CPU Comparison
Core i7-860S vs Core i7-870S
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-860S is a low-power desktop processor launched in January 2010, based on the 45nm Lynnfield architecture. Designed for users seeking quad-core performance with tighter thermal constraints, it operates at a base frequency of 2.533 GHz and can boost up to 3.466 GHz using Intel Turbo Boost technology. It features 4 cores and 8 threads, aided by an 8 MB L3 cache. The 'S' suffix denotes a lower 82W TDP compared to the standard 95W of the i7-860, making it suitable for smaller form factor builds and home theater PCs. It utilizes the LGA 1156 socket and supports dual-channel DDR3 memory. Unlike Clarkdale, Lynnfield lacks an integrated GPU, requiring a discrete graphics card. Although obsolete today, the 860S represented an early effort by Intel to segment its lineup based on power efficiency, offering a compelling balance of performance and lower heat output for its era.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Sufficient for basic office work and web browsing.
Slightly faster than 860S due to higher turbo.
Gaming
Can play older games fine, but bottlenecks modern GPUs.
Good for legacy games but bottlenecks modern hardware.
Virtualization
Good for basic home labs and VMs.
Solid for legacy home labs.
Efficiency
Decent efficiency for 45nm, better than standard Lynnfield.
Good efficiency for 45nm, better than standard 870.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration
- Too slow for modern AI tasks
- No AI hardware
- Unsuitable for modern AI
Content Creation
Gaming
- PCIe 2.0 only
- Requires discrete GPU
- Lacks AVX instructions
- Requires discrete GPU
- PCIe 2.0 only
- Lacks AVX
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Lower 82W TDP
- Good turbo boost headroom
- 8MB L3 cache
- Quad-core with HT
Cons
- Obsolete platform
- No integrated graphics
- Locked multiplier
- DDR3 only
Pros
- 82W low TDP
- High 3.6 GHz turbo
- 8MB L3 cache
- Quad-core with HT
Cons
- Very rare and expensive
- Obsolete platform
- No integrated graphics
- Locked multiplier
Competitors & Alternatives
Core i7-860S
- AMD Phenom II X4 905eRival
Desktop Low-Power
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-750SRival
Desktop Low-Power
- Intel Core i7-860Rival
Desktop Mainstream
- Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550SRival
Legacy Low-Power
- AMD Phenom II X4 945Rival
Desktop Mainstream
- Intel Core i7-870SAlt
Slightly faster low-power variant.
Cheaper, similar performance in non-threaded apps.
Compare head-to-headVastly superior Sandy Bridge alternative.
Compare head-to-head
Core i7-870S
- AMD Phenom II X4 905eRival
Desktop Low-Power
- Intel Core i7-860SRival
Desktop Low-Power
- Intel Core i7-870Rival
Desktop High-End
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-750SRival
Desktop Low-Power
- AMD Phenom II X4 945Rival
Desktop Mainstream
- Intel Core i7-875KAlt
Unlocked alternative if overclocking is desired.
Vastly superior Sandy Bridge alternative.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A smart, energy-efficient Lynnfield chip for compact builds, though completely obsolete for modern use.
Best for: Repairing a legacy SFF LGA 1156 PC.
Read the full reviewA solid low-power Lynnfield chip, but overpriced and niche compared to the standard i7-870.
Best for: Repairing a premium 2010 AIO PC.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is faster for gaming, Core i7-860S or Core i7-870S?
For gaming, the Core i7-870S leads with a gaming performance score of 36/100 among Core i7-860S and Core i7-870S.
Do Core i7-860S and Core i7-870S use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel Socket 1156 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.