Core i5-660 vs Core i7-2620M
Core i5-660
Core i7-2620M
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i5-660 is positioned at rank 954 and the Core i7-2620M is on rank 1162, so the Core i5-660 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-660
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-2620M
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-660 | Core i7-2620M |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($150) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($346) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Clarkdale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-660 | Core i7-2620M |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+132%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($150) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($346) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-660 and Core i7-2620M
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.
Core i7-2620M
The Core i7-2620M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,424 points. Launch price was $346.
Processing Power
Both the Core i5-660 and Core i7-2620M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i5-660 versus 3.4 GHz on the Core i7-2620M — a 5.7% clock advantage for the Core i5-660 (base: 3.33 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Core i5-660 uses the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-2620M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-660 scores 2,439 against the Core i7-2620M's 2,424 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i5-660. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i5-660 vs 4 MB on the Core i7-2620M.
| Feature | Core i5-660 | Core i7-2620M |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.6 GHz+6% | 3.4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.33 GHz+23% | 2.7 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB (total) | 4 MB |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 512 kB+100% |
| Process | 32 nm | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Clarkdale (2010−2011) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 2,439 | 2,424 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 509 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 1,222 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-660 uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-2620M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i5-660 | Core i7-2620M |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1156 | PGA988 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 16 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Core i5-660) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-2620M). The Core i7-2620M includes integrated graphics (HD 3000), while the Core i5-660 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-2620M targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i7-2620M rivals Core i5-2410M.
| Feature | Core i5-660 | Core i7-2620M |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | HD 3000 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Budget |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-660 launched at $196 MSRP, while the Core i7-2620M debuted at $346.
| Feature | Core i5-660 | Core i7-2620M |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $196-43% | $346 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $150 | — |
| Release Date | 2010 | 2011 |
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