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 i3-4330TE vs Core i5-2430M 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 i3-4330TE vs Core i5-2430M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-4330TE

2014

Why buy it

✅+0.3% higher PassMark.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Costs $87 less on MSRP ($138 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Delivers 63.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 14.7 vs 9.0 PassMark/$ ($138 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).

Trade-offs

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

Core i5-2430M

2011

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,015 vs 2,022).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 9.0 vs 14.7 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $138 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-4330TE better than Core i5-2430M?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-2430M is ahead with a 2.0% average FPS lead across 43 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-4330TE pulls ahead with 0.3% better PassMark. Core i3-4330TE also has the bigger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-4330TE is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Core i3-4330TE is the better buy right now. Core i3-4330TE comes in $87 cheaper on MSRP at $138 MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.3% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i5-2430M is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 2.0% average FPS lead across 43 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 63.6% better value on MSRP (14.7 vs 9.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-4330TE makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2011), 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB), and 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 i3-4330TE vs Core i5-2430M Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-4330TE

The Core i3-4330TE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 May 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,022 points. Launch price was $69.

Core i5-2430M

The Core i5-2430M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 October 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3 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: 2,015 points. Launch price was $225.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-4330TE and Core i5-2430M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the Core i3-4330TE versus 3 GHz on the Core i5-2430M — a 22.2% clock advantage for the Core i5-2430M (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core i3-4330TE uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-2430M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-4330TE scores 2,022 against the Core i5-2430M's 2,015 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i3-4330TE. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-4330TE vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-2430M.

Feature	Core i3-4330TE	Core i5-2430M
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.4 GHz	3 GHz+25%
Base Clock	2.4 GHz	2.4 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)+33%	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	2,022	2,015
Geekbench 6 Single	650	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-4330TE uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-2430M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i3-4330TE versus 1333 on the Core i5-2430M — the Core i3-4330TE supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-4330TE supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H81,B85,Q85,H87,Q87,Z87,H97,Z97,C226 (Core i3-4330TE) and HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i5-2430M).

Feature	Core i3-4330TE	Core i5-2430M
Socket	LGA1150	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600+20%	1333
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+100%	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, EPT (Core i3-4330TE) vs true (Core i5-2430M). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 4600 (Core i3-4330TE) and Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i5-2430M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-4330TE targets Embedded. Direct competitor: Core i3-4330TE rivals Embedded R-Series; Core i5-2430M rivals AMD A8-3500M.

Feature	Core i3-4330TE	Core i5-2430M
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 4600	Intel HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, EPT	true
Target Use	Embedded	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-4330TE was priced at $138, while the Core i5-2430M came in at $225. On launch pricing ($138 vs $225), Core i3-4330TE was $87 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-4330TE delivers 14.7 pts/$ vs 9.0 pts/$ for the Core i5-2430M — making the Core i3-4330TE the 48.3% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-4330TE	Core i5-2430M
MSRP	$138-39%	$225
Performance per Dollar	14.7+63%	9.0
Release Date	2014	2011

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