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.

Overview

The Core i7-860 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 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.46 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: 3,011 points. Launch price was $229.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core i7-860 is positioned at rank #986 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i7-860

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

29407%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

27787%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

20175%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

6078%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

4814%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

4212%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

2412%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

2381%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

2168%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

2168%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

2143%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

2085%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

2056%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

2048%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

2029%

#304

Core i7-6950X

MSRP: $1723|Avg: $180

96%

#986

Core i7-860

MSRP: $284|Avg: $30

100%

#987

Core i7-870

MSRP: $300|Avg: $80

100%

#988

Athlon 64 X2 5000+

MSRP: $136|Avg: $42

99%

#989

Core i3-6102E

MSRP: $225|Avg: $35

98%

#990

Pentium Dual-Core E2160

MSRP: $84|Avg: $5

98%

#991

Pentium Dual-Core E2210

MSRP: $98|Avg: $15

97%

#992

Core 2 Duo E7500

MSRP: $113|Avg: $10

97%

#993

Core 2 Quad Q9505

MSRP: $213|Avg: $150

96%

#996

Core i7-930

MSRP: $294|Avg: $20

96%

#997

Core i7-920

MSRP: $284|Avg: $79

95%

#998

Core i7-4960X

MSRP: $990|Avg: $136

95%

#999

Pentium Dual-Core E2200

MSRP: $100|Avg: $25

93%

#1001

Core 2 Duo E4400

MSRP: $113|Avg: $20

91%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i7-860 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i7-860 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i7-860 is a 4-core / 8-thread processor based on the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture, manufactured on a 45 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.46 GHz from a base frequency of 2.8 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 8 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256 kB (per core) of L2 cache and 64 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 3,011, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core i7-860
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 8T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.46 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.8 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Lynnfield (2009−2010)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	45 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	8 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256 kB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	296 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	774 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	2.5 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	73 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	3,011

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-860 fits into the LGA1156 socket and supports PCIe 2.0. It supports DDR3 memory.

Specification	Core i7-860
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA1156
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 2.0
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i7-860 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 95 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Core i7-860
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	95 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	73 °C

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $30 (MSRP: $284), the Core i7-860 delivers 100 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #986 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2247 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i7-860
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$284
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$30
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$229
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#986
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2247
Release DateLaunch date	8 September 2009 (16 years ago)
Release Year	2009
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel