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 i7-880 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 May 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.06 GHz, with boost up to 3.73 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: 3,429 points. Launch price was $583.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core i7-880 is positioned at rank #1064 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 i7-880

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

53013%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

50092%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

36371%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

10957%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

8679%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

7593%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

4349%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

4292%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

3908%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

3907%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

3864%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

3760%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

3707%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

3692%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

3659%

#1064

Core i7-880

MSRP: $583|Avg: $40

100%

#1065

Pentium D 820

MSRP: $241|Avg: $20

100%

#1066

Celeron 2.10

MSRP: $49|Avg: $49

99%

#1067

Core i7-950

MSRP: $562|Avg: $15

98%

#1068

Sempron 3100+

MSRP: $65|Avg: $15

97%

#1069

Core 2 Duo E6750

MSRP: $183|Avg: $15

96%

#1070

Athlon II X4 635

MSRP: $400|Avg: $250

96%

#1071

Core i7-940

MSRP: $562|Avg: $90

92%

#1072

Celeron 2.40

MSRP: $69|Avg: $13

85%

#1073

Sempron 2800+

MSRP: $65|Avg: $29

84%

#1074

Athlon 64 3100+

MSRP: $100|Avg: $15

81%

#1075

Sempron 3600+

MSRP: $105|Avg: $20

79%

#1076

Celeron 2.80

MSRP: $100|Avg: $15

73%

#1077

Athlon 64 X2 6000+

MSRP: $450|Avg: $20

69%

#1078

Athlon 64 3600+

MSRP: $149|Avg: $15

68%

#1079

Core 2 Quad Q6700

MSRP: $530|Avg: $50

67%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i7-880 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i7-880 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i7-880 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 3.73 GHz from a base frequency of 3.06 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 3,429, 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 507, while multi-core reaches 1,478.

Specification	Core i7-880
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 8T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.73 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.06 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	3,429
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	507
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	1,478

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-880 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 i7-880
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 i7-880
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	Yes

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i7-880 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. It ships with the Yes stock cooler.

Specification	Core i7-880
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	95 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	73 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	Yes

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $40 (MSRP: $583), the Core i7-880 delivers 86 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #1064 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2129 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i7-880
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$583
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$40
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$583
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#1064
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2129
Release DateLaunch date	30 May 2010 (15 years ago)
Release Year	2010
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel