Best GPUs for this CPU, bottleneck check, and compatible graphics cards
Core i7-870 / Intel made / 1st Gen / Released 2010 Also known as: i7-870 / Corei7-870
Core i7-870 (Intel, released in 2010, also listed as i7-870 / Corei7-870) is a CPU with a performance score of 5,000, 4C / 8T, TDP 95W. If GPU compatibility and performance balance are poor, a Bottleneck occurs, preventing the GPU or CPU from reaching its full potential. In our estimate, the GPU that pairs best with Core i7-870 is Intel Arc A380 6GB (estimated bottleneck: about 0%). Below are the top 10 compatible GPUs and a guide to GPUs to avoid.
GPUs are ordered by proximity to the ideal CPU:GPU ratio of 0.9:1. A lower bottleneck percentage means the combination can use more of its performance.
If you want higher graphics settings or plan to keep the PC for years, you can pick a GPU one step stronger. Core i7-870 will fall slightly behind (a bottleneck of 10% or less), but a later CPU upgrade will let the GPU run at full strength.
The Bottleneck Checker opens with Core i7-870 already selected.
Core i7-870 (i7-870 / Corei7-870) has a performance score of 5,000 points. Using the same CPU:GPU ≈ 0.9:1 standard as the checker, compatibility by GPU score is shown below.
| GPU Score to Pair | Rating | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Below 3,704 points | GPU Too Weak | The GPU is too weak for this CPU. Some of Core i7-870 performance remains unused (e.g., Radeon HD 7850、Radeon RX 460、Radeon R9 270) |
| 3,704–6,173 points | Great Match: 10% or Less | Optimal balance. Both CPU and GPU can deliver nearly full performance (ideal: about 5,556 pts) |
| 6,173–7,407 points | Acceptable: 10–25% | The GPU is somewhat strong. This is practical, but the CPU may hold it back under heavy load. |
| Over 7,407 points | CPU Bottleneck: Over 25% | The GPU is too powerful for Core i7-870 to use fully (e.g., Radeon RX 580、GeForce GTX 1060 3GB、Radeon R9 390X、Radeon RX 590) |
Note: Perceived results vary by resolution and game (GPU matters more at 4K, while CPU matters more at high-fps Full HD). For an exact estimate, use the Bottleneck Checker.
Check each store for current prices and stock (search for Core i7-870).
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These CPUs have similar performance scores and may be useful replacement or comparison candidates.
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Our estimate finds that Intel Arc A380 6GB offers the best balance, with an estimated bottleneck of about 0%. A CPU-to-GPU performance ratio near 0.9:1 tends to use both parts effectively. See the top 10 compatible GPUs in the table on this page.
Pairing Core i7-870 with a powerful GPU scoring over 7,407 points (for example, Radeon RX 580、GeForce GTX 1060 3GB、Radeon R9 390X、Radeon RX 590) is likely to create a CPU bottleneck above 25%.Conversely, a GPU below 3,704 points（例: Radeon HD 7850、Radeon RX 460、Radeon R9 270） leaves some of Core i7-870 performance unused.
Core i7-870 has 4 cores and 8 threads.Its base clock is 2.93GHz and maximum boost clock is 3.6GHz.The socket is LGA1156.
Core i7-870 has a TDP of 95W. As a guideline, choose a power supply that covers the CPU TDP plus GPU power draw, with additional headroom.
Its performance score is 5,000 points. CPU–GPU balance matters for games, while core count (4C / 8T) matters for video editing and AI preprocessing. Check the top 10 GPUs above for your use case. GPU VRAM is the main factor for running generative AI, so also see each GPU detail page.
