Performance comparison: which is faster?
Core i7-870 (Intel, 2010) and Core i3-4170 (Intel, 2014) are compared here. Compare not only scores, but also whether the motherboard can be reused and which GPU class is balanced with each CPU.
Overall performance: i7-870 is about 4.2% faster
The sockets differ (LGA1156 / LGA1150), so switching requires a motherboard replacement. For games, performance balance with the GPU (guideline CPU:GPU = 0.9:1) matters more than CPU speed alone.
Relative performance score (higher is faster). Actual speed varies by workload, cooling, and memory configuration.
| Item | i7-870 | i3-4170 |
|---|---|---|
| Performance Score | 5,000 | 4,800 |
| Generation | 1st Gen | 4th Gen |
| Socket | LGA1156 | LGA1150 |
| Release Year | 2010 | 2014 |
| Type | Desktop | Desktop |
| Compatible GPU Example | Intel Arc A380 6GB | GeForce GTX 690 |
| If You Want To... | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Prioritize maximum speed for heavy work or a high-end GPU | i7-870 |
| Upgrade while reusing the current motherboard | Choose the CPU matching your motherboard socket |
| Prioritize value and adequate performance | i3-4170 (the lower model is often sufficient) |
i7-870 is about 4.2% higher by score (i7-870: 5000 points / i3-4170: 4800 points). For gaming, the GPU tier usually matters more than a few percent of CPU difference. For CPU-heavy work such as video editing and streaming, choose the faster CPU.
i7-870 is 1st Gen, while i3-4170 is 4th Gen.The sockets differ (LGA1156 / LGA1150), so switching requires a motherboard replacement.
Using our CPU:GPU = 0.9:1 guideline, Intel Arc A380 6GB pairs well with i7-870 and GeForce GTX 690 pairs well with i3-4170. If either GPU is too strong or too weak, one part holds the other back.
