Core i7-870S vs Xeon X3440

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 i7-870S vs Xeon X3440 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 i7-870S vs Xeon X3440: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i7-870S

2010

Why buy it

✅Draws 82W instead of 95W, a 13W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,765 vs 2,769).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 9.2 vs 12.9 PassMark/$ ($300 MSRP vs $215 MSRP).

Xeon X3440

2009

Why buy it

✅+0.1% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $85 less on MSRP ($215 MSRP vs $300 MSRP).
✅Delivers 39.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 12.9 vs 9.2 PassMark/$ ($215 MSRP vs $300 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌15.9% higher power demand at 95W vs 82W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-870S better than Xeon X3440?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon X3440 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-870S is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon X3440 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-870S is still the faster CPU overall, but Xeon X3440 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i7-870S comes in 39.5% more expensive on MSRP at $300 MSRP versus $215 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Xeon X3440 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.1% better PassMark. Xeon X3440 is also 39.7% better value on MSRP (12.9 vs 9.2 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.

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

Core i7-870S makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-870S vs Xeon X3440 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

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.

Xeon X3440

The Xeon X3440 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 2.53 GHz, with boost up to 2.93 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: DDR3-800, DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 2,769 points. Launch price was $215.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-870S and Xeon X3440 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-870S versus 2.93 GHz on the Xeon X3440 — a 20.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-870S (base: 2.66 GHz vs 2.53 GHz). Both are built on the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture using a 45 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i7-870S scores 2,765 against the Xeon X3440's 2,769 — a 0.1% lead for the Xeon X3440. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i7-870S	Xeon X3440
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz+23%	2.93 GHz
Base Clock	2.66 GHz+5%	2.53 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	2,765	2,769

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1156 socket with PCIe 2.0.

Feature	Core i7-870S	Xeon X3440
Socket	LGA1156	LGA1156
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-870S was priced at $300, while the Xeon X3440 came in at $215. On launch pricing ($300 vs $215), Xeon X3440 was $85 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-870S delivers 9.2 pts/$ vs 12.9 pts/$ for the Xeon X3440 — making the Xeon X3440 the 33.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-870S	Xeon X3440
MSRP	$300	$215-28%
Performance per Dollar	9.2	12.9+40%
Release Date	2010	2009

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