Core i5-660 vs Ryzen 7 3700X
Core i5-660
Ryzen 7 3700X
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. The Core i5-660 is positioned at rank #954 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-660
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 7 3700X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-660 | Ryzen 7 3700X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($150) | ✅ More affordable ($140) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Clarkdale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) | ✨ Modern (Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) / 7 nm, 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-660 | Ryzen 7 3700X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+885%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($150) | ✅ More affordable ($140) |
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 Ryzen 7 3700X
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.
Ryzen 7 3700X
The Ryzen 7 3700X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 July 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 22,430 points. Launch price was $329.
Processing Power
The Core i5-660 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Ryzen 7 3700X offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Ryzen 7 3700X has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i5-660 versus 4.4 GHz on the Ryzen 7 3700X — a 20% clock advantage for the Ryzen 7 3700X (base: 3.33 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i5-660 uses the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Ryzen 7 3700X uses Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-660 scores 2,439 against the Ryzen 7 3700X's 22,430 — a 160.8% lead for the Ryzen 7 3700X. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i5-660 vs 32 MB on the Ryzen 7 3700X.
| Feature | Core i5-660 | Ryzen 7 3700X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 8 / 16+300% |
| Boost Clock | 3.6 GHz | 4.4 GHz+22% |
| Base Clock | 3.33 GHz | 3.6 GHz+8% |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB (total) | 32 MB+700% |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 512K (per core)+100% |
| Process | 32 nm | 7 nm, 12 nm-78% |
| Architecture | Clarkdale (2010−2011) | Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) |
| PassMark | 2,439 | 22,430+820% |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-660 uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Ryzen 7 3700X uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i5-660 | Ryzen 7 3700X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1156 | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 4.0+100% |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 24 |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-660 launched at $196 MSRP, while the Ryzen 7 3700X debuted at $329. At current prices ($150 vs $140), the Ryzen 7 3700X is $10 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-660 delivers 16.3 pts/$ vs 160.2 pts/$ for the Ryzen 7 3700X — making the Ryzen 7 3700X the 163.1% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-660 | Ryzen 7 3700X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $196-40% | $329 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $150 | $140-7% |
| Performance per Dollar | 16.3 | 160.2+883% |
| Release Date | 2010 | 2019 |
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