Core i3-2350M vs Core i7-660UM

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.

Core i3-2350M vs Core i7-660UM 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.

Core i3-2350M vs Core i7-660UM: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-2350M

2011

Why buy it

✅+56% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌2744.4% higher power demand at 512W vs 18W.

Core i7-660UM

2010

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 18W instead of 512W, a 494W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (250 vs 390).
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (600 vs 806).
❌Launch MSRP is still $317 MSRP, while Core i3-2350M mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-2350M better than Core i7-660UM?

Yes. Core i3-2350M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 34.3% better Geekbench multi-core, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-2350M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.9% 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 i3-2350M is the stronger fit. You are getting 34.3% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-2350M is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Core i3-2350M comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $317 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-660UM only looks good on raw value math because it is a cheap legacy laptop chip, not because it is a real desktop gaming recommendation. It simply does not keep up in modern games, especially when the gap is already 0.9% in the shared gaming data.

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

Core i3-2350M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2010) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-2350M vs Core i7-660UM Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-2350M

The Core i3-2350M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 October 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 2.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,276 points. Launch price was $225.

Core i7-660UM

The Core i7-660UM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 May 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.33 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1288. Thermal design power (TDP): 18 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800. Passmark benchmark score: 1,279 points. Launch price was $317.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-2350M and Core i7-660UM share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.3 GHz on the Core i3-2350M versus 2.4 GHz on the Core i7-660UM — a 4.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-660UM (base: 2.3 GHz vs 1.33 GHz). The Core i3-2350M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-660UM uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-2350M scores 1,276 against the Core i7-660UM's 1,279 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i7-660UM. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 390 vs 250, a 43.8% lead for the Core i3-2350M that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 806 vs 600 (29.3% advantage for the Core i3-2350M). L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2350M vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-660UM.

Feature	Core i3-2350M	Core i7-660UM
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.3 GHz	2.4 GHz+4%
Base Clock	2.3 GHz+73%	1.33 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	4 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,276	1,279
Geekbench 6 Single	390+56%	250
Geekbench 6 Multi	806+34%	600

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-2350M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-660UM uses BGA1288 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Core i3-2350M versus DDR3-1066 on the Core i7-660UM — the Core i3-2350M supports 25% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-2350M supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM65,HM67,QM67 (Core i3-2350M) and PM55,HM55,QM57,HM57 (Core i7-660UM).

Feature	Core i3-2350M	Core i7-660UM
Socket	PGA988	BGA1288
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333+25%	DDR3-1066
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB+100%	8 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core i3-2350M) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-660UM). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i3-2350M) and HD Graphics (Core i7-660UM) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-2350M targets Laptop, Core i7-660UM targets Budget.