Core m3-7Y30 vs Core i5-660
Core m3-7Y30
Core i5-660
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 m3-7Y30 is positioned at rank 1116 and the Core i5-660 is on rank 954, so the Core i5-660 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core m3-7Y30
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-660
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core m3-7Y30 | Core i5-660 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($281) | ✅ More affordable ($150) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Kaby Lake (2016−2019) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Clarkdale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core m3-7Y30 | Core i5-660 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+89%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($281) | ✅ More affordable ($150) |
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 m3-7Y30 and Core i5-660
Core m3-7Y30
The Core m3-7Y30 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 1 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1515. Thermal design power (TDP): 4.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,418 points. Launch price was $281.
Core i5-660
The Core i5-660 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): 73 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,439 points. Launch price was $70.
Processing Power
Both the Core m3-7Y30 and Core i5-660 share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.6 GHz on the Core m3-7Y30 versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i5-660 — a 32.3% clock advantage for the Core i5-660 (base: 1 GHz vs 3.33 GHz). The Core m3-7Y30 uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-660 uses Clarkdale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core m3-7Y30 scores 2,418 against the Core i5-660's 2,439 — a 0.9% lead for the Core i5-660. L3 cache: 4 MB on the Core m3-7Y30 vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i5-660.
| Feature | Core m3-7Y30 | Core i5-660 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 2.6 GHz | 3.6 GHz+38% |
| Base Clock | 1 GHz | 3.33 GHz+233% |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB | 4 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB+100% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm-56% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Kaby Lake (2016−2019) | Clarkdale (2010−2011) |
| PassMark | 2,418 | 2,439 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 645 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 768 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 1,481 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core m3-7Y30 uses the FCBGA1515 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-660 uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core m3-7Y30 | Core i5-660 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCBGA1515 | LGA1156 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | LPDDR3-1866 / DDR3L-1600 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | — |
| ECC Support | ❌ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 10 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x / VT-d / EPT (Core m3-7Y30) / not specified (Core i5-660). The Core m3-7Y30 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 615), while the Core i5-660 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core m3-7Y30 targets Ultra-portable.
| Feature | Core m3-7Y30 | Core i5-660 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | — |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 615 | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x / VT-d / EPT | — |
| Target Use | Ultra-portable | — |
Value Analysis
The Core m3-7Y30 launched at $281 MSRP, while the Core i5-660 debuted at $196. At current prices ($281 vs $150), the Core i5-660 is $131 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core m3-7Y30 delivers 8.6 pts/$ vs 16.3 pts/$ for the Core i5-660 — making the Core i5-660 the 61.6% better value option.
| Feature | Core m3-7Y30 | Core i5-660 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $281 | $196-30% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $281 | $150-47% |
| Performance per Dollar | 8.6 | 16.3+90% |
| Release Date | 2016 | 2010 |
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