CPU Comparison
Core i7-870S vs Core i7-2600S
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 handles basic office tasks and web browsing.
Gaming
Good for legacy games but bottlenecks modern hardware.
HD 2000 is too weak for modern games; needs a discrete GPU.
Virtualization
Solid for legacy home labs.
Can run light VMs but limited by 65W power profile.
Efficiency
Good efficiency for 45nm, better than standard 870.
65W TDP was excellent for 2011, but 32nm is outdated now.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- Unsuitable for modern AI
- No AI hardware
- Too slow for modern AI workloads
Content Creation
Gaming
- Requires discrete GPU
- PCIe 2.0 only
- Lacks AVX
- HD 2000 is very weak
- PCIe 2.0 limits modern GPUs
- Okay for retro gaming with a GPU
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
- Low 65W TDP
- Aggressive turbo boost up to 3.8 GHz
- 4 cores and 8 threads
- Good for SFF builds of its era
Cons
- 32nm process is inefficient today
- Lacks AVX2
- HD 2000 graphics are very weak
- 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 i7-2600S
- AMD FX-6100Rival
Desktop
- Intel Core i7-2600Alt
Standard 95W version with higher base clock.
- Intel Core i7-3770SAlt
Newer Ivy Bridge low-power alternative.
Cheaper, lower power quad-core alternative.
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 smart choice for 2011 SFF builders, offering quad-core performance in a 65W envelope, though heavily outdated by modern standards.
Best for: Maintaining an old HTPC.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is faster for gaming, Core i7-870S or Core i7-2600S?
For gaming, the Core i7-2600S leads with a gaming performance score of 40/100 among Core i7-870S and Core i7-2600S.
Which uses less power?
The Core i7-2600S has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i7-870S (82 W), Core i7-2600S (65 W).
Do Core i7-870S and Core i7-2600S use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-870S: Intel Socket 1156, Core i7-2600S: Intel Socket 1155), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i7-2600S posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-2600S (8,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.