Atom C3558 vs Core i5-660

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.

Atom C3558 vs Core i5-660 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.

Atom C3558 vs Core i5-660: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Atom C3558

2017

Why buy it

✅+100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB).
✅Draws 16W instead of 73W, a 57W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (12 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,431 vs 2,439).

Core i5-660

2010

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $196 MSRP, while Atom C3558 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌356.3% higher power demand at 73W vs 16W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-660 better than Atom C3558?

Yes. Core i5-660 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.3% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-660 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.2% 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 i5-660 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-660 is the better buy right now. Core i5-660 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $196 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (12.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Atom C3558 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2010) and 100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Atom C3558 vs Core i5-660 Technical Specifications

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

Atom C3558

The Atom C3558 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 15 August 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Goldmont (2016−2017) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB. L2 cache: 8 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1310. Thermal design power (TDP): 16 Watt. Memory support: DDR4: 2133. Passmark benchmark score: 2,431 points. Launch price was $86.

Core i5-660

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.

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Processing Power

The Atom C3558 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-660 offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Atom C3558 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.2 GHz on the Atom C3558 versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i5-660 — a 48.3% clock advantage for the Core i5-660 (base: 2.2 GHz vs 3.33 GHz). The Atom C3558 uses the Goldmont (2016−2017) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-660 uses Clarkdale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Atom C3558 scores 2,431 against the Core i5-660's 2,439 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i5-660. L3 cache: 8 MB on the Atom C3558 vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i5-660.

Feature	Atom C3558	Core i5-660
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.2 GHz	3.6 GHz+64%
Base Clock	2.2 GHz	3.33 GHz+51%
L3 Cache	8 MB+100%	4 MB (total)
L2 Cache	8 MB+3100%	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Goldmont (2016−2017)	Clarkdale (2010−2011)
PassMark	2,431	2,439

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Memory & Platform

The Atom C3558 uses the FCBGA1310 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-660 uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Atom C3558	Core i5-660
Socket	FCBGA1310	LGA1156
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2133	—
Max RAM Capacity	256 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	Yes	—
PCIe Lanes	12	—