Core i3-7130U vs Core i7-7660U

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 i3-7130U vs Core i7-7660U 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 i3-7130U vs Core i7-7660U: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-7130U

2017

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (900 vs 1,150).
❌Lower PassMark (4,055 vs 4,059).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).

Core i7-7660U

2017

Why buy it

✅+27.8% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-7660U better than Core i3-7130U?

Yes. Core i7-7660U is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.1% 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 i7-7660U is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.8% 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 i7-7660U is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Core i7-7660U still makes the most sense overall. Core i7-7660U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i7-7660U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB) 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 i3-7130U vs Core i7-7660U Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-7130U

The Core i3-7130U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 12 June 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake-U (2017) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 4,055 points. Launch price was $281.

Core i7-7660U

The Core i7-7660U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 4,059 points. Launch price was $415.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-7130U and Core i7-7660U share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Core i3-7130U versus 4 GHz on the Core i7-7660U — a 38.8% clock advantage for the Core i7-7660U (base: 2.7 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i3-7130U uses the Kaby Lake-U (2017) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-7660U uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-7130U scores 4,055 against the Core i7-7660U's 4,059 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i7-7660U. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 900 vs 1,150, a 24.4% lead for the Core i7-7660U that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-7130U vs 4 MB on the Core i7-7660U.

Feature	Core i3-7130U	Core i7-7660U
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.7 GHz	4 GHz+48%
Base Clock	2.7 GHz+8%	2.5 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB	4 MB+33%
L2 Cache	512 kB	512 kB
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake-U (2017)	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)
PassMark	4,055	4,059
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	1,759
Geekbench 6 Single	900	1,150+28%
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	2,285

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the BGA1356 socket with PCIe 3.0. Both support up to DDR4-2133 memory speed. Both support up to 32 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 12 PCIe lanes.

Feature	Core i3-7130U	Core i7-7660U
Socket	BGA1356	BGA1356
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2133	DDR4-2133
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	12	12

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-7130U) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-7660U). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 620 (Core i3-7130U) and Iris Plus 640 (Core i7-7660U) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-7130U targets Mainstream Laptop, Core i7-7660U targets Productivity. Direct competitor: Core i3-7130U rivals Ryzen 3 3250U; Core i7-7660U rivals Core i5-8250U.

Feature	Core i3-7130U	Core i7-7660U
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 620	Iris Plus 640
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Mainstream Laptop	Productivity