Core i7-870 vs Core i7-875K

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 i7-875K 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 i7-875K: 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

✅Costs $53 less on MSRP ($300 MSRP vs $353 MSRP).
✅Delivers 17.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 10.5 vs 9.0 PassMark/$ ($300 MSRP vs $353 MSRP).
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Stock), unlike Core i7-875K.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,164 vs 3,177).

Core i7-875K

2010

Why buy it

✅+0.4% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 9.0 vs 10.5 PassMark/$ ($353 MSRP vs $300 MSRP).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i7-870.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-875K better than Core i7-870?

Yes. Core i7-875K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you 0.4% better PassMark and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

For gaming, this matchup is basically a tie in the data we have.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-875K is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-875K is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-875K comes in 17.7% more expensive on MSRP at $353 MSRP versus $300 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.4% higher PassMark. Core i7-870 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2009 platform. Even with 17.2% better value on paper (10.5 vs 9.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1156.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i7-875K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2009) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 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 i7-875K 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 i7-875K

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.

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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	—

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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	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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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

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-870 was priced at $300, while the Core i7-875K came in at $353. On launch pricing ($300 vs $353), Core i7-870 was $53 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-870 delivers 10.5 pts/$ vs 9.0 pts/$ for the Core i7-875K — making the Core i7-870 the 15.8% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-870	Core i7-875K
MSRP	$300-15%	$353
Performance per Dollar	10.5+17%	9.0
Release Date	2009	2010

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