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.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Slightly faster than 860S due to higher turbo.
Still usable for basic office tasks and web browsing.
Gaming
Good for legacy games but bottlenecks modern hardware.
Can still run older games, but bottlenecks modern GPUs.
Virtualization
Solid for legacy home labs.
Handles light VMs well.
Efficiency
Good efficiency for 45nm, better than standard 870.
95W TDP on 32nm is not efficient by modern standards.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- Unsuitable for modern AI
- No AI hardware
- Too slow for modern AI
Content Creation
Gaming
- Requires discrete GPU
- PCIe 2.0 only
- Lacks AVX
- Good for retro gaming
- Needs discrete GPU
- PCIe 2.0 may bottleneck modern cards
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
- 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
- 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
Core i7-2600
- AMD FX-8120Rival
Desktop
- Intel Core i7-2600KAlt
Unlocked version for overclocking.
- Intel Core i7-3770Alt
Newer Ivy Bridge alternative.
Cheaper, no Hyper-Threading but similar gaming performance.
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 reviewA 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 reviewFrequently 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.