Core i3-7101TE vs Core i5-3330S

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 i3-7101TE vs Core i5-3330S 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 i3-7101TE vs Core i5-3330S: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-7101TE

2017

Why buy it

✅Costs $114 less on MSRP ($117 MSRP vs $231 MSRP).
✅Delivers 99.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 33.8 vs 16.9 PassMark/$ ($117 MSRP vs $231 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 77W, a 42W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 630, while Core i5-3330S needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 6 MB).

Core i5-3330S

2012

Why buy it

✅+100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,915 vs 3,956).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 16.9 vs 33.8 PassMark/$ ($231 MSRP vs $117 MSRP).
❌120% higher power demand at 77W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-7101TE can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-7101TE better than Core i5-3330S?

Yes. Core i3-7101TE is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1% 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 i3-7101TE is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.9% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-7101TE is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-7101TE is the better buy right now. Core i3-7101TE comes in $114 cheaper on MSRP at $117 MSRP versus $231 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 99.5% better value on MSRP (33.8 vs 16.9 PassMark/$), 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 i3-7101TE makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2012) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-7101TE vs Core i5-3330S Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-7101TE

The Core i3-7101TE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1600, DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 3,956 points. Launch price was $117.

Core i5-3330S

The Core i5-3330S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 September 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,915 points. Launch price was $231.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-7101TE packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-3330S offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core i5-3330S has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i3-7101TE versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-3330S — a 6.1% clock advantage for the Core i3-7101TE (base: 3.4 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Core i3-7101TE uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-3330S uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-7101TE scores 3,956 against the Core i5-3330S's 3,915 — a 1% lead for the Core i3-7101TE. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-7101TE vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-3330S.

Feature	Core i3-7101TE	Core i5-3330S
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	3.4 GHz+6%	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	3.4 GHz+26%	2.7 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB	6 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	512 kB+100%	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	3,956+1%	3,915
Geekbench 6 Single	1,188	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	2,368	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-7101TE uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-3330S uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-7101TE	Core i5-3330S
Socket	LGA1151	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400	—
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	Yes	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: Yes (Core i3-7101TE) / not specified (Core i5-3330S). The Core i3-7101TE includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 630), while the Core i5-3330S requires a dedicated GPU.

Feature	Core i3-7101TE	Core i5-3330S
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 630	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	Yes	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-7101TE was priced at $117, while the Core i5-3330S came in at $231. On launch pricing ($117 vs $231), Core i3-7101TE was $114 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-7101TE delivers 33.8 pts/$ vs 16.9 pts/$ for the Core i5-3330S — making the Core i3-7101TE the 66.4% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-7101TE	Core i5-3330S
MSRP	$117-49%	$231
Performance per Dollar	33.8+100%	16.9
Release Date	2017	2012

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