Core i7-870 vs FX-770K
Core i7-870
FX-770K
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. The Core i7-870 is positioned at rank #987 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-870
Performance Per Dollar
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-870 | FX-770K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($80) | ✅ More affordable ($59) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Lynnfield (2009−2010) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Kaveri (2014−2015) / 28 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-870 | FX-770K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+36%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($80) | ✅ More affordable ($59) |
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-770K
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-770K
The FX-770K is manufactured by AMD. It was released in Dezembro 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Kaveri (2014−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 3,172 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
The Core i7-870 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, matching the FX-770K's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-870 versus 3.9 GHz on the FX-770K — a 8% clock advantage for the FX-770K (base: 2.93 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core i7-870 uses the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the FX-770K uses Kaveri (2014−2015) (28 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-870 scores 3,164 against the FX-770K's 3,172 — a 0.3% lead for the FX-770K.
| Feature | Core i7-870 | FX-770K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.6 GHz | 3.9 GHz+8% |
| Base Clock | 2.93 GHz | 3.5 GHz+19% |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total) | — |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 4 MB+1500% |
| Process | 45 nm | 28 nm-38% |
| Architecture | Lynnfield (2009−2010) | Kaveri (2014−2015) |
| PassMark | 3,164 | 3,172 |
| 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-770K uses FM2+ (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i7-870 | FX-770K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1156 | FM2+ |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| 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-770K). Primary use case: Core i7-870 targets Legacy Desktop.
| Feature | Core i7-870 | FX-770K |
|---|---|---|
| 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-770K debuted at $0. At current prices ($80 vs $59), the FX-770K is $21 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-870 delivers 39.5 pts/$ vs 53.8 pts/$ for the FX-770K — making the FX-770K the 30.5% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-870 | FX-770K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $300 | $0-100% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $80 | $59-26% |
| Performance per Dollar | 39.5 | 53.8+36% |
| Release Date | 2009 | 2014 |
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