Core i7-860 vs PRO A10-8770E

Intel

Core i7-860

4 Cores8 Thrd95 WWMax: 3.46 GHz2009
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

PRO A10-8770E

4 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 3.5 GHz2016
Similar parts
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Core i7-860 vs PRO A10-8770E Performance Spectrum

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.

Core i7-860 vs PRO A10-8770E 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 PRO A10-8770E: 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

  • Better for gaming: +3.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Costs $111 less on MSRP ($284 MSRP vs $395 MSRP).
  • Delivers 39.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 10.6 vs 7.6 PassMark/$ ($284 MSRP vs $395 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • 171.4% higher power demand at 95W vs 35W.

PRO A10-8770E

2016

Why buy it

  • Draws 35W instead of 95W, a 60W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-860 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (3,001 vs 3,011).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.6 vs 10.6 PassMark/$ ($395 MSRP vs $284 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-860 better than PRO A10-8770E?
Yes. Core i7-860 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.9% average FPS lead across 50 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 i7-860 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.9% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-860 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% 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 $111 cheaper on MSRP at $284 MSRP versus $395 MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 39.5% better value on MSRP (10.6 vs 7.6 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper. That said, if you already own a compatible AM4 + DDR4 setup, PRO A10-8770E can still make sense as a platform-matched option because it avoids a motherboard and RAM swap, but on MSRP alone you would want to find it meaningfully cheaper in real-world listings before that path becomes easy to justify.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
PRO A10-8770E makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-860 vs PRO A10-8770E Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

AMD

PRO A10-8770E

The PRO A10-8770E is manufactured by AMD. It was released in Outubro 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Carrizo (2015−2018) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L2 cache: 2048 kB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 3,001 points. Launch price was $69.

Processing Power

The Core i7-860 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, matching the PRO A10-8770E's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.46 GHz on the Core i7-860 versus 3.5 GHz on the PRO A10-8770E — a 1.1% clock advantage for the PRO A10-8770E (base: 2.8 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i7-860 uses the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the PRO A10-8770E uses Carrizo (2015−2018) (28 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-860 scores 3,011 against the PRO A10-8770E's 3,001 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i7-860.

FeatureCore i7-860PRO A10-8770E
Cores / Threads
4 / 8
4 / 4
Boost Clock
3.46 GHz
3.5 GHz+1%
Base Clock
2.8 GHz
2.8 GHz
L3 Cache
8 MB (total)
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
2048 kB+700%
Process
45 nm
28 nm-38%
Architecture
Lynnfield (2009−2010)
Carrizo (2015−2018)
PassMark
3,011
3,001
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-860 uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the PRO A10-8770E uses AM4 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i7-860PRO A10-8770E
Socket
LGA1156
AM4
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 3.0+50%
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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-860 was priced at $284, while the PRO A10-8770E came in at $395. On launch pricing ($284 vs $395), Core i7-860 was $111 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-860 delivers 10.6 pts/$ vs 7.6 pts/$ for the PRO A10-8770E — making the Core i7-860 the 33% better value option.

FeatureCore i7-860PRO A10-8770E
MSRP
$284-28%
$395
Performance per Dollar
10.6+39%
7.6
Release Date
2009
2016

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