Intel Lynnfield Core i5-750 & Core i7-870 Processor Review

Gaming Benchmarks: 3DMark06 / 3DMark Vantage

Futuremark 3DMark06

3DMark06 v1.1.0
Graphic Settings: Default
Resolution: 1280X1024

Test: Specific CPU Score and Full Run 3Dmarks
Comparison: Generated Score

The Futuremark 3DMark series has been a part of the backbone in computer and hardware reviews since its conception. The trend continues today as 3DMark06 provides consumers with a solid synthetic benchmark geared for performance and comparison in the 3D gaming realm. This remains one of the most sought after statistics, as well as an excellent tool for accurate CPU comparison, and it will undoubtedly be used for years to come.


Clearly, in a single graphics card configuration, the new integrated PCIe controller is certainly not acting as a bottleneck of any sort. In fact, both Lynnfield chips posted excellent 3DMark06 overall scores. When it comes to CPU score, the i7-950 nudged by the i7-870, while the i7-920 outperformed the i5-750 thanks to Hyper-Threading.

Futuremark 3DMark Vantage

3DMark Vantage v1.0.1
Graphic Settings: Performance Preset
Resolution: 1280X1024

Test: Specific CPU Score and Full Run 3Dmarks
Comparison: Generated Score

3DMark Vantage is the follow-up to the highly successful 3DMark06. It uses DirectX 10 exclusively so if you are running Windows XP, you can forget about this benchmark. Along with being a very capable graphics card testing application, it also has very heavily multi-threaded CPU tests, such Physics Simulation and Artificial Intelligence (AI), which makes it a good all-around gaming benchmark.


It's a tight race to the top in 3DMark Vantage. All four Core i7 processors performed within 4% of each other, with the i7-870 landing between the i7-950 and i7-920. 3DMark Vantage has a highly multi-threaded engine, which explains why the i5-750 falls back a little and is even threatened by the Core 2 Quad Q9550.