Core i5-660 vs Xeon X3360

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 Xeon X3360 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 Xeon X3360: 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

✅+0.6% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 73W instead of 95W, a 22W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon X3360 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 12 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $196 MSRP, while Xeon X3360 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon X3360

2008

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +9.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+200% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 4 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,424 vs 2,439).
❌30.1% higher power demand at 95W vs 73W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-660 better than Xeon X3360?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon X3360 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-660 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-660 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-660 is the better buy right now. Core i5-660 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $196 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.6% better PassMark. The compromise is that Xeon X3360 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 9.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (12.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i5-660 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2008). That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-660 vs Xeon X3360 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.

Xeon X3360

The Xeon X3360 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. Base frequency: 2.83 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB L2 Cache. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,424 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-660 is built on the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i5-660 scores 2,439 against the Xeon X3360's 2,424 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i5-660. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i5-660 vs 12 MB L2 Cache on the Xeon X3360.

Feature	Core i5-660	Xeon X3360
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	—
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz	—
Base Clock	3.33 GHz+18%	2.83 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	12 MB L2 Cache+200%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	—
Process	32 nm-29%	45 nm
Architecture	Clarkdale (2010−2011)	—
PassMark	2,439	2,424

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-660 uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon X3360 uses LGA775 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.