CPU Comparison

Core i7-875K vs Core i7-880

A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-875K is an enthusiast desktop processor launched in May 2010, based on the 45nm Lynnfield architecture. It is notable for being Intel's first 'K-series' processor, featuring a fully unlocked multiplier. Operating at a base frequency of 2.933 GHz and boosting up to 3.6 GHz via Turbo Boost, it offers 4 cores and 8 threads. The unlocked multiplier was a significant shift in Intel's strategy, allowing enthusiasts to easily overclock via multiplier adjustments rather than relying solely on Base Clock (BCLK) tweaks. It utilizes the LGA 1156 socket and integrates a dual-channel DDR3 memory controller and 16 PCIe 2.0 lanes. With a 95W TDP, it shares the same physical characteristics as the i7-870 but with enhanced tuning capabilities. The 875K lacked a stock cooler, emphasizing its enthusiast focus. Although obsolete, it is a historically important CPU that democratized overclocking on the Intel platform.

Top pick
Intel · Core i7 K-Series
Core i7-875K
4C / 8T3.6 GHz95 W
8.5
Full review
Intel · Core i7
Core i7-880
4C / 8T3.733 GHz95 W
8
Full review

The Bottom Line

Overview & Launch

Brand
Intel
Intel
Market
Desktop
Desktop
Segment
Desktop Enthusiast
Desktop High-End
Generation
Core i7 (Lynnfield)
Core i7 (Lynnfield)
Launched
2010
2010
Status
End-of-life
End-of-life
Codename
Lynnfield
Lynnfield
Series
Core i7 K-Series
Core i7
Family
1st Gen Core i7
1st Gen Core i7
Predecessor
Core i7-870
Core i7-870
Successor
Core i7-2600K
Core i7-2600

Specifications Compared

Cores & Clocks
Cores
4
4
Threads
8
8
Base Clock
2.933 GHz
3.066 GHz
Boost Clock
3.6 GHz
3.733 GHz
Cache & Power
L3 Cache
8 MB
8 MB
TDP
95 W
95 W
Architecture
Architecture
Lynnfield
Lynnfield
Process Node
45nm
45nm
Memory
Memory Type
DDR3
DDR3
Memory Speed
1333 MT/s
1333 MT/s
Memory Channels
Dual (2)
Dual (2)
Platform & I/O
Socket
Intel Socket 1156
Intel Socket 1156
PCIe Version
Gen 2
Gen 2
PCIe Lanes
16
16
Integrated GPU
None
None
Unlocked
Yes
No

Performance Compared

Productivity

Core i7-875K38

Identical to i7-870 at stock, highly responsive when OC'd.

Core i7-880Best39

Fastest Lynnfield at stock, but obsolete now.

Gaming

Core i7-875K37

Handles old games well but bottlenecks modern titles.

Core i7-880Best38

Handles old games well but bottlenecks modern titles.

Virtualization

Core i7-875K42

Good for legacy VMs.

Core i7-88042

Good for legacy VMs.

Efficiency

Core i7-875K40

95W TDP, but power draw increases heavily when overclocked.

Core i7-88040

95W TDP is acceptable for 45nm at these clocks.

Specialized Performance

AI / ML

Core i7-875KNone
  • No AI hardware
  • Unsuitable for modern inference
Core i7-880None
  • No AI hardware
  • Unsuitable for modern inference

Content Creation

Core i7-875KLegacy
Legacy PremierePhotoshop3D Modeling
Core i7-880Legacy
Legacy PremierePhotoshop3D Modeling

Gaming

Core i7-875KLegacy
  • PCIe 2.0 only
  • No AVX support
  • Requires discrete GPU
Core i7-880Legacy
  • PCIe 2.0 only
  • No AVX support
  • Requires discrete GPU

Industry Impact

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

Best CPU by Use Case

Overclocking
Excellent
High-End Gaming
Very Good (for 2010)
Excellent (for 2010)
Video Editing
Very Good
Very Good
Benchmarking
Excellent
3D Rendering
Good
Streaming
Moderate

Target Audience

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

Strengths & Weaknesses

Core i7-875K

Pros

  • Unlocked multiplier
  • 8MB L3 cache
  • High turbo clock
  • Historical significance

Cons

  • Obsolete platform
  • No integrated graphics
  • No stock cooler
  • DDR3 only
Core i7-880

Pros

  • Highest stock Lynnfield clocks
  • 8MB L3 cache
  • Quad-core with HT
  • Good 2010 performance

Cons

  • Obsolete platform
  • No integrated graphics
  • Locked multiplier
  • Rare and expensive

Competitors & Alternatives

Core i7-875K

Core i7-880

  • AMD Phenom II X4 965

    Desktop High-End

    Rival
  • Intel Core i7-875K

    Desktop Enthusiast

    Rival
  • Intel Core i7-930

    Desktop High-End

    Rival
    Compare head-to-head
  • AMD Phenom II X6 1090T

    Desktop Enthusiast

    Rival
  • Intel Core i7-870

    Desktop High-End

    Rival
  • Intel Core i7-2600
    Alt

    The direct Sandy Bridge successor.

Our Verdict on Each

Core i7-875KSituational

A groundbreaking CPU that brought unlocked multipliers to the mainstream, making overclocking accessible. Still obsolete but legendary.

Best for: Legacy LGA 1156 overclocking project.

Read the full review
Core i7-880Situational

The ultimate Lynnfield chip with the highest stock clocks, though overshadowed by the 875K and obsolete today.

Best for: Maintaining a legacy retro gaming rig.

Read the full review

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Core i7-875K or Core i7-880?

Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-875K comes out ahead with a score of 8.5/10. 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 i7-875K or Core i7-880?

For gaming, the Core i7-880 leads with a gaming performance score of 38/100 among Core i7-875K and Core i7-880.

Do Core i7-875K and Core i7-880 use the same socket?

Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel Socket 1156 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.