CPU
GPU
3020e
Core i5-661
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
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.
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. The 3020e is positioned at rank 805 and the Core i5-661 is on rank 959, so the 3020e offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar 3020e
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-661
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | 3020e | Core i5-661 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($25) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($40) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Dali (Zen) (2020) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Clarkdale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | 3020e | Core i5-661 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+61%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($25) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($40) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Counter-Strike 2
Valorant
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of 3020e and Core i5-661
3020e
The 3020e is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Dali (Zen) (2020) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FT5. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB + 4 MB. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,406 points. Launch price was $50.
Core i5-661
The Core i5-661 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): 87 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,387 points. Launch price was $252.
Processing Power
The 3020e packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i5-661's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.6 GHz on the 3020e versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i5-661 — a 32.3% clock advantage for the Core i5-661 (base: 1.2 GHz vs 3.33 GHz). The 3020e uses the Dali (Zen) (2020) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-661 uses Clarkdale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the 3020e scores 2,406 against the Core i5-661's 2,387 — a 0.8% lead for the 3020e. L3 cache: 4 MB on the 3020e vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i5-661.
| Feature | 3020e | Core i5-661 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 2.6 GHz | 3.6 GHz+38% |
| Base Clock | 1.2 GHz | 3.33 GHz+178% |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB | 4 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB+300% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm-56% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Dali (Zen) (2020) | Clarkdale (2010−2011) |
| PassMark | 2,406 | 2,387 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 480 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 660 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 1,100 | — |
Memory & Platform
The 3020e uses the FT5 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-661 uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | 3020e | Core i5-661 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FT5 | LGA1156 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2400 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | — |
| ECC Support | ✅ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 8 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: AMD-V (3020e) / not specified (Core i5-661). The 3020e includes integrated graphics (Radeon Graphics (Vega 3)), while the Core i5-661 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: 3020e targets Entry Level Laptop. Direct competitor: 3020e rivals Celeron N4020.
| Feature | 3020e | Core i5-661 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | — |
| IGPU Model | Radeon Graphics (Vega 3) | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | — |
| Target Use | Entry Level Laptop | — |
Value Analysis
The 3020e launched at $100 MSRP, while the Core i5-661 debuted at $196. At current prices ($25 vs $40), the 3020e is $15 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the 3020e delivers 96.2 pts/$ vs 59.7 pts/$ for the Core i5-661 — making the 3020e the 46.9% better value option.
| Feature | 3020e | Core i5-661 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $100-49% | $196 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $25-38% | $40 |
| Performance per Dollar | 96.2+61% | 59.7 |
| Release Date | 2020 | 2010 |
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