CPU Comparison
Core i7-860S vs Intel Core i5-2400S
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.
Handles basic office tasks but struggles with heavy spreadsheets or modern web apps.
Gaming
Can play older games fine, but bottlenecks modern GPUs.
Cannot handle modern AAA games, even at lowest settings.
Virtualization
Good for basic home labs and VMs.
Can run a basic NAS OS or light VM, but limited by 4 threads.
Efficiency
Decent efficiency for 45nm, better than standard Lynnfield.
Good power-to-core ratio for the 32nm era.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration
- Too slow for modern AI tasks
- No AI hardware capabilities
- Too slow for practical machine learning inference
Content Creation
Gaming
- PCIe 2.0 only
- Requires discrete GPU
- Lacks AVX instructions
- HD 2000 graphics lack driver support for modern titles
- Even with a discrete GPU, CPU bottlenecks severely
- Playable only in legacy esports like CS 1.6
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
- True quad-core CPU
- Low 65W power draw
- Cool and quiet operation
- Full 6 MB L3 cache
Cons
- No Hyper-Threading
- Low clock speeds
- Outdated HD 2000 graphics
- Not Windows 11 compatible
- 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
Intel Core i5-2400S
- AMD Phenom II X4 960TRival
Desktop
- AMD FX-4100Rival
Desktop
- AMD A8-3800Rival
Desktop APU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-2390TRival
Desktop
- Intel Core i3-2125Rival
Desktop
Standard power, faster clocks for tower PCs.
Compare head-to-headSame power, better integrated graphics.
Compare head-to-head- AMD FX-4300Alt
Slightly newer platform with more upgrade paths.
- Intel Core i7-2600SAlt
Same 65W TDP but adds Hyper-Threading.
- Intel Xeon E3-1235Alt
Similar specs with better graphics, though 80W TDP.
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 power-efficient quad-core chip that is now strictly relegated to keeping legacy small form factor office PCs operational.
Best for: Direct replacement for a failed CPU in a Dell Optiplex SFF
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-860S or Intel Core i5-2400S?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-860S comes out ahead with a score of 7/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Core i7-860S or Intel Core i5-2400S?
For gaming, the Core i7-860S leads with a gaming performance score of 35/100 among Core i7-860S and Intel Core i5-2400S.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-2400S has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i7-860S (82 W), Intel Core i5-2400S (65 W).
Do Core i7-860S and Intel Core i5-2400S use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-860S: Intel Socket 1156, Intel Core i5-2400S: LGA 1155), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-2400S posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-2400S (2,400). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.