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 i7-860S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2010 (15 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 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): 82 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,324 points. Launch price was $422.

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.

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 i7-860S

#885

Celeron 2.40

MSRP: $69|Avg: $13

110%

#886

Pentium 4 2.53

MSRP: $193|Avg: $13

110%

#887

Ryzen Embedded R2312

MSRP: $150|Avg: $150

109%

#888

Ryzen Threadripper 7980X

MSRP: $4999|Avg: $5200

108%

#889

Core i3-3220

MSRP: $117|Avg: $88

107%

#890

Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX

MSRP: $1799|Avg: $1247

106%

#891

Core i5-670

MSRP: $284|Avg: $100

105%

#892

Core i7-5930K

MSRP: $583|Avg: $410

104%

#893

Phenom II X3 720

MSRP: $130|Avg: $64

103%

#894

Sempron 3100+

MSRP: $65|Avg: $15

102%

#895

Core i7-3770S

MSRP: $250|Avg: $250

102%

#896

A10 PRO-7850B

MSRP: $426|Avg: $140

102%

#897

Pentium G4620

MSRP: $86|Avg: $154

101%

#898

Core i3-4370T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $138

101%

#899

Sempron 3600+

MSRP: $105|Avg: $20

100%

#900

Core i7-860S

MSRP: $299|Avg: $96

100%

#901

Pentium E6600

MSRP: $84|Avg: $50

99%

#902

Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX

MSRP: $1299|Avg: $1300

98%

#903

Core 2 Duo E7600

MSRP: $133|Avg: $50

95%

#904

Pentium G620T

MSRP: $64|Avg: $90

94%

#905

A12-9800E

MSRP: $426|Avg: $150

94%

#906

FX-4350

MSRP: $122|Avg: $140

94%

#907

Athlon II X4 641

MSRP: $102|Avg: $102

94%

#908

Core i7-970

MSRP: $1083|Avg: $289

94%

#909

Athlon 64 4000+

MSRP: $482|Avg: $30

93%

#910

Celeron G4920

MSRP: $52|Avg: $115

92%

#911

Pentium G2140

MSRP: $100|Avg: $95

91%

#912

Phenom II X3 705e

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $69

91%

#913

Pentium Extreme Edition 955

MSRP: $999|Avg: $50

90%

#914

Phenom II X6 1100T BE

MSRP: $265|Avg: N/A

90%

#915

Athlon XP 2500+

MSRP: $172|Avg: $15

88%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

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

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i7-860S specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i7-860S 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 2.53 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 2,324, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 451, while multi-core reaches 1,332.

Specification	Core i7-860S
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 8T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.46 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.53 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
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	2,324
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	451
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	1,332

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-860S fits into the LGA1156 socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to DDR3-1333 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 16 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth).

Specification	Core i7-860S
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA1156
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 2.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	16
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR3-1333
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	16 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	No
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	P55,H55,H57,Q57
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: Yes — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Core i7-860S
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	Yes

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i7-860S has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 82 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. It ships with the Yes stock cooler.

Specification	Core i7-860S
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	82 Watt
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	Yes

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $96 (MSRP: $299), the Core i7-860S delivers 24 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #2454 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i7-860S
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$299
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$96
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$422
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2454
Release DateLaunch date	7 January 2010 (15 years ago)
Release Year	2010
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel

Specifications Reference

Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.

4 categories

General Information

7 specs

Type	desktop
Designer	Intel
Launch Price	$422
Manufacturer	Intel
Release Date	7 January 2010 (15 years ago)
Architecture Codename	Lynnfield (2009−2010)
Performance Ranking Position	2454

Technical Specifications

13 specs

Cores	4
Threads	8
Die Size	296 mm2
L1 Cache	64 kB (per core)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)
Bus Speed	2.5 GT/s
Max Frequency	3.46 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	2.53 GHz
Transistor Count	774 million
Process Technology	45 nm
Windows 11 Compatible	-