Core i3-4330TE vs Core i5-3317U

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 i5-3317U 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 i5-3317U: 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

✅+0.4% higher PassMark.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 35W instead of 512W, a 477W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $138 MSRP, while Core i5-3317U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Core i5-3317U

2012

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,014 vs 2,022).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌1362.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 35W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-4330TE better than Core i5-3317U?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-3317U is ahead with a 2.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-4330TE pulls ahead with 0.4% 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 0.4% 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 at an unclear MSRP at $138 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.4% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i5-3317U is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 2.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (14.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 2012), 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 i5-3317U 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 i5-3317U

The Core i5-3317U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.7 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3/L/-RS 1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,014 points. Launch price was $225.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-4330TE and Core i5-3317U share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the Core i3-4330TE versus 2.6 GHz on the Core i5-3317U — a 8% clock advantage for the Core i5-3317U (base: 2.4 GHz vs 1.7 GHz). The Core i3-4330TE uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-3317U uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-4330TE scores 2,022 against the Core i5-3317U's 2,014 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i3-4330TE. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-4330TE vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-3317U.

Feature	Core i3-4330TE	Core i5-3317U
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.4 GHz	2.6 GHz+8%
Base Clock	2.4 GHz+41%	1.7 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)+33%	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,022	2,014
Geekbench 6 Single	650	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-4330TE uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-3317U uses BGA1023 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1600 memory speed. Both support up to 32 GB of RAM. 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 HM76,UM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i5-3317U).

Feature	Core i3-4330TE	Core i5-3317U
Socket	LGA1150	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	1600
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	32 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 i5-3317U). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 4600 (Core i3-4330TE) and Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i5-3317U) — 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 i5-3317U rivals AMD A8-4555M.