Core i7-870 vs FX-4350
Core i7-870
FX-4350
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-4350 is on rank 660, so the FX-4350 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-4350
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-870 | FX-4350 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($80) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($140) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Lynnfield (2009−2010) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Vishera (2012−2015) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-870 | FX-4350 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+74%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($80) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($140) |
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-4350
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-4350
The FX-4350 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 29 April 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Vishera (2012−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 4.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 GHz. L2 cache: 4096 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,184 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
The Core i7-870 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, matching the FX-4350's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-870 versus 4.3 GHz on the FX-4350 — a 17.7% clock advantage for the FX-4350 (base: 2.93 GHz vs 4.2 GHz). The Core i7-870 uses the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the FX-4350 uses Vishera (2012−2015) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-870 scores 3,164 against the FX-4350's 3,184 — a 0.6% lead for the FX-4350. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 476 vs 504, a 5.7% lead for the FX-4350 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 1,541 vs 1,289 (17.8% advantage for the Core i7-870).
| Feature | Core i7-870 | FX-4350 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.6 GHz | 4.3 GHz+19% |
| Base Clock | 2.93 GHz | 4.2 GHz+43% |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total) | — |
| 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 | 3,184 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 476 | 504+6% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 1,541+20% | 1,289 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-870 uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the FX-4350 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1333 memory speed. The FX-4350 supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 66.7% 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 AMD 970,990X,990FX (FX-4350).
| Feature | Core i7-870 | FX-4350 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1156 | AM3+ |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | DDR3-1866 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB | 32 GB+100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Only the FX-4350 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-870) vs AMD-V (FX-4350). Primary use case: Core i7-870 targets Legacy Desktop, FX-4350 targets Gaming.
| Feature | Core i7-870 | FX-4350 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | — |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | AMD-V |
| Target Use | Legacy Desktop | Gaming |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-870 launched at $300 MSRP, while the FX-4350 debuted at $122. At current prices ($80 vs $140), the Core i7-870 is $60 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-870 delivers 39.5 pts/$ vs 22.7 pts/$ for the FX-4350 — making the Core i7-870 the 54% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-870 | FX-4350 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $300 | $122-59% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $80-43% | $140 |
| Performance per Dollar | 39.5+74% | 22.7 |
| Release Date | 2009 | 2013 |
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