Core i7-860 vs Core i7-940

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 i7-860 vs Core i7-940 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 i7-860 vs Core i7-940: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-860

2009

Why buy it

✅Costs $278 less on MSRP ($284 MSRP vs $562 MSRP).
✅Delivers 96.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 10.6 vs 5.4 PassMark/$ ($284 MSRP vs $562 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,011 vs 3,029).
❌9400% higher power demand at 95W vs 1W.

Core i7-940

2008

Why buy it

✅+0.6% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 1W instead of 95W, a 94W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (36 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 5.4 vs 10.6 PassMark/$ ($562 MSRP vs $284 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-860 better than Core i7-940?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-860 is ahead with a 0.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-940 pulls ahead with 0.6% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-940 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-860 is the better buy right now. Core i7-860 comes in $278 cheaper on MSRP at $284 MSRP versus $562 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i7-940 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.6% better PassMark. It is also 96.7% better value on MSRP (10.6 vs 5.4 PassMark/$), 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 i7-860 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2009 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-860 vs Core i7-940 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-860

The Core i7-860 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 2.8 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): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,011 points. Launch price was $229.

Core i7-940

The Core i7-940 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Novembro 2008 (17 years ago). It is based on the Bloomfield (2008−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.93 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,029 points. Launch price was $299.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-860 and Core i7-940 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.46 GHz on the Core i7-860 versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i7-940 — a 7.8% clock advantage for the Core i7-860 (base: 2.8 GHz vs 2.93 GHz). The Core i7-860 uses the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i7-940 uses Bloomfield (2008−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-860 scores 3,011 against the Core i7-940's 3,029 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i7-940. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i7-860	Core i7-940
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.46 GHz+8%	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	2.8 GHz	2.93 GHz+5%
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	45 nm	45 nm
Architecture	Lynnfield (2009−2010)	Bloomfield (2008−2010)
PassMark	3,011	3,029

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-860 uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-940 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-860	Core i7-940
Socket	LGA1156	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR3-1066
Max RAM Capacity	—	24 GB
RAM Channels	—	3
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	36

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i7-860) / VT-x (Core i7-940). Primary use case: Core i7-940 targets Desktop.

Feature	Core i7-860	Core i7-940
Integrated GPU	—	No
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	VT-x
Target Use	—	Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-860 was priced at $284, while the Core i7-940 came in at $562. On launch pricing ($284 vs $562), Core i7-860 was $278 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-860 delivers 10.6 pts/$ vs 5.4 pts/$ for the Core i7-940 — making the Core i7-860 the 65.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-860	Core i7-940
MSRP	$284-49%	$562
Performance per Dollar	10.6+96%	5.4
Release Date	2009	2008

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