Core i7-870 vs Core i7-5557U

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 i7-5557U 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 i7-5557U: 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: +6.7% 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.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Stock), unlike Core i7-5557U.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $300 MSRP, while Core i7-5557U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Core i7-5557U

2015

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-870 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (3,153 vs 3,164).
❌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 i7-5557U?

Yes. Core i7-870 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 6.7% 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 i7-870 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 6.7% 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 i7-870 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB).

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 $300 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 6.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (10.5 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i7-5557U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-870 vs Core i7-5557U 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 i7-5557U

The Core i7-5557U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 March 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell-U (2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,153 points. Launch price was $426.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-870 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i7-5557U 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 3.4 GHz on the Core i7-5557U — a 5.7% clock advantage for the Core i7-870 (base: 2.93 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Core i7-870 uses the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i7-5557U uses Broadwell-U (2015) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-870 scores 3,164 against the Core i7-5557U's 3,153 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i7-870. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-870 vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-5557U.

Feature	Core i7-870	Core i7-5557U
Cores / Threads	4 / 8+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz+6%	3.4 GHz
Base Clock	2.93 GHz	3.1 GHz+6%
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)+100%	4 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	45 nm	14 nm-69%
Architecture	Lynnfield (2009−2010)	Broadwell-U (2015)
PassMark	3,164	3,153
Geekbench 6 Single	476	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,541	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-870 uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-5557U uses FCBGA1168 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-870	Core i7-5557U
Socket	LGA1156	FCBGA1168
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	—
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—