CPU
GPU
Processor N250
Core i7-870S
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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-870S
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Processor N250 | Core i7-870S |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($80) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Twin Lake (2024−2025) / 10 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Lynnfield (2009−2010) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Processor N250 | Core i7-870S |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($80) |
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 Processor N250 and Core i7-870S
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.
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.
Processing Power
The Processor N250 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-870S's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Processor N250 versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-870S — a 5.4% clock advantage for the Processor N250 (base: 0.1 GHz vs 2.66 GHz). The Processor N250 uses the Twin Lake (2024−2025) architecture (10 nm), while the Core i7-870S uses Lynnfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Processor N250 scores 2,786 against the Core i7-870S's 2,765 — a 0.8% lead for the Processor N250. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Processor N250 vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-870S.
| Feature | Processor N250 | Core i7-870S |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 3.8 GHz+6% | 3.6 GHz |
| Base Clock | 0.1 GHz | 2.66 GHz+2560% |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | 8 MB (total)+33% |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (total)+700% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 10 nm-78% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Twin Lake (2024−2025) | Lynnfield (2009−2010) |
| PassMark | 2,786 | 2,765 |
Memory & Platform
The Processor N250 uses the FCBGA1264 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i7-870S uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Processor N250 | Core i7-870S |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCBGA1264 | LGA1156 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0+100% | PCIe 2.0 |
Value Analysis
The Processor N250 launched at $0 MSRP, while the Core i7-870S debuted at $300. At current prices ($0 vs $80), the Processor N250 is $80 cheaper.
| Feature | Processor N250 | Core i7-870S |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $0-100% | $300 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $0-100% | $80 |
| Performance per Dollar | — | 34.6 |
| Release Date | 2025 | 2010 |
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