CPU Comparison
Core i7-860S vs Intel Core i5-750
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.
Four cores help with basic multitasking but modern productivity apps will feel sluggish.
Gaming
Can play older games fine, but bottlenecks modern GPUs.
With a discrete GPU, can handle older games but cannot run modern titles at acceptable frame rates due to CPU limitations.
Virtualization
Good for basic home labs and VMs.
Four real cores provide usable virtualization for lightweight VMs.
Efficiency
Decent efficiency for 45nm, better than standard Lynnfield.
95W for four 45nm cores is inefficient by modern standards.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration
- Too slow for modern AI tasks
- No AI acceleration instructions
- Far too slow for any ML workload
Content Creation
Gaming
- PCIe 2.0 only
- Requires discrete GPU
- Lacks AVX instructions
- Cannot run modern AAA games at playable frame rates
- With a capable discrete GPU, older titles (pre-2015) run adequately
- The 2.666GHz base clock is a significant bottleneck
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
- Four real cores provided strong 2009-era performance
- 8MB L3 cache was generous for the price
- Turbo boost significantly improved single-threaded performance
- Excellent value that redefined mainstream desktop pricing
- Overclockable via BCLK with good headroom
Cons
- No Hyper-Threading limits multi-threaded vs i7 Lynnfield
- No integrated graphics requires a discrete GPU
- 45nm process is obsolete
- No AVX instruction support
- LGA 1156 platform is dead with no upgrade path
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 i5-750
- AMD Phenom II X4 965Rival
Quad-Core Desktop
- AMD Phenom II X4 955Rival
Quad-Core Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-920Rival
High-End Desktop
- AMD Phenom II X6 1055TRival
Six-Core Desktop
- Intel Core 2 Quad Q9650Rival
Legacy Quad-Core
- Intel Core i7-860Alt
Eight threads via Hyper-Threading for better multi-threaded performance.
Higher clock speed on the same platform for a small premium.
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 landmark processor that offered excellent quad-core value in 2009-2010. Completely obsolete today but historically significant as the processor that established the Core i5 brand.
Best for: Keeping an existing LGA 1156 Lynnfield system functional for light tasks
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-860S or Intel Core i5-750?
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 i5-750?
For gaming, the Core i7-860S leads with a gaming performance score of 35/100 among Core i7-860S and Intel Core i5-750.
Which uses less power?
The Core i7-860S has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i7-860S (82 W), Intel Core i5-750 (95 W).
Do Core i7-860S and Intel Core i5-750 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-860S: Intel Socket 1156, Intel Core i5-750: LGA 1156), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-750 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-750 (6,750). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.