Core i7-6660U vs Core i7-7500U

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 i7-6660U vs Core i7-7500U 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 i7-6660U vs Core i7-7500U: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-6660U

2016

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,628 vs 3,630).

Core i7-7500U

2016

Why buy it

Trade-offs

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

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-7500U better than Core i7-6660U?

Yes. Core i7-7500U is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.1% better PassMark, 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 i7-7500U is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.2% 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 i7-7500U 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 i7-7500U still makes the most sense overall. Core i7-7500U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i7-7500U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-6660U vs Core i7-7500U Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-6660U

The Core i7-6660U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 March 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2133, LPDDR3-1866, DDR3L-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 3,628 points. Launch price was $415.

Core i7-7500U

The Core i7-7500U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 August 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 3,630 points. Launch price was $393.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-6660U and Core i7-7500U share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i7-6660U versus 3.5 GHz on the Core i7-7500U — a 2.9% clock advantage for the Core i7-7500U (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Core i7-6660U uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-7500U uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-6660U scores 3,628 against the Core i7-7500U's 3,630 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i7-7500U. Both processors carry 4 MB of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i7-6660U	Core i7-7500U
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.4 GHz	3.5 GHz+3%
Base Clock	2.4 GHz	2.7 GHz+13%
L3 Cache	4 MB	4 MB
L2 Cache	512 kB	512 kB
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)
PassMark	3,628	3,630