The Core i7-3960X is a much faster gaming CPU than the Core i5-661, however, it's a much worse value for money, as it's $188.31 more expensive!
Advantages of the Core i7-3960X
- A much faster CPU for gaming
- Can execute more multi-threaded tasks simultaneously – 12 vs 4 threads
Advantages of the Core i5-661
- Up to 70% cheaper – $80.00 vs $268.31
- A much better value for money for gaming
- Consumes up to 33% less energy – 87 vs 130 Watts
- Has an integrated GPU, while the Core i7-3960X cannot run games without a dedicated GPU
Core i7-3960X vs Core i5-661 for Gaming
The CPU's performance in selected game and settings
Core i7-3960X
Nov 14th, 2011
Average FPS
171
100%
Min 1% FPS
115
100%
Price, $
$268.31
29%
Value, $/FPS
$1.56/FPS
30%
Core i7-3960X vs Core i5-661 in My Games
The FPS you'll get in saved games
The FPS you'll get in saved games
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Synthetic Benchmarks
The Core i7-3960X vs Core i5-661 in synthetic CPU benchmarks
Performance Specifications
The Core i7-3960X vs Core i5-661 in core CPU performance specifications
Core i7-3960X
Nov 14th, 2011
Cores
6-core
100%
L3 Cache
15 MB
100%
Base Frequency
3.3 GHz
99%
Turbo Frequency
3.9 GHz
100%
Max. DDR3 RAM Speed
1600 MHz
100%
Core i5-661
Jan 7th, 2010
Cores
2-core
33%
L3 Cache
4 MB
27%
Base Frequency
3.33 GHz
100%
Turbo Frequency
3.6 GHz
92%
Max. DDR3 RAM Speed
1333 MHz
83%
Specifications
Comparison of all specifications
Core i7-3960X | SpecificationsComparison of all specifications | Core i5-661 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
Nov 14th, 2011 | Release Date | Jan 7th, 2010 |
| $990.00 | MSRP | $196.00 |
Desktop | Segment | Desktop |
| Intel Socket 2011 | Socket | Intel Socket 1156 |
| Sandy Bridge E | Codename | Clarkdale |
| 130 W | Power Consumption | 87 W |
| Performance | ||
6 | Cores | 2 |
12 | Threads | 4 |
| 3.3 GHz | Base Frequency | 3.3 GHz |
3.9 GHz | Turbo Frequency | 3.6 GHz |
15 MB | L3 Cache | 4 MB |
| Other Features | ||
| DDR3 @ 1600 MHz | RAM | DDR3 @ 1333 MHz |
| No | Integrated Graphics | Intel HD |
Yes | Overclockable | No |
