CPUDesktopReleased Jan 7, 2010

Intel Core i5-661

2C/4T · 3.6 GHz · 87 W

A first-generation Core i5 for LGA 1156 and the fastest of the graphics-enabled Clarkdale desktop parts. Two Westmere cores at 3.33 GHz (3.60 GHz Turbo) with Hyper-Threading and 4 MB of L3 cache sit beside an in-package 45 nm die that carries the memory controller and Intel HD Graphics, clocked here at 900 MHz - the faster graphics that push its TDP to 87 W. Unlike the rest of the i5-600 line it omits VT-d and TXT.

General

Manufacturer: Intel
Model: Intel Core i5-661
Segment: Desktop
Generation: 1st Gen Core
Codename: Clarkdale
Architecture: x86_64
Microarchitecture: Westmere
Release date: Jan 7, 2010
Price: $196Search on Amazon

Cores & clocks

Cores / threads: 2 cores / 4 threads
Base clock: 3.33 GHz
Boost clock: 3.60 GHz
TDP (design W): 87 W
Unlocked: ✕ No
L2 cache: 0.5 MB
L3 cache: 4 MB
Technology (nm): 32 nm
32 nm

Platform

Socket: FCLGA1156
2-CPU (multi-socket): ✕ No
Integrated GPU: Intel HD Graphics
Clock: 900 MHz
Memory type: DDR3-1333
2-channel
Memory size: —
ECC memory: ✕ No
PCIe: PCIe 2.0

Instructions & AI

Instruction extensions: MMXSSESSE2SSE3SSSE3SSE4.1SSE4.2AES-NIIntel 64VT-x
NPU: None

OS support

Windows: Windows 10
Linux: UbuntuFedoraArch Linux
Notes: Windows 11 is out of reach: Westmere sits far below the 8th-generation floor on Microsoft's supported-processor list and the LGA 1156 platform offers no TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot. Windows 10 and the mainstream Linux distributions install normally, and unlike the Core 2 generation this chip has SSE4.2, POPCNT and AES-NI, so x86-64-v2 software still runs. ChromeOS Flex does not cover hardware of this era.