
Core i7-10870H vs Core i5-10600KF

Core i7-10870H

Core i5-10600KF
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-10870H
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-10600KF
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-10870H | Core i5-10600KF |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | Balanced gaming performance | Balanced gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($417) | ✅ More affordable ($145) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Comet Lake-H (2020) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Comet Lake (2020−2025) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-10870H | Core i5-10600KF |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+189%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($417) | ✅ More affordable ($145) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i7-10870H and Core i5-10600KF

Core i7-10870H
The Core i7-10870H is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 17 September 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Comet Lake-H (2020) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 14,087 points. Launch price was $149.

Core i5-10600KF
The Core i5-10600KF is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 April 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 4.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 14,140 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
The Core i7-10870H packs 8 cores / 16 threads, while the Core i5-10600KF offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core i7-10870H has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.8 GHz on the Core i7-10870H versus 4.8 GHz on the Core i5-10600KF — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.2 GHz vs 4.1 GHz). The Core i7-10870H uses the Comet Lake-H (2020) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-10600KF uses Comet Lake (2020−2025) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-10870H scores 14,087 against the Core i5-10600KF's 14,140 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i5-10600KF. Both processors carry 12 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i7-10870H | Core i5-10600KF |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 16+33% | 6 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 4.8 GHz | 4.8 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.2 GHz | 4.1 GHz+86% |
| L3 Cache | 12 MB (total) | 12 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Comet Lake-H (2020) | Comet Lake (2020−2025) |
| PassMark | 14,087 | 14,140 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 9,594 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,228 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 6,822 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-10870H uses the BGA1440 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-10600KF uses LGA1200 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR4-2933 memory speed. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.
| Feature | Core i7-10870H | Core i5-10600KF |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA1440 | LGA1200 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2933 | DDR4-2666 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i5-10600KF has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-10870H) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-10600KF). The Core i7-10870H includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Core i5-10600KF requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-10870H targets Gaming, Core i5-10600KF targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i7-10870H rivals Ryzen 7 4800H.
| Feature | Core i7-10870H | Core i5-10600KF |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | UHD Graphics 630 | — |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Gaming | Gaming |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-10870H launched at $417 MSRP, while the Core i5-10600KF debuted at $250.
| Feature | Core i7-10870H | Core i5-10600KF |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $417 | $250-40% |
| Avg Price (30d) | — | $145 |
| Release Date | 2020 | 2020 |
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