CPU
GPU
Core i7-2715QE
A10-7860K
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. The Core i7-2715QE is positioned at rank 1118 and the A10-7860K is on rank 392, so the A10-7860K offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-2715QE
Performance Per Dollar A10-7860K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-2715QE | A10-7860K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($50) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($117) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Godaveri (2014−2016) / 28 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-2715QE | A10-7860K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+133%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($50) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($117) |
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 i7-2715QE and A10-7860K
Core i7-2715QE
The Core i7-2715QE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: unknown Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 3,221 points. Launch price was $378.
A10-7860K
The A10-7860K is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Godaveri (2014−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L2 cache: 4096 kB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 3,237 points. Launch price was $130.
Processing Power
The Core i7-2715QE packs 4 cores / 8 threads, matching the A10-7860K's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Core i7-2715QE versus 4 GHz on the A10-7860K — a 28.6% clock advantage for the A10-7860K (base: 2.1 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i7-2715QE uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the A10-7860K uses Godaveri (2014−2016) (28 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-2715QE scores 3,221 against the A10-7860K's 3,237 — a 0.5% lead for the A10-7860K. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 587 vs 450, a 26.4% lead for the Core i7-2715QE that directly translates to higher frame rates.
| Feature | Core i7-2715QE | A10-7860K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3 GHz | 4 GHz+33% |
| Base Clock | 2.1 GHz | 3.6 GHz+71% |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | — |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 4096 kB+1500% |
| Process | 32 nm | 28 nm-13% |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Godaveri (2014−2016) |
| PassMark | 3,221 | 3,237 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 587+30% | 450 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-2715QE uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the A10-7860K uses FM2+ (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1600 memory speed. The A10-7860K supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: QM67,HM65 (Core i7-2715QE) and A55,A68H,A75,A78,A85X,A88X (A10-7860K).
| Feature | Core i7-2715QE | A10-7860K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA1023 | FM2+ |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1600 | DDR3-2133 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB | 64 GB+300% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Only the A10-7860K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-2715QE) vs AMD-V (A10-7860K). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 3000 (Core i7-2715QE) and Radeon R7 (A10-7860K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-2715QE targets Embedded/Industrial, A10-7860K targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i7-2715QE rivals Embedded R-Series; A10-7860K rivals Core i3-6100.
| Feature | Core i7-2715QE | A10-7860K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 3000 | Radeon R7 |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | AMD-V |
| Target Use | Embedded/Industrial | Budget |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-2715QE launched at $378 MSRP, while the A10-7860K debuted at $117.
| Feature | Core i7-2715QE | A10-7860K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $378 | $117-69% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $50 | — |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2016 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i7-2715QE and A10-7860K
