Intel Core i7-870 Processor 2.93 GHz 8 MB Cache Socket LGA1156

Name: Intel Core i7-870 Processor 2.93 GHz 8 MB Cache Socket LGA1156
Brand: Unbranded
SKU: B002KQ5KEI
Price: 163.04 USD
Availability: InStock

Bottom line: The Intel Core i7-870 Processor 2.93 GHz 8 MB Cache Socket LGA1156 ($163.04 on Amazon as of 2026-10-07): 2.93 GHz base clock, Turbo Boost lifts speed up to 20% under load; main trade-off: aging 45nm Nehalem/Lynnfield part, far behind modern CPUs.

$163.04

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By Mike Perry, Founder & Editor-in-Chief · Listing data updated 2026-10-07

Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014. For retro PC hardware and period-correct parts, synthesises manufacturer documentation, community compatibility lists and marketplace listings rather than first-hand lab testing. Core beat: GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference. About the author →

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-07. Price and availability subject to change.

Pros & Cons

Pros

✓ 2.93 GHz base clock, Turbo Boost lifts speed up to 20% under load
✓ 4 cores + Hyper-Threading run 8 threads, ~28% faster multitasking
✓ 8 MB Intel Smart Cache shared across all four cores
✓ Integrated dual-channel DDR3 controller cuts memory latency

Cons

✗ Aging 45nm Nehalem/Lynnfield part, far behind modern CPUs
✗ Dead-end LGA1156 socket limits any upgrade path
✗ No integrated graphics, needs a discrete GPU
✗ DDR3-only memory controller, no DDR4/DDR5 support

Manufacturer description

Intel Core i7-870 Processor 2.93 GHz, 45nm, Integrated Two Channel DDR3 Memory Controller, Hyper-Threading Technology, 8 MB Smart Cache, Turbo Boost Technology, LGA-1156 package.

SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored Intel Core i7-870 Processor 2.93 GHz 8 MB Cache Socket LGA1156 using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the retro cpus category. Compare with similarly-priced alternatives in the retro cpus category before committing. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.

Common buyer scenarios for retro cpus of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.

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

Full Specifications

Brand	Intel
Turbo	Yes
Wattage	95 watts
Platform	Windows
CPU Model	Core i7
CPU Speed	2.93 GHz
CPU Socket	LGA 1156
Unit Count	1.0 Count
Model Number	BX80605I7870
Mfr Part Number	BX80605I7870
Processor Brand	Intel
Processor Count	4
Processor Speed	2.93 GHz
Secondary Cache	8 MB
CPU Manufacturer	Intel
Processor Series	Core i7
Processor Socket	LGA 1156
Processor Core Count	4
Cache Memory Installed Size	8

Ready to buy?

Intel Core i7-870 Processor 2.93 GHz 8 MB Cache Socket LGA1156 is vintage hardware; the used and vintage market on eBay carries most of the live inventory. Prices and condition vary by seller and move in real time, so we link the live listing rather than quote a cached price. It also has an Amazon listing — check it for current price and availability. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.

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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-07. Price and availability subject to change.