Core i5-660 vs Pentium G3470

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 Pentium G3470 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 Pentium G3470: 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

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

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,439 vs 2,448).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 12.4 vs 16.3 PassMark/$ ($196 MSRP vs $150 MSRP).
❌37.7% higher power demand at 73W vs 53W.

Pentium G3470

2015

Why buy it

✅Costs $46 less on MSRP ($150 MSRP vs $196 MSRP).
✅Delivers 31.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 16.3 vs 12.4 PassMark/$ ($150 MSRP vs $196 MSRP).
✅Draws 53W instead of 73W, a 20W reduction.

Trade-offs

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

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium G3470 better than Core i5-660?

Yes. Pentium G3470 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, 0.4% 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, Pentium G3470 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, Pentium G3470 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Pentium G3470 is the better buy right now. Pentium G3470 comes in $46 cheaper on MSRP at $150 MSRP versus $196 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 31.1% better value on MSRP (16.3 vs 12.4 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Pentium G3470 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2010) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 2 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 Pentium G3470 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.

Pentium G3470

The Pentium G3470 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency: 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 53 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333/1600, DDR3L-1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,448 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-660 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium G3470's 2 cores. The Core i5-660 is built on the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i5-660 scores 2,439 against the Pentium G3470's 2,448 — a 0.4% lead for the Pentium G3470. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i5-660 vs 3 MB on the Pentium G3470.

Feature	Core i5-660	Pentium G3470
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz	—
Base Clock	3.33 GHz	3.6 GHz+8%
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)+33%	3 MB
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	—
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Clarkdale (2010−2011)	—
PassMark	2,439	2,448

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-660 uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium G3470 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-660	Pentium G3470
Socket	LGA1156	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-660 was priced at $196, while the Pentium G3470 came in at $150. On launch pricing ($196 vs $150), Pentium G3470 was $46 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-660 delivers 12.4 pts/$ vs 16.3 pts/$ for the Pentium G3470 — making the Pentium G3470 the 27% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-660	Pentium G3470
MSRP	$196	$150-23%
Performance per Dollar	12.4	16.3+31%
Release Date	2010	2015

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