Core i5-660 vs Core i7-2640M

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 i5-660 vs Core i7-2640M 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 i5-660 vs Core i7-2640M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-660

2010

Why buy it

✅Costs $150 less on MSRP ($196 MSRP vs $346 MSRP).
✅Delivers 76.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 12.4 vs 7.1 PassMark/$ ($196 MSRP vs $346 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,439 vs 2,445).
❌108.6% higher power demand at 73W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-2640M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-2640M

2011

Why buy it

✅+0.2% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 35W instead of 73W, a 38W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 3000, while Core i5-660 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.1 vs 12.4 PassMark/$ ($346 MSRP vs $196 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-2640M better than Core i5-660?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-660 is ahead with a 1.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-2640M pulls ahead with 0.2% better PassMark.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-2640M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i7-2640M is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-2640M comes in 76.5% more expensive on MSRP at $346 MSRP versus $196 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.2% better PassMark. Core i5-660 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2010 platform. Even with 76.1% better value on paper (12.4 vs 7.1 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1156.

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

Core i7-2640M 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 i5-660 vs Core i7-2640M Technical Specifications

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

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 i7-2640M

The Core i7-2640M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 September 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 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: 2,445 points. Launch price was $346.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-660 and Core i7-2640M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i5-660 versus 3.5 GHz on the Core i7-2640M — a 2.8% clock advantage for the Core i5-660 (base: 3.33 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i5-660 uses the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-2640M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-660 scores 2,439 against the Core i7-2640M's 2,445 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i7-2640M. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i5-660 vs 4 MB on the Core i7-2640M.

Feature	Core i5-660	Core i7-2640M
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz+3%	3.5 GHz
Base Clock	3.33 GHz+19%	2.8 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	2,445
Geekbench 6 Single	—	563
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,184

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-660 uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-2640M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-660	Core i7-2640M
Socket	LGA1156	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	—	1333
Max RAM Capacity	—	16
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i5-660) / true (Core i7-2640M). The Core i7-2640M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Core i5-660 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-2640M rivals Phenom II Black Edition N660.

Feature	Core i5-660	Core i7-2640M
Integrated GPU	—	Yes
IGPU Model	—	Intel HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	true

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-660 was priced at $196, while the Core i7-2640M came in at $346. On launch pricing ($196 vs $346), Core i5-660 was $150 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-660 delivers 12.4 pts/$ vs 7.1 pts/$ for the Core i7-2640M — making the Core i5-660 the 55.1% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-660	Core i7-2640M
MSRP	$196-43%	$346
Performance per Dollar	12.4+75%	7.1
Release Date	2010	2011

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