Core i7-660UM vs Xeon X5260

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 Xeon X5260 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 Xeon X5260: 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

✅+0.1% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 18W instead of 80W, a 62W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics, while Xeon X5260 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon X5260 across 48 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 6 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $317 MSRP, while Xeon X5260 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon X5260

2007

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.3% higher average FPS across 48 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,278 vs 1,279).
❌344.4% higher power demand at 80W vs 18W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-660UM can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-660UM better than Xeon X5260?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon X5260 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-660UM is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

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 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i7-660UM is the better buy right now. Core i7-660UM comes in at an unclear MSRP at $317 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.1% better PassMark. The compromise is that Xeon X5260 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 3.3% average FPS lead across 48 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (4.0 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i7-660UM makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2007). That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-660UM vs Xeon X5260 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.

Xeon X5260

The Xeon X5260 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. Base frequency: 3.33 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA771. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,278 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-660UM is built on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i7-660UM scores 1,279 against the Xeon X5260's 1,278 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i7-660UM. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-660UM vs 6 MB L2 Cache on the Xeon X5260.

Feature	Core i7-660UM	Xeon X5260
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	—
Boost Clock	2.4 GHz	—
Base Clock	1.33 GHz	3.33 GHz+150%
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	6 MB L2 Cache+50%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	—
Process	32 nm-29%	45 nm
Architecture	Arrandale (2010−2011)	—
PassMark	1,279	1,278
Geekbench 6 Single	250	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	600	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-660UM uses the BGA1288 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon X5260 uses LGA771 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-660UM	Xeon X5260
Socket	BGA1288	LGA771
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1066	—
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-660UM) / not specified (Xeon X5260). The Core i7-660UM includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics), while the Xeon X5260 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-660UM targets Budget.