Intel Core i7-970 vs Intel Core i5-661: comparison
Comparison of Intel Core i7-970 and Intel Core i5-661: key differences and a full specification table.
Key differences
Intel Core i7-970 has more cores (6 vs 2), more threads (12 vs 4), a larger L3 cache (12 MB vs 4 MB) and a higher maximum memory size (24 GB vs 16.38 GB).
At the same time, Intel Core i5-661 has a higher base clock (3.33 GHz vs 3.2 GHz), a higher maximum clock (3.6 GHz vs 3.46 GHz) and a lower TDP (87 W vs 130 W).
Both processors match on: process node (32 nm).
These are specification values: they show differences between the models but do not determine a performance winner. For a specific workload, rely on independent benchmarks.
Key specifications
| Parameter | Intel Core i7-970 | Intel Core i5-661 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / threads | 6 / 12 | 2 / 4 |
| Max boost clock | 3.46 GHz | 3.6 GHz |
| L3 cache | 12 MB | 4 MB |
| TDP | 130 W | 87 W |
| Process | 32 nm | 32 nm |
| Integrated graphics | — | Intel HD Graphics for Previous Generation Intel Processors |
Full specification table
Differing values are highlighted. This is not a better/worse rating: numbers from different architectures are not always comparable.
| Parameter | Intel Core i7-970 | Intel Core i5-661 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Model | i7-970 | i5-661 |
| Codename | Gulftown | Clarkdale |
| Segment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Product line | Legacy Intel Core Processors | Legacy Intel Core Processors |
| Process | 32 nm | 32 nm |
| Launch date | Q3 2010 | Q1 2010 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Servicing status | End of Servicing Lifetime | End of Servicing Lifetime |
| Embedded options available | No | No |
| CPU | ||
| Cores | 6 | 2 |
| Threads | 12 | 4 |
| Multithreading (SMT/HT) | Yes | Yes |
| Base clock | 3.2 GHz | 3.33 GHz |
| Max boost clock | 3.46 GHz | 3.6 GHz |
| L3 cache | 12 MB | 4 MB |
| Bus speed | 4.8 GT/s | 2.5 GT/s |
| TDP | 130 W | 87 W |
| Turbo Boost | Yes (1) | Yes (1) |
| 64-bit support | Yes | Yes |
| Instruction set width | 64 bit | 64 bit |
| Instruction set extensions | SSE4.2 | SSE4.2 |
| QPI links | 1 | — |
| Memory | ||
| Max memory size | 24 GB | 16.38 GB |
| Memory types | DDR3 | DDR3 |
| Memory channels | 3 | 2 |
| Max memory bandwidth | 25.6 GB/s | 21 GB/s |
| ECC memory supported | No | — |
| Physical address extensions | 36-bit | 36-bit |
| Graphics | ||
| Integrated graphics | — | Intel HD Graphics for Previous Generation Intel Processors |
| Has integrated graphics | — | Yes |
| Graphics base frequency | — | 900 MHz |
| Max displays | — | 2 |
| Flexible Display Interface | — | Yes |
| I/O and interfaces | ||
| PCI Express revision | — | 2 |
| PCI Express lanes | — | 16 |
| PCI Express configurations | — | 1x16, 2x8 |
| Package and thermal | ||
| Sockets supported | FCLGA1366 | FCLGA1156 |
| Max CPU configuration | 1 | 1 |
| Package size | 42.5mm X 45.0mm | 37.5mm x 37.5mm |
| TCASE | 67.9 °C | 69.8 °C |
| Die size | 239 mm² | 81 mm² |
| Transistors (millions) | — | 382 million |
| Security and virtualization | ||
| Virtualization (VT-x / AMD-V) | Yes | Yes |
| Extended Page Tables (EPT) | Yes | Yes |
| AES-NI | Yes | Yes |
| Execute Disable Bit | Yes | Yes |
| Technologies | ||
| Enhanced SpeedStep | Yes | Yes |
| Idle States | Yes | Yes |
| Thermal Monitoring Technologies | No | No |