Core i5-661 vs Core i3-3245
Core i5-661
Core i3-3245
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 i5-661 is positioned at rank 959 and the Core i3-3245 is on rank 794, so the Core i3-3245 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-661
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-3245
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-661 | Core i3-3245 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($40) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($50) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Clarkdale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Legacy / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-661 | Core i3-3245 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+24%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($40) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($50) |
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 i5-661 and Core i3-3245
Core i5-661
The Core i5-661 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): 87 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,387 points. Launch price was $252.
Core i3-3245
The Core i3-3245 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 April 2013 (12 years ago). It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency: 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,412 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
Both the Core i5-661 and Core i3-3245 share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. The Core i5-661 is built on the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i5-661 scores 2,387 against the Core i3-3245's 2,412 — a 1% lead for the Core i3-3245. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i5-661 vs 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Core i3-3245.
| Feature | Core i5-661 | Core i3-3245 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.6 GHz | — |
| Base Clock | 3.33 GHz | 3.4 GHz+2% |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB (total)+33% | 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | — |
| Process | 32 nm | 22 nm-31% |
| Architecture | Clarkdale (2010−2011) | — |
| PassMark | 2,387 | 2,412+1% |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-661 uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i3-3245 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i5-661 | Core i3-3245 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1156 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 32 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Core i5-661) / VT-x (Core i3-3245). The Core i3-3245 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4000), while the Core i5-661 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-3245 targets Desktop.
| Feature | Core i5-661 | Core i3-3245 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | HD Graphics 4000 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x |
| Target Use | — | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-661 launched at $196 MSRP, while the Core i3-3245 debuted at $120. At current prices ($40 vs $50), the Core i5-661 is $10 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-661 delivers 59.7 pts/$ vs 48.2 pts/$ for the Core i3-3245 — making the Core i5-661 the 21.2% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-661 | Core i3-3245 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $196 | $120-39% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $40-20% | $50 |
| Performance per Dollar | 59.7+24% | 48.2 |
| Release Date | 2010 | 2013 |
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