Core i3-330E vs Core i5-450M

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i3-330E vs Core i5-450M FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i3-330E vs Core i5-450M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i3-330E

2010

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,260 vs 1,264).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.1 vs 39.5 PassMark/$ ($177 MSRP vs $32 MSRP).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-450M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i5-450M

2010

Why buy it

✅Costs $145 less on MSRP ($32 MSRP vs $177 MSRP).
✅Delivers 454.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 39.5 vs 7.1 PassMark/$ ($32 MSRP vs $177 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake), while Core i3-330E needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-450M better than Core i3-330E?

Yes. Core i5-450M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.3% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-450M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.4% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-450M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i5-450M is the better buy right now. Core i5-450M comes in $145 cheaper on MSRP at $32 MSRP versus $177 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 454.9% better value on MSRP (39.5 vs 7.1 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i5-450M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-330E vs Core i5-450M Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i3-330E

The Core i3-330E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Westmere (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.13 GHz, with boost up to 0.03 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1288. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800, DDR3-1066. Passmark benchmark score: 1,260 points. Launch price was $177.

Core i5-450M

The Core i5-450M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 26 September 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.66 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,264 points. Launch price was $32.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-330E and Core i5-450M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 0.03 GHz on the Core i3-330E versus 2.66 GHz on the Core i5-450M — a 195.5% clock advantage for the Core i5-450M (base: 2.13 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core i3-330E uses the Westmere (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-450M uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-330E scores 1,260 against the Core i5-450M's 1,264 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i5-450M. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-330E vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-450M.

Feature	Core i3-330E	Core i5-450M
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	0.03 GHz	2.66 GHz+8767%
Base Clock	2.13 GHz	2.4 GHz+13%
L3 Cache	3 MB	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	512 kB+100%	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Westmere (2010−2011)	Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,260	1,264

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-330E uses the BGA1288 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-450M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-330E	Core i5-450M
Socket	BGA1288	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	—	1066
Max RAM Capacity	—	8
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i3-330E) / true (Core i5-450M). The Core i5-450M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)), while the Core i3-330E requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-450M rivals AMD Turion II M620.

Feature	Core i3-330E	Core i5-450M
Integrated GPU	—	Yes
IGPU Model	—	Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	true

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-330E was priced at $177, while the Core i5-450M came in at $32. On launch pricing ($177 vs $32), Core i5-450M was $145 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-330E delivers 7.1 pts/$ vs 39.5 pts/$ for the Core i5-450M — making the Core i5-450M the 138.9% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-330E	Core i5-450M
MSRP	$177	$32-82%
Performance per Dollar	7.1	39.5+456%
Release Date	2010	2010

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