Core i7-870S vs Processor N250
Core i7-870S
Processor N250
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 i7-870S is positioned at rank #1008 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 i7-870S
Performance Per Dollar
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-870S | Processor N250 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($80) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Lynnfield (2009−2010) / 45 nm) | ✨ Modern (Twin Lake (2024−2025) / 10 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-870S | Processor N250 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($80) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
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 i7-870S and Processor N250
Core i7-870S
The Core i7-870S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 July 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.66 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): 82 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,765 points. Launch price was $69.
Processor N250
The Processor N250 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Twin Lake (2024−2025) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 0.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (total). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1264. Thermal design power (TDP): 6 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 2,786 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
The Core i7-870S packs 4 cores / 8 threads, matching the Processor N250's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-870S versus 3.8 GHz on the Processor N250 — a 5.4% clock advantage for the Processor N250 (base: 2.66 GHz vs 0.1 GHz). The Core i7-870S uses the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Processor N250 uses Twin Lake (2024−2025) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-870S scores 2,765 against the Processor N250's 2,786 — a 0.8% lead for the Processor N250. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-870S vs 6 MB (total) on the Processor N250.
| Feature | Core i7-870S | Processor N250 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.6 GHz | 3.8 GHz+6% |
| Base Clock | 2.66 GHz+2560% | 0.1 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total)+33% | 6 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 2 MB (total)+700% |
| Process | 45 nm | 10 nm-78% |
| Architecture | Lynnfield (2009−2010) | Twin Lake (2024−2025) |
| PassMark | 2,765 | 2,786 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-870S uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Processor N250 uses FCBGA1264 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i7-870S | Processor N250 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1156 | FCBGA1264 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 4.0+100% |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-870S launched at $300 MSRP, while the Processor N250 debuted at $0. At current prices ($80 vs $0), the Processor N250 is $80 cheaper.
| Feature | Core i7-870S | Processor N250 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $300 | $0-100% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $80 | $0-100% |
| Performance per Dollar | 34.6 | — |
| Release Date | 2010 | 2025 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i7-870S and Processor N250
