IntelEntry-level / agingDesktop

Intel Core i7-970 @ 3.20GHz

Explore Intel Core i7-970 @ 3.20GHz technical reviews, specifications and benchmark results, with practical context for performance, compatibility and upgrade comparisons.

Last updated: 2026-10-20
4.6/ 10
Technical rating

Entry-level / aging

Intel Core i7-970 @ 3.20GHz is a Desktop processor with 6 cores and 12 threads. It runs at 3.2 GHz and boosts up to 3.5 GHz. It records a PassMark CPU Mark of 6584 and a single-thread rating of 1463. Its stated TDP is 130 W.

CPU Mark6,584
421 samples
Single Thread1,463
Overall rank#2,212
of 6,054
Reference price$523.26

Technical assessment

A summary based on specifications and results.

Entry-level / aging
4.6Entry-level / aging

Intel Core i7-970 @ 3.20GHz is a Desktop processor with 6 cores and 12 threads. It runs at 3.2 GHz and boosts up to 3.5 GHz. It records a PassMark CPU Mark of 6584 and a single-thread rating of 1463. Its stated TDP is 130 W.

Specification context

What do these specifications mean in practice?

The Intel Core i7-970 @ 3.20GHz is a Desktop released in 2010. Recorded specifications include 6 cores and 12 threads, up to 3.50 GHz turbo, a 130 W reference TDP, a 6,584 CPU Mark. Use these figures to understand its position, then compare the results with your software and the complete platform.

Reading guide

Read the performance results

The 6,584 CPU Mark is a broad overall-performance measure, while the 1,463 single-thread result adds context for less-parallel work. Compare the nearby alternatives on this page and do not treat one score as a verdict for every application.

Platform and compatibility

It uses socket LGA1366. A matching socket is only the first check; confirm the official motherboard CPU-support list, BIOS revision and board power limits.

Memory and power

The 130 W TDP helps size the cooling class, but it is not the same as peak wall-power consumption.

FAQ

Common processor questions

What are the key Intel Core i7-970 @ 3.20GHz specifications?

The main recorded details are 6 cores and 12 threads, up to 3.50 GHz turbo, a 130 W reference TDP, a 6,584 CPU Mark. The tables on this page show socket, memory, cache and graphics data when available.

Is the Intel Core i7-970 @ 3.20GHz good for gaming?

The product name or CPU Mark alone cannot answer that. Check single-thread performance, core count, the target graphics card, gaming resolution and results from the games you play.

Which motherboards support the Intel Core i7-970 @ 3.20GHz?

Start with LGA1366 motherboards, then confirm the official CPU-support list and required BIOS revision for the exact board before buying.

How much power does the Intel Core i7-970 @ 3.20GHz use?

The recorded reference TDP is 130 W. Real consumption can be lower or higher depending on power limits, motherboard, workload and cooling.

This guidance interprets recorded specifications and results; it does not claim hands-on device testing. Results can vary with motherboard, power, memory and cooling.

Multi-axis comparison

How does this processor compare?

A direct comparison with nearby processors from the same brand and a similar core count.

5 CPU

Overall and multi-core performance

A higher CPU Mark indicates stronger overall performance.

01AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 2200GAMD6,604 points
02Intel Core i7-970 @ 3.20GHzThis CPU6,584 points
03Intel Core i5-7600 @ 3.50GHzIntel6,582 points
05AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 3200GAMD6,561 points

Single-thread performance

Measures speed in tasks that depend on one CPU thread.

01Intel Core i5-7600 @ 3.50GHzIntel2,450 points
03AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 3200GAMD2,112 points
04AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 2200GAMD2,035 points
05Intel Core i7-970 @ 3.20GHzThis CPU1,463 points

Performance per watt

Estimated as CPU Mark divided by TDP.

01AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 2200GAMD101.6 Mark/W
02Intel Core i5-7600 @ 3.50GHzIntel101.3 Mark/W
04AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 3200GAMD100.9 Mark/W
05Intel Core i7-970 @ 3.20GHzThis CPU50.6 Mark/W

Bars are relative to the processors shown here, not a global ranking of every CPU.

Detailed benchmark results

Snapshot from 2026-10-20

Data CompressionKBytes/Sec
112,971.00
Data EncryptionMBytes/Sec
2,407.00
Extended InstructionsMillion Matrices/Sec
3,282.00
Find Prime NumbersMillion Primes/Sec
30.00
Floating Point MathMOps/Sec
11,642.00
Integer MathMOps/Sec
27,651.00
PhysicsFrames/Sec
449.00
Random String SortingThousand Strings/Sec
14,859.00

Core specifications

BrandIntel
CategoryDesktop
Release year2010
SocketLGA1366
Cores / threads6 / 12
Base clock3.20 GHz
Max turbo3.50 GHz
TDP130 W
Integrated graphics—

Memory support

—
Memory type—
Official speed—
Maximum capacity—

Cache hierarchy

L1I6 x 32 KB
L1D6 x 32 KB
L26 x 256 KB
L312 MB