CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-655K vs Intel Core i5-660
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-655K is an unlocked dual-core Clarkdale processor launched in May 2010, offering BCLK multiplier freedom for enthusiast overclockers on the LGA 1156 platform.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Two cores are fundamentally insufficient for any modern productivity workload.
Slightly faster than the i5-650 but still fundamentally inadequate for modern workloads.
Gaming
Even overclocked, the dual-core architecture and weak iGPU make modern gaming impossible.
Cannot run any modern game at acceptable frame rates.
Virtualization
Minimal utility with only two cores and 4GB-friendly memory limits.
Two cores with Hyper-Threading provide minimal virtualization capability.
Efficiency
73W base TDP increases significantly when overclocked, resulting in poor efficiency.
73W for a dual-core processor is inefficient by modern standards.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration capabilities
- Completely unsuitable for any machine learning task
- No AI acceleration
- Far too slow for any machine learning workload
Content Creation
Gaming
- Overclocking does not overcome the dual-core limitation
- HD Graphics at 733MHz cannot handle any modern 3D workload
- Was marginal for 2010 gaming even with a discrete GPU
- Dual-core limitation makes most modern games unplayable
- HD Graphics 733MHz cannot handle any 3D rendering
- Was barely adequate for 2010-era gaming with a discrete GPU
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Unlocked multiplier was rare and valuable for LGA 1156 overclocking
- 32nm process allowed impressive frequency headroom
- Interesting piece of Intel's overclocking history
- BCLK-independent overclocking simplified tuning
Cons
- Only two cores even when overclocked
- More expensive than the identical-performance i5-650 at launch
- Clarkdale's dual-die design limited memory controller performance
- No practical use in modern computing
- Overclocking a dual-core provides negligible real-world benefit today
Pros
- Slightly faster than i5-650
- Integrated graphics for basic display
- 32nm process was advanced for its time
- Hyper-Threading improves multitasking
Cons
- Only two cores
- Extremely outdated for any modern task
- Small performance gain over cheaper i5-650
- No AVX support
- Obsolete platform with no upgrade path
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-655K
- AMD Phenom II X2 560 Black EditionRival
Unlocked Dual-Core
- AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black EditionRival
Unlocked Quad-Core
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-750Rival
Mainstream Quad-Core
- Intel Core i7-860Rival
Lynnfield i7
- AMD Athlon II X4 645Rival
Budget Quad-Core
- AMD Phenom II X4 955 BEAlt
Unlocked quad-core at a competitive price with better multi-threaded throughput.
- Intel Core i7-870Alt
Eight threads on the same platform if budget allowed.
Intel Core i5-660
- AMD Phenom II X2 565Rival
Dual-Core Desktop
- AMD Athlon II X4 640Rival
Budget Quad-Core
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-750Rival
Quad-Core Desktop
- AMD Phenom II X4 930Rival
Quad-Core Desktop
- Intel Core i3-540Rival
Budget Dual-Core
Our Verdict on Each
An interesting novelty for overclockers in 2010, but the unlocked multiplier on a dual-core Clarkdale offered little practical value even at launch.
Best for: Collectors or overclocking hobbyists interested in legacy hardware
Read the full reviewA minor clock speed bump over the i5-650 that did not address the fundamental two-core limitation. Obsolete for any modern use.
Best for: Maintaining an existing LGA 1156 Clarkdale system
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-655K or Intel Core i5-660?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-660 comes out ahead with a score of 3.5/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Do Intel Core i5-655K and Intel Core i5-660 use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the LGA 1156 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-660 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-655K (4,380), Intel Core i5-660 (4,600). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.