PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Overview

The Core i5-660 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.33 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 73 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,439 points. Launch price was $70.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i5-660

#924

Athlon XP 3000+

MSRP: $588|Avg: $20

125%

#925

Celeron 2.20

MSRP: $79|Avg: $15

125%

#926

Athlon 64 X2 5400+

MSRP: $485|Avg: $78

125%

#927

Phenom II X6 1065T

MSRP: $426|Avg: $170

123%

#928

Pentium G850

MSRP: $86|Avg: $75

122%

#929

Ryzen 3 2200GE

MSRP: $300|Avg: $300

122%

#930

Pentium III 1200

MSRP: $200|Avg: $10

120%

#931

Pentium G3470

MSRP: $150|Avg: $130

116%

#932

Core i7-875K

MSRP: $353|Avg: $175

112%

#933

Athlon XP 2700+

MSRP: $349|Avg: $20

111%

#934

Core i5-6442EQ

MSRP: $250|Avg: $250

110%

#935

Core i7-4770TE

MSRP: $303|Avg: $303

102%

#936

Pentium G640T

MSRP: $64|Avg: $69

102%

#937

Athlon 64 2000+

MSRP: $100|Avg: $20

101%

#938

Pentium 4 2.80

MSRP: $327|Avg: $25

100%

#939

Core i5-660

MSRP: $196|Avg: $150

100%

#940

Core 2 Quad Q8400

MSRP: $183|Avg: $128

100%

#941

Pentium G3240

MSRP: $89|Avg: $126

94%

#942

Core i3-2130

MSRP: $138|Avg: $138

92%

#943

Pentium 4 2.26

MSRP: $241|Avg: $20

91%

#944

Pentium 4 2.60

MSRP: $401|Avg: $25

90%

#945

Core 2 Quad Q9505

MSRP: $213|Avg: $150

89%

#946

Core 2 Duo E8600

MSRP: $200|Avg: $95

89%

#947

Pentium J4205

MSRP: $161|Avg: $161

88%

#948

Phenom II X6 1075T

MSRP: $245|Avg: N/A

88%

#949

PRO A10-8770E

MSRP: $395|Avg: $210

88%

#950

Core i5-5675R

MSRP: $339|Avg: $392

87%

#951

Athlon XP 1700+

MSRP: $190|Avg: $15

87%

#952

Ryzen Threadripper 3970X

MSRP: $4491|Avg: $4491

86%

#953

Athlon 64 FX-55

MSRP: $827|Avg: $50

85%

#954

Core i5-2390T

MSRP: $182|Avg: $182

84%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i5-660 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i5-660 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i5-660 is a 2-core / 4-thread processor based on the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture, manufactured on a 32 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.6 GHz from a base frequency of 3.33 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 4 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256 kB (per core) of L2 cache and 64 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 2,439, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core i5-660
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.6 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.33 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Clarkdale (2010−2011)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	32 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	4 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256 kB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	81 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	382 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	2.5 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	73 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	2,439

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-660 fits into the LGA1156 socket and supports PCIe 2.0. It supports DDR3 memory.

Specification	Core i5-660
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA1156
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 2.0
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i5-660 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 73 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Core i5-660
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	73 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	73 °C

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $150 (MSRP: $196), the Core i5-660 delivers 16 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #2415 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i5-660
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$196
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$150
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$70
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2415
Release DateLaunch date	7 January 2010 (15 years ago)
Release Year	2010
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel