%	2.93 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+167%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm-51%	45 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Lynnfield (2009−2010)
PassMark	3,133	3,164
Geekbench 6 Single	800+68%	476
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,600+4%	1,541

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-4170T uses the LGA1150 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 DDR3-1600 on the Core i3-4170T versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i7-870 — the Core i3-4170T supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-4170T 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: H81,B85 (Core i3-4170T) and P55,H55,H57,Q57 (Core i7-870).

Feature	Core i3-4170T	Core i7-870
Socket	LGA1150	LGA1156
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600+20%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+100%	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core i3-4170T includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4400), while the Core i7-870 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-4170T targets Low Power Desktop, Core i7-870 targets Legacy Desktop.

Feature	Core i3-4170T	Core i7-870
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 4400	None
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Low Power Desktop	Legacy Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-4170T was priced at $117, while the Core i7-870 came in at $300. On launch pricing ($117 vs $300), Core i3-4170T was $183 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-4170T delivers 26.8 pts/$ vs 10.5 pts/$ for the Core i7-870 — making the Core i3-4170T the 87% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-4170T	Core i7-870
MSRP	$117-61%	$300
Performance per Dollar	26.8+155%	10.5
Release Date	2015	2009

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