CPU
GPU
Core i7-660UM
Celeron E3500
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 i7-660UM is positioned at rank 1225 and the Celeron E3500 is on rank 778, so the Celeron E3500 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-660UM
Performance Per Dollar Celeron E3500
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-660UM | Celeron E3500 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($317) | ✅ More affordable ($10) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Arrandale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Wolfdale (2008−2010) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-660UM | Celeron E3500 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+3097%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($317) | ✅ More affordable ($10) |
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 i7-660UM and Celeron E3500
Core i7-660UM
The Core i7-660UM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 May 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.33 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1288. Thermal design power (TDP): 18 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800. Passmark benchmark score: 1,279 points. Launch price was $317.
Celeron E3500
The Celeron E3500 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 August 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Wolfdale (2008−2010) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (total). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR1, DDR2, DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,290 points. Launch price was $62.
Processing Power
The Core i7-660UM packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Celeron E3500's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the Core i7-660UM versus 2.7 GHz on the Celeron E3500 — a 11.8% clock advantage for the Celeron E3500 (base: 1.33 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Core i7-660UM uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Celeron E3500 uses Wolfdale (2008−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-660UM scores 1,279 against the Celeron E3500's 1,290 — a 0.9% lead for the Celeron E3500. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 250 vs 347, a 32.5% lead for the Celeron E3500 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 600 vs 624 (3.9% advantage for the Celeron E3500). L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-660UM vs 0 kB on the Celeron E3500.
| Feature | Core i7-660UM | Celeron E3500 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2.4 GHz | 2.7 GHz+13% |
| Base Clock | 1.33 GHz | 2.7 GHz+103% |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB (total) | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 1 MB (total)+300% |
| Process | 32 nm-29% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Arrandale (2010−2011) | Wolfdale (2008−2010) |
| PassMark | 1,279 | 1,290 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 250 | 347+39% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 600 | 624+4% |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-660UM uses the BGA1288 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Celeron E3500 uses LGA775 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1066 memory speed. Both support up to 8 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-660UM) vs 0 (Celeron E3500) — the Core i7-660UM offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: PM55,HM55,QM57,HM57 (Core i7-660UM) and G31,G41,P45 (Celeron E3500).
| Feature | Core i7-660UM | Celeron E3500 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA1288 | LGA775 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0+82% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1066 | DDR3-1066 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-660UM) vs VT-x (Celeron E3500). The Core i7-660UM includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics), while the Celeron E3500 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-660UM targets Budget, Celeron E3500 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Celeron E3500 rivals Pentium E5200.
| Feature | Core i7-660UM | Celeron E3500 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics | — |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x |
| Target Use | Budget | Budget |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-660UM launched at $317 MSRP, while the Celeron E3500 debuted at $62.
| Feature | Core i7-660UM | Celeron E3500 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $317 | $62-80% |
| Avg Price (30d) | — | $10 |
| Release Date | 2010 | 2010 |
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