Core i7-870 vs FX-4320
Core i7-870
FX-4320
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 FX-4320 is on rank 950, so the FX-4320 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 FX-4320
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-870 | FX-4320 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($80) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($100) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Lynnfield (2009−2010) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Vishera (2012−2015) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-870 | FX-4320 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+26%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($80) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($100) |
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 FX-4320
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.
FX-4320
The FX-4320 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 23 October 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Vishera (2012−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 4 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 4096 kB. L2 cache: 4096 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 3,150 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
The Core i7-870 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, matching the FX-4320's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-870 versus 4.1 GHz on the FX-4320 — a 13% clock advantage for the FX-4320 (base: 2.93 GHz vs 4 GHz). The Core i7-870 uses the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the FX-4320 uses Vishera (2012−2015) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-870 scores 3,164 against the FX-4320's 3,150 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i7-870. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-870 vs 4096 kB on the FX-4320.
| Feature | Core i7-870 | FX-4320 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.6 GHz | 4.1 GHz+14% |
| Base Clock | 2.93 GHz | 4 GHz+37% |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total)+100% | 4096 kB |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 4096 kB+1500% |
| Process | 45 nm | 32 nm-29% |
| Architecture | Lynnfield (2009−2010) | Vishera (2012−2015) |
| PassMark | 3,164 | 3,150 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 476 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 1,541 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-870 uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the FX-4320 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i7-870 | FX-4320 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1156 | AM3+ |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | — |
| ECC Support | ❌ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-870) / not specified (FX-4320). Primary use case: Core i7-870 targets Legacy Desktop.
| Feature | Core i7-870 | FX-4320 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | — |
| IGPU Model | None | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | — |
| Target Use | Legacy Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-870 launched at $300 MSRP, while the FX-4320 debuted at $250. At current prices ($80 vs $100), the Core i7-870 is $20 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-870 delivers 39.5 pts/$ vs 31.5 pts/$ for the FX-4320 — making the Core i7-870 the 22.7% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-870 | FX-4320 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $300 | $250-17% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $80-20% | $100 |
| Performance per Dollar | 39.5+25% | 31.5 |
| Release Date | 2009 | 2012 |
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