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 i3-3245 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.

Core i3-3245 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.

Core i3-3245

2013

Why buy it

✅Costs $76 less on MSRP ($120 MSRP vs $196 MSRP).
✅Delivers 65.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 20.1 vs 12.2 PassMark/$ ($120 MSRP vs $196 MSRP).
✅Draws 55W instead of 87W, a 32W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4000, while Core i5-661 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).

Core i5-661

2010

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,387 vs 2,412).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 12.2 vs 20.1 PassMark/$ ($196 MSRP vs $120 MSRP).
❌58.2% higher power demand at 87W vs 55W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-3245 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-3245 better than Core i5-661?

Yes. Core i3-3245 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1% better PassMark, 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 i3-3245 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.0% 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 i3-3245 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-3245 is the better buy right now. Core i3-3245 comes in $76 cheaper on MSRP at $120 MSRP versus $196 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 65.0% better value on MSRP (20.1 vs 12.2 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i3-3245 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 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 i3-3245 vs Core i5-661 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-3245

The Core i3-3245 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 April 2013 (12 years ago). It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency: 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,412 points. Launch price was $69.

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

Both the Core i3-3245 and Core i5-661 share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. The Core i5-661 is built on the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i3-3245 scores 2,412 against the Core i5-661's 2,387 — a 1% lead for the Core i3-3245. L3 cache: 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Core i3-3245 vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i5-661.

Feature	Core i3-3245	Core i5-661
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	—	3.6 GHz
Base Clock	3.4 GHz+2%	3.33 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB Intel® Smart Cache	4 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	—	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	—	Clarkdale (2010−2011)
PassMark	2,412+1%	2,387

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3245 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-661 uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-3245	Core i5-661
Socket	LGA1155	LGA1156
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x (Core i3-3245) / not specified (Core i5-661). The Core i3-3245 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4000), while the Core i5-661 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-3245 targets Desktop.

Feature	Core i3-3245	Core i5-661
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 4000	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x	—
Target Use	Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-3245 was priced at $120, while the Core i5-661 came in at $196. On launch pricing ($120 vs $196), Core i3-3245 was $76 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-3245 delivers 20.1 pts/$ vs 12.2 pts/$ for the Core i5-661 — making the Core i3-3245 the 49.1% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-3245	Core i5-661
MSRP	$120-39%	$196
Performance per Dollar	20.1+65%	12.2
Release Date	2013	2010

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