Intel Core i7 870

Although this Core processor is known as the ‘i7 870' it is based on the Lynnfield core rather than the higher-end and more expensive ‘Bloomfield' core. To distinguish a Bloomfield chip from a Lynnfield model, you'll need to pay special attention to the model numbering; all Bloomfield CPUs feature a 900 series number (such as 920, 940), whereas Lynnfield i7 CPUs use the 800 numbering scheme (860, 870).

Retailing for US $562 the Core i7 870 is the most expensive processor in this grouptest. This chip runs at 2.93GHz and each of its four cores is HyperThreading enabled (like the Core i5 750), so the CPU can process eight threads simultaneously. Thanks to this the processor proved a hotrod when it came to running benchmarks.

Running our multi-core Cinebench 10 benchmark test the CPU completed the job in 56 seconds flat and earned a score of 15,606. These are the quickest and highest numbers in this grouptest and moving forward, the 870 continued its trailblazing performance.

It completed our WinRAR compression test in 60 seconds dead and completed our video and audio encode tests in a shattering 19, 36 and 117 seconds respectively. It was also the quickest to complete our POV Ray benchmark test, which means that this is the best CPU for those that are interested in intensive application and gaming.