Core i3-4330TE vs Core i5-655K
Core i3-4330TE
Core i5-655K
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 i3-4330TE is positioned at rank 903 and the Core i5-655K is on rank 1004, so the Core i3-4330TE offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-4330TE
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-655K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-4330TE | Core i5-655K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($15) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($55) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell (2013−2015) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Clarkdale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-4330TE | Core i5-655K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+268%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($15) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($55) |
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 i3-4330TE and Core i5-655K
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 i5-655K
The Core i5-655K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 May 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.46 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 73 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,017 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
Both the Core i3-4330TE and Core i5-655K share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the Core i3-4330TE versus 3.46 GHz on the Core i5-655K — a 36.2% clock advantage for the Core i5-655K (base: 2.4 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i3-4330TE uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-655K uses Clarkdale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-4330TE scores 2,022 against the Core i5-655K's 2,017 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i3-4330TE. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 650 vs 560, a 14.9% lead for the Core i3-4330TE that directly translates to higher frame rates. Both processors carry 4 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i3-4330TE | Core i5-655K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 2.4 GHz | 3.46 GHz+44% |
| Base Clock | 2.4 GHz | 3.2 GHz+33% |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB (total) | 4 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm-31% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Haswell (2013−2015) | Clarkdale (2010−2011) |
| PassMark | 2,022 | 2,017 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 650+16% | 560 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 1,250 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-4330TE uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-655K uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1600 memory speed. The Core i3-4330TE supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 66.7% 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 H55,H57,P55 (Core i5-655K).
| Feature | Core i3-4330TE | Core i5-655K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1150 | LGA1156 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1600 | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB+100% | 16 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i5-655K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, EPT (Core i3-4330TE) vs VT-x (Core i5-655K). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 4600 (Core i3-4330TE) and Intel HD Graphics (Westmere) (Core i5-655K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-4330TE targets Embedded, Core i5-655K targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-4330TE rivals Embedded R-Series.
| Feature | Core i3-4330TE | Core i5-655K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 4600 | Intel HD Graphics (Westmere) |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, EPT | VT-x |
| Target Use | Embedded | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-4330TE launched at $138 MSRP, while the Core i5-655K debuted at $216. At current prices ($15 vs $55), the Core i3-4330TE is $40 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-4330TE delivers 134.8 pts/$ vs 36.7 pts/$ for the Core i5-655K — making the Core i3-4330TE the 114.5% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-4330TE | Core i5-655K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $138-36% | $216 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $15-73% | $55 |
| Performance per Dollar | 134.8+267% | 36.7 |
| Release Date | 2014 | 2010 |
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