CPU Comparison
Core i7-870S vs Intel Core i5-750s
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.
Slower than the standard i5-750 in sustained multi-threaded workloads due to the 2.4GHz base.
Gaming
Good for legacy games but bottlenecks modern hardware.
Turbo boost helps in light gaming but the low base clock hurts in sustained loads.
Virtualization
Solid for legacy home labs.
Four cores help but lower clocks limit VM performance.
Efficiency
Good efficiency for 45nm, better than standard 870.
Better efficiency than the standard i5-750 at 82W, though still poor by modern standards.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- Unsuitable for modern AI
- No AI acceleration
- Far too slow for any ML workload
Content Creation
Gaming
- Requires discrete GPU
- PCIe 2.0 only
- Lacks AVX
- 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
- 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
- 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 i7-870S
- 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 i5-750s
- 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 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 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 i7-870S or Intel Core i5-750s?
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 i5-750s?
For gaming, the Core i7-870S leads with a gaming performance score of 36/100 among Core i7-870S and Intel Core i5-750s.
Do Core i7-870S and Intel Core i5-750s use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-870S: 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.