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.

Overview

The Core i5-661 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): 87 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,387 points. Launch price was $252.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core i5-661 is positioned at rank #959 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i5-661

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

25592%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

24182%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

17558%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

5290%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

4190%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

3665%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

2099%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

2072%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

1887%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

1886%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

1865%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

1815%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

1790%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

1782%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

1766%

#959

Core i5-661

MSRP: $196|Avg: $40

100%

#960

Core i5-750

MSRP: $210|Avg: $30

100%

#961

Core i3-4150

MSRP: $281|Avg: $70

100%

#962

Core i3-2100T

MSRP: $127|Avg: $127

99%

#963

Pentium E2210

MSRP: $84|Avg: $15

98%

#964

Core i3-560

MSRP: $138|Avg: $10

98%

#965

Core i3-550

MSRP: $138|Avg: $5

97%

#966

Core i7-980

MSRP: $583|Avg: $50

97%

#967

Pentium G3250

MSRP: $171|Avg: $25

96%

#968

Pentium E2200

MSRP: $84|Avg: $5

96%

#969

Core 2 Duo E7300

MSRP: $133|Avg: $133

96%

#970

Core i3-540

MSRP: $133|Avg: $5

96%

#972

Phenom II X3 700e

MSRP: $125|Avg: $40

95%

#973

Core i5-760

MSRP: $230|Avg: $61

95%

#974

Core i3-7102E

MSRP: $225|Avg: $80

95%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i5-661 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i5-661 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i5-661 is a 2-core / 4-thread processor based on the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture, manufactured on a 32 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.6 GHz from a base frequency of 3.33 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 4 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256 kB (per core) of L2 cache and 64 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 2,387, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core i5-661
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.6 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.33 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Clarkdale (2010−2011)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	32 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	4 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256 kB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	81 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	382 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	2.5 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	70 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	2,387

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-661 fits into the LGA1156 socket and supports PCIe 2.0. It supports DDR3 memory.

Specification	Core i5-661
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA1156
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 2.0
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i5-661 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 87 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Core i5-661
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	87 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	70 °C

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $40 (MSRP: $196), the Core i5-661 delivers 60 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #959 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2431 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i5-661
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$196
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$40
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$252
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#959
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2431
Release DateLaunch date	7 January 2010 (15 years ago)
Release Year	2010
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel