CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-660 vs Intel Core i5-750
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-660 is a dual-core Clarkdale desktop processor clocked at 3.33GHz with Hyper-Threading and integrated Intel HD Graphics, launched in January 2010.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Slightly faster than the i5-650 but still fundamentally inadequate for modern workloads.
Four cores help with basic multitasking but modern productivity apps will feel sluggish.
Gaming
Cannot run any modern game at acceptable frame rates.
With a discrete GPU, can handle older games but cannot run modern titles at acceptable frame rates due to CPU limitations.
Virtualization
Two cores with Hyper-Threading provide minimal virtualization capability.
Four real cores provide usable virtualization for lightweight VMs.
Efficiency
73W for a dual-core processor is inefficient by modern standards.
95W for four 45nm cores is inefficient by modern standards.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration
- Far too slow for any machine learning workload
- No AI acceleration instructions
- Far too slow for any ML workload
Content Creation
Gaming
- 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
- Cannot run modern AAA games at playable frame rates
- With a capable discrete GPU, older titles (pre-2015) run adequately
- The 2.666GHz base clock is a significant bottleneck
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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- Extremely outdated for any modern task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
Pros
- Four real cores provided strong 2009-era performance
- 8MB L3 cache was generous for the price
- Turbo boost significantly improved single-threaded performance
- Excellent value that redefined mainstream desktop pricing
- Overclockable via BCLK with good headroom
Cons
- No Hyper-Threading limits multi-threaded vs i7 Lynnfield
- No integrated graphics requires a discrete GPU
- 45nm process is obsolete
- No AVX instruction support
- LGA 1156 platform is dead with no upgrade path
Competitors & Alternatives
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
Intel Core i5-750
- AMD Phenom II X4 965Rival
Quad-Core Desktop
- AMD Phenom II X4 955Rival
Quad-Core Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-920Rival
High-End Desktop
- AMD Phenom II X6 1055TRival
Six-Core Desktop
- Intel Core 2 Quad Q9650Rival
Legacy Quad-Core
- Intel Core i7-860Alt
Eight threads via Hyper-Threading for better multi-threaded performance.
Higher clock speed on the same platform for a small premium.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A 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 reviewA landmark processor that offered excellent quad-core value in 2009-2010. Completely obsolete today but historically significant as the processor that established the Core i5 brand.
Best for: Keeping an existing LGA 1156 Lynnfield system functional for light tasks
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-660 or Intel Core i5-750?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-750 comes out ahead with a score of 5/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i5-660 or Intel Core i5-750?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-750 leads with a gaming performance score of 12/100 among Intel Core i5-660 and Intel Core i5-750.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-660 has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-660 (73 W), Intel Core i5-750 (95 W).
Do Intel Core i5-660 and Intel Core i5-750 use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the LGA 1156 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i5-750 has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i5-660 (2 cores), Intel Core i5-750 (4 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-750 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-660 (4,600), Intel Core i5-750 (6,750). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.