A8-3870K vs Core i5-661

A8-3870K vs Core i5-661 Performance Spectrum

A8-3870K

4 / 4

2,360

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i5-661

2 / 4

2,387

+1.1%

Pentium Dual Core T4500

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.

A8-3870K vs Core i5-661 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

A8-3870K vs Core i5-661: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

A8-3870K

2011

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon HD 6550D, while Core i5-661 needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i5-661.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,360 vs 2,387).

Core i5-661

2010

Why buy it

✅Draws 87W instead of 100W, a 13W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $196 MSRP, while A8-3870K mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while A8-3870K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike A8-3870K.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-661 better than A8-3870K?

Yes. Core i5-661 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-661 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.6% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-661 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i5-661 is the better buy right now. Core i5-661 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $196 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (12.2 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

A8-3870K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

A8-3870K vs Core i5-661 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

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.

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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	—

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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	No	—
PCIe Lanes	20	—

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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.