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. 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

#814

Phenom X4 9100e

MSRP: $200|Avg: $35

112%

#815

Athlon II X3 425e

MSRP: $79|Avg: $58

112%

#816

Celeron 2.60

MSRP: $53|Avg: $10

111%

#817

Core i7-9700T

MSRP: $323|Avg: $276

111%

#818

Athlon X4 740

MSRP: $71|Avg: $71

108%

#819

Core i9-13900TE

MSRP: $554|Avg: $554

108%

#820

Core i5-655K

MSRP: $216|Avg: $55

106%

#821

Ryzen Embedded V2546

MSRP: $300|Avg: $300

105%

#822

Core i7-920

MSRP: $284|Avg: $79

105%

#823

Phenom II X3 700e

MSRP: $125|Avg: $40

105%

#824

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7945WX

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $1399

103%

#825

A4-3420

MSRP: $65|Avg: $30

103%

#826

Core i5-6440EQ

MSRP: $250|Avg: $150

103%

#827

Core i7-6700TE

MSRP: $303|Avg: $175

103%

#828

Core i3-6100TE

MSRP: $250|Avg: $90

101%

#829

Core i7-870S

MSRP: $300|Avg: $80

100%

#830

Core i3-9100HL

MSRP: $225|Avg: $100

100%

#831

Core i9-12900TE

MSRP: $494|Avg: $664

100%

#832

Athlon XP 2600+

MSRP: $98|Avg: $10

98%

#833

Athlon 64 X2 5000+

MSRP: $136|Avg: $42

98%

#834

Core i7-940

MSRP: $562|Avg: $90

97%

#835

Ryzen 7 5800X3D

MSRP: $449|Avg: $849.99

96%

#836

Athlon 64 FX-74

MSRP: $499|Avg: $50

96%

#837

Core i9-9940X

MSRP: $1387|Avg: $850

96%

#838

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

MSRP: $1899|Avg: $1836

95%

#839

Celeron 2.30

MSRP: $100|Avg: $10

94%

#840

Core i3-7102E

MSRP: $225|Avg: $80

94%

#841

Ryzen Embedded V1756B

MSRP: $250|Avg: $250

94%

#842

Core i3-7300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $128

94%

#843

Pentium E2220

MSRP: $32|Avg: $32

93%

#844

Celeron G465

MSRP: $70|Avg: $37

93%

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. 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
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

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	$69
Manufacturer	Intel
Release Date	19 July 2010 (15 years ago)
Architecture Codename	Lynnfield (2009−2010)
Performance Ranking Position	2305

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	3.6 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	2.66 GHz
Transistor Count	774 million
Process Technology	45 nm
Windows 11 Compatible	-