Core i7-870S

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 i7-870S took the top-end Lynnfield silicon and binned it for 82W. This allowed it to boost up to 3.6 GHz while fitting into smaller thermals.

It was ideal for all-in-one PCs, though its high price made it a rare sight in standard DIY builds.

Launched in July 2010, the Core i7-870S was a late-life cycle refresh for the Lynnfield platform. Intel recognized that some users wanted the highest possible Lynnfield performance but were constrained by thermals, particularly in all-in-one PCs and small form factor cases. By binning the i7-870 die for 82W, they created the 870S.

It was a rare chip, seldom seen in DIY builds due to its premium pricing and locked multiplier. Instead, it found a home in premium pre-built systems. The 870S demonstrated Intel's ability to extract maximum performance from a given thermal envelope, a strategy that would become increasingly important in future generations.

It was quickly rendered obsolete by the 32nm Sandy Bridge architecture, which offered better performance at lower power. Today, it is a curiosity, representing a niche segment of early low-power desktop computing.