CPU Comparison
Core i7-870S vs Intel Core i5-2500S
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-870S is a low-power desktop processor launched in July 2010, based on the 45nm Lynnfield architecture. Designed as a premium, thermally efficient option for small form factor and all-in-one PCs, it operates at a base frequency of 2.666 GHz and boosts up to 3.6 GHz via Turbo Boost. The 'S' suffix indicates a reduced 82W TDP compared to the standard 95W i7-870. It features 4 cores and 8 threads, aided by an 8 MB L3 cache. Utilizing the LGA 1156 socket, it supports dual-channel DDR3 memory and integrates 16 PCIe 2.0 lanes. Like other Lynnfield chips, it lacks an integrated GPU, requiring discrete graphics. The 870S was a niche product, offering top-tier Lynnfield performance in a tighter thermal envelope. Although obsolete today, it represents Intel's ongoing efforts to segment high-end silicon for specific use cases where heat dissipation was a limiting factor.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Slightly faster than 860S due to higher turbo.
Handles legacy office workloads well, but sustained multi-core loads cause it to throttle below standard i5-2500 speeds.
Gaming
Good for legacy games but bottlenecks modern hardware.
Intel HD 2000 graphics prevent any meaningful modern gaming experience.
Virtualization
Solid for legacy home labs.
Good enterprise virtualization feature support, but limited by four total threads.
Efficiency
Good efficiency for 45nm, better than standard 870.
Excellent efficiency for 2011, drawing significantly less power at idle and light loads than 95 W parts.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- Unsuitable for modern AI
- No AI acceleration capabilities
- AVX support exists but lacks AVX2 for modern workloads
- Far too slow for practical AI tasks
Content Creation
Gaming
- Requires discrete GPU
- PCIe 2.0 only
- Lacks AVX
- Intel HD 2000 is a severe bottleneck for 3D rendering
- Can handle older 2D or very light 3D indie games
- Requires a discrete GPU for any acceptable gaming experience
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
Pros
- Matches the 3.7 GHz turbo of the standard 95 W i5-2500
- 65 W TDP allows for much quieter, smaller cooling solutions
- Full enterprise feature set including TXT and VT-d
- Lower idle power consumption than standard desktop parts
- Reliable Sandy Bridge architecture
Cons
- Lower sustained multi-core clocks due to 65 W limit
- Intel HD 2000 graphics are very weak
- Locked multiplier
- No Hyper-Threading
- Obsolete platform with no upgrade path
Competitors & Alternatives
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
Intel Core i5-2500S
- AMD Phenom II X4 840TRival
Low Power Desktop
- AMD A8-3820Rival
Desktop APU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-2400SRival
Low Power Desktop
- AMD A6-3670Rival
Budget Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-2500TRival
Ultra Low Power Desktop
If your SFF chassis can handle 95 W, the standard 2500 offers better sustained performance for less money.
Compare head-to-headIvy Bridge successor with better integrated graphics and slightly improved efficiency.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i7-2600SAlt
Adds Hyper-Threading (8 threads) for better multi-tasking within the same 65 W power envelope.
Our Verdict on Each
A 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 reviewA highly effective power-optimized Sandy Bridge chip that delivered excellent burst performance for its 65 W TDP, though entirely outclassed today.
Best for: Replacing a failed CPU in a proprietary Small Form Factor PC that strictly requires a 65 W or lower processor.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-870S or Intel Core i5-2500S?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-870S 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 i7-870S or Intel Core i5-2500S?
For gaming, the Core i7-870S leads with a gaming performance score of 36/100 among Core i7-870S and Intel Core i5-2500S.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-2500S has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i7-870S (82 W), Intel Core i5-2500S (65 W).
Do Core i7-870S and Intel Core i5-2500S use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-870S: Intel Socket 1156, Intel Core i5-2500S: LGA 1155), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-2500S posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-2500S (3,800). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.