Core i5-4210U vs Core i7-860S

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 i5-4210U vs Core i7-860S 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 i5-4210U vs Core i7-860S: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-4210U

2014

Why buy it

✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4400, while Core i7-860S needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-860S across 37 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,316 vs 2,324).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 8 MB).
❌524.4% higher power demand at 512W vs 82W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i7-860S.

Core i7-860S

2010

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +5.6% higher average FPS across 37 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 82W instead of 512W, a 430W reduction.
✅33.3% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 12) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i5-4210U.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $299 MSRP, while Core i5-4210U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-4210U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-860S better than Core i5-4210U?

Yes. Core i7-860S is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 5.6% average FPS lead across 37 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.3% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-860S is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 5.6% more average FPS across 37 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-860S is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% 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 i7-860S is the better buy right now. Core i7-860S comes in at an unclear MSRP at $299 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 5.6% average FPS lead across 37 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (7.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-4210U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-4210U vs Core i7-860S Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-4210U

The Core i5-4210U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 April 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.7 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,316 points. Launch price was $281.

Core i7-860S

The Core i7-860S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.53 GHz, with boost up to 3.46 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 82 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,324 points. Launch price was $422.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-4210U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-860S offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-860S has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Core i5-4210U versus 3.46 GHz on the Core i7-860S — a 24.7% clock advantage for the Core i7-860S (base: 1.7 GHz vs 2.53 GHz). The Core i5-4210U uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-860S uses Lynnfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4210U scores 2,316 against the Core i7-860S's 2,324 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i7-860S. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 763 vs 451, a 51.4% lead for the Core i5-4210U that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-4210U vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-860S.

Feature	Core i5-4210U	Core i7-860S
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	2.7 GHz	3.46 GHz+28%
Base Clock	1.7 GHz	2.53 GHz+49%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+167%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm-51%	45 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Lynnfield (2009−2010)
PassMark	2,316	2,324
Geekbench 6 Single	763+69%	451
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,332

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4210U uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-860S uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3L-1600 on the Core i5-4210U versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i7-860S — the Core i5-4210U supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 16 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 12 (Core i5-4210U) vs 16 (Core i7-860S) — the Core i7-860S offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: HM86,HM87,QM87 (Core i5-4210U) and P55,H55,H57,Q57 (Core i7-860S).

Feature	Core i5-4210U	Core i7-860S
Socket	FCBGA1168	LGA1156
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L-1600+20%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	12	16+33%

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Advanced Features

Virtualization support: VT-x, EPT (Core i5-4210U) vs Yes (Core i7-860S). The Core i5-4210U includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4400), while the Core i7-860S requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4210U targets Thin & Light Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-4210U rivals A8-6410.