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 i7-660UM vs Pentium U5400 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 i7-660UM vs Pentium U5400: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-660UM

2010

Why buy it

✅+47.1% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 4.0 vs 4.4 PassMark/$ ($317 MSRP vs $289 MSRP).

Pentium U5400

2010

Why buy it

✅Costs $28 less on MSRP ($289 MSRP vs $317 MSRP).
✅Delivers 10.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 4.4 vs 4.0 PassMark/$ ($289 MSRP vs $317 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (170 vs 250).
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (300 vs 600).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-660UM better than Pentium U5400?

Yes. Core i7-660UM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 100% better Geekbench multi-core, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-660UM is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.5% 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 i7-660UM is the stronger fit. You are getting 100% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Core i7-660UM is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Core i7-660UM comes in 9.7% more expensive on MSRP at $317 MSRP versus $289 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Pentium U5400 only looks good on raw value math because it is a cheap legacy laptop chip, not because it is a real desktop gaming recommendation. It simply does not keep up in modern games.

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

Core i7-660UM makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-660UM vs Pentium U5400 Technical Specifications

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

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.

Pentium U5400

The Pentium U5400 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.2 GHz, with boost up to 1.2 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1288. Thermal design power (TDP): 18 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,286 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-660UM packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium U5400's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the Core i7-660UM versus 1.2 GHz on the Pentium U5400 — a 66.7% clock advantage for the Core i7-660UM (base: 1.33 GHz vs 1.2 GHz). Both are built on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture using a 32 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i7-660UM scores 1,279 against the Pentium U5400's 1,286 — a 0.5% lead for the Pentium U5400. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 250 vs 170, a 38.1% lead for the Core i7-660UM that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 600 vs 300 (66.7% advantage for the Core i7-660UM). L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-660UM vs 3 MB (total) on the Pentium U5400.

Feature	Core i7-660UM	Pentium U5400
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.4 GHz+100%	1.2 GHz
Base Clock	1.33 GHz+11%	1.2 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)+33%	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Arrandale (2010−2011)	Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,279	1,286
Geekbench 6 Single	250+47%	170
Geekbench 6 Multi	600+100%	300

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the BGA1288 socket with PCIe 2.0. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1066 on the Core i7-660UM versus DDR3-800 on the Pentium U5400 — the Core i7-660UM supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 8 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: PM55,HM55,QM57,HM57 (Core i7-660UM) and HM55 (Pentium U5400).

Feature	Core i7-660UM	Pentium U5400
Socket	BGA1288	BGA1288
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1066+33%	DDR3-800
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	8 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-660UM) vs VT-x (Pentium U5400). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics (Core i7-660UM) and Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) (Pentium U5400) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-660UM targets Budget, Pentium U5400 targets Legacy Budget Laptop.

Feature	Core i7-660UM	Pentium U5400
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics	Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x
Target Use	Budget	Legacy Budget Laptop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-660UM was priced at $317, while the Pentium U5400 came in at $289. On launch pricing ($317 vs $289), Pentium U5400 was $28 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-660UM delivers 4.0 pts/$ vs 4.4 pts/$ for the Pentium U5400 — making the Pentium U5400 the 9.8% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-660UM	Pentium U5400
MSRP	$317	$289-9%
Performance per Dollar	4.0	4.4+10%
Release Date	2010	2010

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