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 i7-870S 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.

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.

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 i7-870S

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

33809%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

31946%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

23195%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

6988%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

5535%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

4842%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

2773%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

2737%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

2492%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

2492%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

2464%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

2398%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

2364%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

2355%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

2333%

#1008

Core i7-870S

MSRP: $300|Avg: $80

100%

#1009

Core 2 Duo E6540

MSRP: $163|Avg: $15

99%

#1010

Celeron 430

MSRP: $49|Avg: $10

99%

#1011

Athlon X2 BE-2300

MSRP: $100|Avg: $80

98%

#1012

Core i7-875K

MSRP: $353|Avg: $175

98%

#1013

Core i5-670

MSRP: $284|Avg: $100

98%

#1014

Core i5-680

MSRP: $294|Avg: $10

97%

#1015

Core 2 Duo E4300

MSRP: $113|Avg: $5

96%

#1017

Core 2 Duo E4500

MSRP: $133|Avg: $10

95%

#1019

Core 2 Duo E7600

MSRP: $133|Avg: $50

94%

#1020

Core i7-3970X

MSRP: $990|Avg: $60

94%

#1021

Core 2 Duo E8700

MSRP: $256|Avg: $30

94%

#1022

Core 2 Duo E6550

MSRP: $163|Avg: $20

93%

#1023

Phenom X3 8450

MSRP: $145|Avg: $147

91%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i7-870S across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i7-870S specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i7-870S 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 3.6 GHz from a base frequency of 2.66 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 2,765, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core i7-870S
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 8T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.6 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.66 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	2,765

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-870S fits into the LGA1156 socket and supports PCIe 2.0. It supports DDR3 memory.

Specification	Core i7-870S
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 i7-870S 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.

Specification	Core i7-870S
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	82 Watt

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $80 (MSRP: $300), the Core i7-870S delivers 35 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #1008 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2305 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i7-870S
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$300
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$80
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$69
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#1008
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2305
Release DateLaunch date	19 July 2010 (15 years ago)
Release Year	2010
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel