Intel BX80605I7870-cr Core i7-870 2.93 GHz LGA1156 Processor

Name: Intel BX80605I7870-cr Core i7-870 2.93 GHz LGA1156 Processor
Brand: Intel
SKU: BX80605I7870-cr

Overview

The Intel Core i7-870 is a first-generation Nehalem-based quad-core processor operating at a 2.93GHz base clock with Turbo Boost headroom to 3.6GHz on a single core. Housed in the LGA1156 socket, it pairs with P55/H55/H57 chipset motherboards and supports dual-channel DDR3 memory up to DDR3-1333. The 8MB L3 cache is the largest available in the Nehalem mobile/mainstream lineup, reducing round-trips to system memory during compute-heavy tasks. Hyper-Threading multiplies the four physical cores to eight logical threads, which means the OS and threaded applications see an 8-core processor — a meaningful advantage for video transcoding, compression, and parallel compilation workflows that were common workloads when this chip launched.

In practice, the i7-870 is best suited as a cost-effective upgrade for an existing LGA1156 platform rather than a new-build CPU. Users running P55-based boards who want to maximize performance without investing in a new platform will find this chip extracts most of what the socket can offer. The 95W TDP demands a competent cooler — the stock Intel unit will handle office workloads, but sustained rendering or transcoding sessions require aftermarket cooling to keep Turbo Boost states active. For light gaming, office productivity, and moderate media work, the i7-870 remains a capable chip; for workloads demanding modern IPC or PCIe 4.0 storage bandwidth, the platform age will be the binding constraint.

Key Features

2.93 GHz core speed

Maximize speed for demanding applications with Intel Turbo Boost Technology, which accelerates processor clock speed up to 20% to match your workload.

Multitask up to 28% faster, so you can do more things at once.

Enjoy incredibly fast computing with fewer frustrating lags.

Unleash an amazing digital media experience with up to 37% faster conversion of video, 15% faster photo editing

Specifications

Processor Model

Core i7-870

Core Speed

2.93 GHz

Socket Type

LGA1156

Turbo Boost Technology

Up to 20% faster clock speed

Multitasking Performance

Up to 28% faster

Video Conversion Speed

Up to 37% faster

Photo Editing Speed

Up to 15% faster

Similar Products

Other products from the same family that visitors often consider:

✓ Available

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

Four physical cores plus Hyper-Threading deliver 8 logical threads, sustaining multi-threaded workloads that overwhelm dual-core predecessors.
Turbo Boost reaches 3.6GHz on a single core, giving legacy single-threaded applications a meaningful clock speed advantage.
8MB L3 cache reduces memory latency penalties on data-intensive workloads like video conversion and large file operations.
LGA1156 platform supports DDR3 memory, enabling cost-effective 8–16GB configurations adequate for mid-range productivity builds.
Proven Nehalem microarchitecture delivers consistent performance under sustained load without the erratic behavior of less mature silicon.

👎 Cons

LGA1156 is a dead-end platform — no upgrade path exists beyond other LGA1156 chips, which limits long-term investment value.
95W TDP runs warm under sustained Turbo Boost, requiring active thermal management to prevent throttling during encoding workloads.
No integrated graphics means any build requires a discrete GPU, adding cost and a potential failure point.
DDR3-1333 native memory speed is a bandwidth bottleneck compared to modern platforms, limiting throughput in memory-sensitive workloads.
This is an older-generation chip being sold refurbished (indicated by the -cr suffix); quality consistency may vary compared to new retail.

Frequently Asked Questions

What socket does the Core i7-870 use, and is it compatible with my existing motherboard?

LGA1156 exclusively. This socket is not cross-compatible with LGA1155 (Sandy Bridge) or LGA1366 (Extreme series) boards — verify your motherboard chipset is P55, H55, H57, or Q57 before purchasing.

What is Intel Turbo Boost and how much clock headroom does the i7-870 actually have?

Turbo Boost dynamically raises clock speed above the 2.93GHz base when thermal and power headroom allows. On the i7-870, it can boost up to 3.6GHz on a single core — a 23% uplift that matters for single-threaded workloads like lightly-threaded games or legacy software.

How many cores and threads does the i7-870 have, and does it support Hyper-Threading?

Four physical cores with Hyper-Threading enabled, presenting 8 logical threads to the OS. This makes it competitive for multi-threaded workloads like video encoding and rendering relative to its generation.

What is the TDP of the i7-870, and what cooler requirements does that impose?

95W TDP. The stock Intel cooler is adequate for moderate workloads, but sustained encoding or rendering sessions benefit from a quality aftermarket heatsink to maintain Turbo Boost states without thermal throttling.

Does the i7-870 support ECC memory or integrated graphics?

No to both. The i7-870 lacks an integrated GPU — a discrete graphics card is required. ECC memory is not supported; the processor is designed for standard DDR3 non-ECC DIMMs at speeds up to DDR3-1333 natively.