Core i5-661 vs Xeon L3360

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 L3360 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 L3360: 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

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon L3360 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,387 vs 2,412).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 12 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $196 MSRP, while Xeon L3360 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌33.8% higher power demand at 87W vs 65W.

Xeon L3360

2009

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).
✅Draws 65W instead of 87W, a 22W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon L3360 better than Core i5-661?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon L3360 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, Xeon L3360 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 9.6% 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, Xeon L3360 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark. It also has the larger cache pool with 200% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 4 MB).

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

Xeon L3360 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon L3360 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $196 MSRP, and it still gives you a 9.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-661 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2010 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (12.2 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1156.

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

Core i5-661 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-661 vs Xeon L3360 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 L3360

The Xeon L3360 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): 65 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,412 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-661 is built on the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i5-661 scores 2,387 against the Xeon L3360's 2,412 — a 1% lead for the Xeon L3360. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i5-661 vs 12 MB L2 Cache on the Xeon L3360.

Feature	Core i5-661	Xeon L3360
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	2,387	2,412+1%

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-661 uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon L3360 uses LGA775 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.