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 i5-2400S 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 i5-2400S 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 i5-2400S

2011

Why buy it

✅+27.6% higher Geekbench multi-core.
✅Costs $165 less on MSRP ($135 MSRP vs $300 MSRP).
✅Delivers 123.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 23.6 vs 10.5 PassMark/$ ($135 MSRP vs $300 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 95W, a 30W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 2000, 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 (6 MB vs 8 MB).

Core i7-870

2009

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +8.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (1,541 vs 1,966).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 10.5 vs 23.6 PassMark/$ ($300 MSRP vs $135 MSRP).
❌46.2% higher power demand at 95W vs 65W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-2400S can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-2400S better than Core i7-870?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-870 is ahead with a 8.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-2400S pulls ahead with 27.6% better Geekbench multi-core. Core i7-870 also has the bigger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-2400S is the stronger fit. You are getting 27.6% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-2400S is the better buy right now. Core i5-2400S comes in $165 cheaper on MSRP at $135 MSRP versus $300 MSRP, and it still gives you 27.6% better Geekbench multi-core. The compromise is that Core i7-870 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 8.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 123.8% better value on MSRP (23.6 vs 10.5 PassMark/$), 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 i5-2400S makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2009) 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.

Core i5-2400S vs Core i7-870 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-2400S

The Core i5-2400S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,187 points. Launch price was $141.

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 i5-2400S packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-870's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-2400S versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-870 — a 8.7% clock advantage for the Core i7-870 (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.93 GHz). The Core i5-2400S uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-870 uses Lynnfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2400S scores 3,187 against the Core i7-870's 3,164 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i5-2400S. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 578 vs 476, a 19.4% lead for the Core i5-2400S that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 1,966 vs 1,541 (24.2% advantage for the Core i5-2400S). L3 cache: 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-2400S vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-870.

Feature	Core i5-2400S	Core i7-870
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.3 GHz	3.6 GHz+9%
Base Clock	2.5 GHz	2.93 GHz+17%
L3 Cache	6144 kB (total)	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm-29%	45 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Lynnfield (2009−2010)
PassMark	3,187	3,164
Cinebench R23 Multi	1,965	—
Geekbench 6 Single	578+21%	476
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,966+28%	1,541

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-2400S uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-870 uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1333 memory speed. The Core i5-2400S 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: H61,H67,P67,Z68,B75,Z77 (Core i5-2400S) and P55,H55,H57,Q57 (Core i7-870).

Feature	Core i5-2400S	Core i7-870
Socket	LGA1155	LGA1156
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	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

Virtualization support: Yes (Core i5-2400S) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-870). The Core i5-2400S includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 2000), while the Core i7-870 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-870 targets Legacy Desktop.

Feature	Core i5-2400S	Core i7-870
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 2000	None
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	Yes	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	—	Legacy Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-2400S was priced at $135, while the Core i7-870 came in at $300. On launch pricing ($135 vs $300), Core i5-2400S was $165 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-2400S delivers 23.6 pts/$ vs 10.5 pts/$ for the Core i7-870 — making the Core i5-2400S the 76.5% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-2400S	Core i7-870
MSRP	$135-55%	$300
Performance per Dollar	23.6+125%	10.5
Release Date	2011	2009

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