Core i5-661 vs Xeon E5-2403

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 i5-661 vs Xeon E5-2403 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 i5-661 vs Xeon E5-2403: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-661

2010

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 10 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-2403, which brings 4 cores / 4 threads.
❌Launch MSRP is still $196 MSRP, while Xeon E5-2403 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon E5-2403

2012

Why buy it

✅+150% larger total L3 cache (10 MB vs 4 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 4 threads.
✅Draws 80W instead of 87W, a 7W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,367 vs 2,387).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-661 better than Xeon E5-2403?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-2403 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-661 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-661 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.7% 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, Core i5-661 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-661 is the better buy right now. Core i5-661 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $196 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (12.2 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Xeon E5-2403 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2010) and 150% larger total L3 cache (10 MB vs 4 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-661 vs Xeon E5-2403 Technical Specifications

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

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.

Xeon E5-2403

The Xeon E5-2403 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 May 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge-EN (2012) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 1.8 GHz. L3 cache: 10240 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,367 points. Launch price was $230.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-661 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon E5-2403 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Xeon E5-2403 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i5-661 versus 1.8 GHz on the Xeon E5-2403 — a 66.7% clock advantage for the Core i5-661 (base: 3.33 GHz vs 1.8 GHz). The Core i5-661 uses the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon E5-2403 uses Sandy Bridge-EN (2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-661 scores 2,387 against the Xeon E5-2403's 2,367 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i5-661. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i5-661 vs 10240 kB (total) on the Xeon E5-2403.

Feature	Core i5-661	Xeon E5-2403
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz+100%	1.8 GHz
Base Clock	3.33 GHz+85%	1.8 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	10240 kB (total)+150%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Clarkdale (2010−2011)	Sandy Bridge-EN (2012)
PassMark	2,387	2,367

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-661 uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon E5-2403 uses LGA1356 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.