Core i3-330E vs Core i5-450M
Core i3-330E
Core i5-450M
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i3-330E is positioned at rank 1157 and the Core i5-450M is on rank 10, so the Core i5-450M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-330E
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-450M
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-330E | Core i5-450M |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($89) | ✅ More affordable ($31) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Westmere (2010−2011) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Arrandale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-330E | Core i5-450M |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+188%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($89) | ✅ More affordable ($31) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i3-330E and Core i5-450M
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.
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 |
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 | — | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
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 |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-330E launched at $177 MSRP, while the Core i5-450M debuted at $32. At current prices ($89 vs $31), the Core i5-450M is $58 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-330E delivers 14.2 pts/$ vs 40.8 pts/$ for the Core i5-450M — making the Core i5-450M the 96.9% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-330E | Core i5-450M |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $177 | $32-82% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $89 | $31-65% |
| Performance per Dollar | 14.2 | 40.8+187% |
| Release Date | 2010 | 2010 |
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