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 i5-655K 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 i5-655K: 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

✅+16.1% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Costs $78 less on MSRP ($138 MSRP vs $216 MSRP).
✅Delivers 56.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 14.7 vs 9.3 PassMark/$ ($138 MSRP vs $216 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 73W, a 38W reduction.

Trade-offs

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

Core i5-655K

2010

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (560 vs 650).
❌Lower PassMark (2,017 vs 2,022).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 9.3 vs 14.7 PassMark/$ ($216 MSRP vs $138 MSRP).
❌108.6% higher power demand at 73W vs 35W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-4330TE better than Core i5-655K?

Yes. Core i3-4330TE is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.9% average FPS lead across 36 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.2% 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 i3-4330TE is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.9% more average FPS across 36 shared CPU game tests.

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 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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 $78 cheaper on MSRP at $138 MSRP versus $216 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.9% average FPS lead across 36 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 56.9% better value on MSRP (14.7 vs 9.3 PassMark/$), 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 2010) 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 i5-655K 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 i5-655K

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.

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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. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i3-4330TE versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i5-655K — 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 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+20%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+100%	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	No
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

At launch, the Core i3-4330TE was priced at $138, while the Core i5-655K came in at $216. On launch pricing ($138 vs $216), Core i3-4330TE was $78 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-4330TE delivers 14.7 pts/$ vs 9.3 pts/$ for the Core i5-655K — making the Core i3-4330TE the 44.3% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-4330TE	Core i5-655K
MSRP	$138-36%	$216
Performance per Dollar	14.7+58%	9.3
Release Date	2014	2010

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