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 i3-4350T 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 i3-4350T 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 i3-4350T

2014

Why buy it

✅Costs $162 less on MSRP ($138 MSRP vs $300 MSRP).
✅Delivers 115.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 22.8 vs 10.5 PassMark/$ ($138 MSRP vs $300 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 95W, a 60W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4600, 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.
❌Lower PassMark (3,142 vs 3,164).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 8 MB).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i7-870.

Core i7-870

2009

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +6.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB).
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Stock), unlike Core i3-4350T.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 10.5 vs 22.8 PassMark/$ ($300 MSRP vs $138 MSRP).
❌171.4% higher power demand at 95W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-4350T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-870 better than Core i3-4350T?

Yes. Core i7-870 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 6.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.7% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-870 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 6.2% 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, Core i7-870 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB).

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

Core i7-870 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-870 comes in 117.4% more expensive on MSRP at $300 MSRP versus $138 MSRP, and it still gives you a 6.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-4350T only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2014 platform. Even with 115.9% better value on paper (22.8 vs 10.5 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1150.

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

Core i3-4350T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-4350T vs Core i7-870 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-4350T

The Core i3-4350T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 May 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 4 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: 3,142 points. Launch price was $138.

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 i3-4350T 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 3.1 GHz on the Core i3-4350T versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-870 — a 14.9% clock advantage for the Core i7-870 (base: 3.1 GHz vs 2.93 GHz). The Core i3-4350T uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-870 uses Lynnfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-4350T scores 3,142 against the Core i7-870's 3,164 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i7-870. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-4350T vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-870.

Feature	Core i3-4350T	Core i7-870
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	3.1 GHz	3.6 GHz+16%
Base Clock	3.1 GHz+6%	2.93 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm-51%	45 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Lynnfield (2009−2010)
PassMark	3,142	3,164
Geekbench 6 Single	—	476
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,541

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-4350T 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 i3-4350T versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i7-870 — the Core i3-4350T supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-4350T 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.

Feature	Core i3-4350T	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	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core i3-4350T includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4600), while the Core i7-870 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-4350T targets Desktop, Core i7-870 targets Legacy Desktop.

Feature	Core i3-4350T	Core i7-870
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 4600	None
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Desktop	Legacy Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-4350T was priced at $138, while the Core i7-870 came in at $300. On launch pricing ($138 vs $300), Core i3-4350T was $162 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-4350T delivers 22.8 pts/$ vs 10.5 pts/$ for the Core i7-870 — making the Core i3-4350T the 73.4% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-4350T	Core i7-870
MSRP	$138-54%	$300
Performance per Dollar	22.8+117%	10.5
Release Date	2014	2009

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