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 i7-870 vs Core i7-4600M 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 i7-870 vs Core i7-4600M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-870

2009

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +6.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB).
✅Draws 95W instead of 512W, a 417W reduction.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Stock), unlike Core i7-4600M.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (1,541 vs 2,132).
❌Launch MSRP is still $300 MSRP, while Core i7-4600M mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-4600M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-4600M

2013

Why buy it

✅+38.4% higher Geekbench multi-core.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4600, while Core i7-870 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-870 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 8 MB).
❌438.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 95W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i7-870.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-870 better than Core i7-4600M?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-870 is ahead with a 6.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-4600M pulls ahead with 38.4% better Geekbench multi-core. Core i7-870 also has the bigger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-4600M is the stronger fit. You are getting 38.4% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i7-870 is the better buy right now. Core i7-870 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $300 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 6.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i7-4600M is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 38.4% better Geekbench multi-core. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (10.5 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i7-4600M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2009) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-870 vs Core i7-4600M Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-870

The Core i7-870 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 2.93 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 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: 3,164 points. Launch price was $305.

Core i7-4600M

The Core i7-4600M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA946. Thermal design power (TDP): 37 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,204 points. Launch price was $346.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-870 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i7-4600M offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Core i7-870 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-870 versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-4600M — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.93 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core i7-870 uses the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i7-4600M uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-870 scores 3,164 against the Core i7-4600M's 3,204 — a 1.3% lead for the Core i7-4600M. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 476 vs 1,025, a 73.2% lead for the Core i7-4600M that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 1,541 vs 2,132 (32.2% advantage for the Core i7-4600M). L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-870 vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-4600M.

Feature	Core i7-870	Core i7-4600M
Cores / Threads	4 / 8+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz	3.6 GHz
Base Clock	2.93 GHz+1%	2.9 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)+100%	4 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	45 nm	22 nm-51%
Architecture	Lynnfield (2009−2010)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	3,164	3,204+1%
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	656
Geekbench 6 Single	476	1,025+115%
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,541	2,132+38%

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-870 uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-4600M uses PGA946 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Core i7-870 versus DDR3L 1600 MHz on the Core i7-4600M — the Core i7-4600M supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-4600M supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: P55,H55,H57,Q57 (Core i7-870) and Intel HM86,Intel HM87,Intel QM87 (Core i7-4600M).

Feature	Core i7-870	Core i7-4600M
Socket	LGA1156	PGA946
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	DDR3L 1600 MHz+20%
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	32 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-870) vs true (Core i7-4600M). The Core i7-4600M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4600), while the Core i7-870 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-870 targets Legacy Desktop, Core i7-4600M targets Mobile.