A8-3870K vs Core i5-661
A8-3870K
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 A8-3870K is positioned at rank 502 and the Core i5-661 is on rank 959, so the A8-3870K offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar A8-3870K
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-661
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | A8-3870K | Core i5-661 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($40) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Llano (2011−2012) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Clarkdale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | A8-3870K | Core i5-661 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ 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.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of A8-3870K and Core i5-661
A8-3870K
The A8-3870K is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Llano (2011−2012) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM1. Thermal design power (TDP): 100 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,360 points. Launch price was $90.
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 A8-3870K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-661 offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the A8-3870K has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the A8-3870K versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i5-661 — a 18.2% clock advantage for the Core i5-661 (base: 3 GHz vs 3.33 GHz). The A8-3870K uses the Llano (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-661 uses Clarkdale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the A8-3870K scores 2,360 against the Core i5-661's 2,387 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i5-661. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A8-3870K vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i5-661.
| Feature | A8-3870K | Core i5-661 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4+100% | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3 GHz | 3.6 GHz+20% |
| Base Clock | 3 GHz | 3.33 GHz+11% |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 4 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core)+300% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Llano (2011−2012) | Clarkdale (2010−2011) |
| PassMark | 2,360 | 2,387+1% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 380 | — |
Memory & Platform
The A8-3870K uses the FM1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-661 uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | A8-3870K | Core i5-661 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FM1 | LGA1156 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1866 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | — |
| ECC Support | ❌ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: AMD-V (A8-3870K) / not specified (Core i5-661). The A8-3870K includes integrated graphics (Radeon HD 6550D), while the Core i5-661 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A8-3870K targets Budget Gaming Desktop. Direct competitor: A8-3870K rivals Core i3-2125.
| Feature | A8-3870K | Core i5-661 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | — |
| IGPU Model | Radeon HD 6550D | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | — |
| Target Use | Budget Gaming Desktop | — |
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