Core i3-6167U vs Core i7-870

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 i3-6167U 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 i3-6167U 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 i3-6167U

2015

Why buy it

✅Draws 28W instead of 95W, a 67W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-870 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (3,128 vs 3,164).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 8 MB).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i7-870.

Core i7-870

2009

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +12.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Stock), unlike Core i3-6167U.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $300 MSRP, while Core i3-6167U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌239.3% higher power demand at 95W vs 28W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-870 better than Core i3-6167U?

Yes. Core i7-870 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 12.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.2% 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 12.4% 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 1.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Core i7-870 is the better buy right now. Core i7-870 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $300 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 12.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (10.5 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-6167U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-6167U vs Core i7-870 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-6167U

The Core i3-6167U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 3,128 points. Launch price was $304.

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 i3-6167U 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 2.7 GHz on the Core i3-6167U versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-870 — a 28.6% clock advantage for the Core i7-870 (base: 2.7 GHz vs 2.93 GHz). The Core i3-6167U uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-870 uses Lynnfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-6167U scores 3,128 against the Core i7-870's 3,164 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i7-870. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-6167U vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-870.

Feature	Core i3-6167U	Core i7-870
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	2.7 GHz	3.6 GHz+33%
Base Clock	2.7 GHz	2.93 GHz+9%
L3 Cache	3 MB	8 MB (total)+167%
L2 Cache	512 kB+100%	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-69%	45 nm
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	Lynnfield (2009−2010)
PassMark	3,128	3,164+1%
Geekbench 6 Single	—	476
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,541

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-6167U uses the BGA1356 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-870 uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-6167U	Core i7-870
Socket	BGA1356	LGA1156
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	—	16 GB
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	16