Core i7-870 vs Core i7-875K
Core i7-870
Core i7-875K
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 i7-870 is positioned at rank 987 and the Core i7-875K is on rank 1012, so the Core i7-870 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-870
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-875K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-870 | Core i7-875K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | Balanced gaming performance | Balanced gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($80) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($175) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Lynnfield (2009−2010) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Lynnfield (2009−2010) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-870 | Core i7-875K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+118%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($80) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($175) |
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 i7-870 and Core i7-875K
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 i7-875K
The Core i7-875K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 May 2010 (15 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: 3,177 points. Launch price was $486.
Processing Power
Both the Core i7-870 and Core i7-875K share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-870 versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-875K — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.93 GHz vs 2.93 GHz). Both are built on the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture using a 45 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i7-870 scores 3,164 against the Core i7-875K's 3,177 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i7-875K. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i7-870 | Core i7-875K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 3.6 GHz | 3.6 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.93 GHz | 2.93 GHz |
| 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) | Lynnfield (2009−2010) |
| PassMark | 3,164 | 3,177 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 476 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 1,541 | — |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA1156 socket with PCIe 2.0. Both support up to DDR3-1333 memory speed. Both support up to 16 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.
| Feature | Core i7-870 | Core i7-875K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1156 | LGA1156 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB | 16 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i7-875K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-870) vs VT-x (Core i7-875K). Primary use case: Core i7-870 targets Legacy Desktop, Core i7-875K targets Desktop.
| Feature | Core i7-870 | Core i7-875K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | — |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x |
| Target Use | Legacy Desktop | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-870 launched at $300 MSRP, while the Core i7-875K debuted at $353. At current prices ($80 vs $175), the Core i7-870 is $95 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-870 delivers 39.5 pts/$ vs 18.2 pts/$ for the Core i7-875K — making the Core i7-870 the 74.2% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-870 | Core i7-875K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $300-15% | $353 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $80-54% | $175 |
| Performance per Dollar | 39.5+117% | 18.2 |
| Release Date | 2009 | 2010 |
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