CPU Comparison

Core i7-870S vs Core i7-2600

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.

Intel · Core i7
Core i7-870S
4C / 8T3.6 GHz82 W
7
Full review
Top pick
Intel · Core i7
Core i7-2600
4C / 8T3.8 GHz95 W
7.5
Full review

The Bottom Line

Overview & Launch

Brand
Intel
Intel
Market
Desktop
Desktop
Segment
Desktop Low-Power
Desktop
Generation
Core i7 (Lynnfield)
2nd Generation
Launched
2010
2011
Status
End-of-life
End-of-life
Codename
Lynnfield
Sandy Bridge
Series
Core i7
Core i7
Family
1st Gen Core i7
Sandy Bridge
Predecessor
Core i7-860S
Intel Core i7-870
Successor
Core i7-2600S
Intel Core i7-3770

Specifications Compared

Cores & Clocks
Cores
4
4
Threads
8
8
Base Clock
2.666 GHz
3.4 GHz
Boost Clock
3.6 GHz
3.8 GHz
Cache & Power
L3 Cache
8 MB
8 MB
TDP
82 W
95 W
Architecture
Architecture
Lynnfield
Sandy Bridge
Process Node
45nm
32nm
Memory
Memory Type
DDR3
DDR3
Memory Speed
1333 MT/s
DDR3-1333
Memory Channels
Dual (2)
Dual (2)
Max Memory
32 GB
Platform & I/O
Socket
Intel Socket 1156
Intel Socket 1155
PCIe Version
Gen 2
PCIe 2.0
PCIe Lanes
16
16
Integrated GPU
None
Yes
Unlocked
No
No

Performance Compared

Productivity

Core i7-870S37

Slightly faster than 860S due to higher turbo.

Core i7-2600Best65

Still usable for basic office tasks and web browsing.

Gaming

Core i7-870S36

Good for legacy games but bottlenecks modern hardware.

Core i7-2600Best50

Can still run older games, but bottlenecks modern GPUs.

Virtualization

Core i7-870S42

Solid for legacy home labs.

Core i7-2600Best60

Handles light VMs well.

Efficiency

Core i7-870SBest52

Good efficiency for 45nm, better than standard 870.

Core i7-260050

95W TDP on 32nm is not efficient by modern standards.

Specialized Performance

AI / ML

Core i7-870SNone
  • No AI hardware
  • Unsuitable for modern AI
Core i7-2600None
  • No AI hardware
  • Too slow for modern AI

Content Creation

Core i7-870SLegacy
Legacy PhotoshopBasic Video Editing3D Modeling
Core i7-2600Fair
Basic 1080p EditingPhoto Editing

Gaming

Core i7-870SLegacy
  • Requires discrete GPU
  • PCIe 2.0 only
  • Lacks AVX
Core i7-2600Fair
  • Good for retro gaming
  • Needs discrete GPU
  • PCIe 2.0 may bottleneck modern cards

Industry Impact

Gaming
Low
High
Workstations
Low
Moderate
Content Creation
Moderate
High
Virtualization
Low
Moderate

Best CPU by Use Case

AIO Computing
Excellent
SFF Gaming
Very Good
Content Creation
Good
Office Work
Overkill
Gaming
Good
Office Productivity
Excellent
Light Video Editing
Good

Target Audience

Gamers
Targeted
Targeted
Content Creators
Targeted
Targeted
Developers
Targeted
Targeted
Workstation Users
Streamers
Office / Productivity
Targeted
Targeted
Students
Targeted

Strengths & Weaknesses

Core i7-870S

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
Core i7-2600

Pros

  • Revolutionary IPC for 2011
  • 4 cores and 8 threads
  • Solid single-core performance
  • Integrated graphics

Cons

  • 32nm process is inefficient
  • Lacks AVX2
  • PCIe 2.0 only
  • Locked multiplier

Competitors & Alternatives

Core i7-870S

Core i7-2600

  • AMD FX-8120

    Desktop

    Rival
  • Intel Core i7-2600K
    Alt

    Unlocked version for overclocking.

  • Intel Core i7-3770
    Alt

    Newer Ivy Bridge alternative.

  • Cheaper, no Hyper-Threading but similar gaming performance.

    Compare head-to-head

Our Verdict on Each

Core i7-870SSituational

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 review
Core i7-2600Situational

A legendary CPU that offered incredible value and performance in 2011. While outdated, it remains a milestone in Intel's history.

Best for: Keeping an old PC alive.

Read the full review

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Core i7-870S or Core i7-2600?

Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-2600 comes out ahead with a score of 7.5/10. 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 Core i7-2600?

For gaming, the Core i7-2600 leads with a gaming performance score of 50/100 among Core i7-870S and Core i7-2600.

Which uses less power?

The Core i7-870S has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i7-870S (82 W), Core i7-2600 (95 W).

Do Core i7-870S and Core i7-2600 use the same socket?

No. They use different sockets (Core i7-870S: Intel Socket 1156, Core i7-2600: Intel Socket 1155), so each needs a compatible motherboard.

Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?

The Core i7-2600 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-2600 (9,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.