CPU Comparison
Core i7-860S vs Intel Core i5-750s
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.
Slower than the standard i5-750 in sustained multi-threaded workloads due to the 2.4GHz base.
Gaming
Can play older games fine, but bottlenecks modern GPUs.
Turbo boost helps in light gaming but the low base clock hurts in sustained loads.
Virtualization
Good for basic home labs and VMs.
Four cores help but lower clocks limit VM performance.
Efficiency
Decent efficiency for 45nm, better than standard Lynnfield.
Better efficiency than the standard i5-750 at 82W, though still poor by modern standards.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration
- Too slow for modern AI tasks
- No AI acceleration
- Far too slow for any ML workload
Content Creation
Gaming
- PCIe 2.0 only
- Requires discrete GPU
- Lacks AVX instructions
- 2.4GHz base clock is too low for modern games
- Turbo boost to 3.2GHz helps slightly in lightly threaded scenarios
- Requires a discrete GPU for any gaming
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
- Lower power consumption for small form factor builds
- Same turbo boost ceiling as standard i5-750
- Four real cores with 8MB cache
- Lower thermal output simplifies cooling
Cons
- 2.4GHz base clock was slow even in 2010
- Significant performance drop in sustained multi-threaded workloads
- No integrated graphics requires discrete GPU
- No AVX support
- Completely obsolete platform
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 i5-750s
- AMD Phenom II X4 910eRival
Low-Power Quad-Core
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-750Rival
Standard Quad-Core
- AMD Athlon II X4 605eRival
Low-Power Quad-Core
- Intel Core i3-530Rival
Budget Dual-Core with iGPU
- AMD Phenom II X4 810Rival
Budget Quad-Core
If integrated graphics and low power were priorities over core count.
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 reviewAn interesting low-power variant that traded clock speed for efficiency, but the 2.4GHz base clock limited performance even in 2010.
Best for: Maintaining an existing SFF Lynnfield build
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-860S or Intel Core i5-750s?
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 i5-750s?
For gaming, the Core i7-860S leads with a gaming performance score of 35/100 among Core i7-860S and Intel Core i5-750s.
Do Core i7-860S and Intel Core i5-750s use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-860S: Intel Socket 1156, Intel Core i5-750s: LGA 1156), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-750s posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-750s (6,350). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.