Core i5-2320 vs Core i5-3335S

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 i5-2320 vs Core i5-3335S 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 i5-2320 vs Core i5-3335S: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-2320

2011

Why buy it

✅Costs $48 less on MSRP ($177 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Delivers 27.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 20.8 vs 16.3 PassMark/$ ($177 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 2000, while Core i5-3335S needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i5-3335S.

Trade-offs

❌46.2% higher power demand at 95W vs 65W.

Core i5-3335S

2012

Why buy it

✅Draws 65W instead of 95W, a 30W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,672 vs 3,688).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 16.3 vs 20.8 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $177 MSRP).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-2320 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-2320.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-2320 better than Core i5-3335S?

Yes. Core i5-2320 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.4% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-2320 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.8% 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 i5-2320 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-2320 is the better buy right now. Core i5-2320 comes in $48 cheaper on MSRP at $177 MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 27.7% better value on MSRP (20.8 vs 16.3 PassMark/$), 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 i5-3335S makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-2320 vs Core i5-3335S Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-2320

The Core i5-2320 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 September 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,688 points. Launch price was $160.

Core i5-3335S

The Core i5-3335S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 November 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: 3,672 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-2320 and Core i5-3335S share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-2320 versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-3335S — a 3.1% clock advantage for the Core i5-2320 (base: 3 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Core i5-2320 uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-3335S uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2320 scores 3,688 against the Core i5-3335S's 3,672 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i5-2320. Both processors carry 6 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i5-2320	Core i5-3335S
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.3 GHz+3%	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	3 GHz+11%	2.7 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	6 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	3,688	3,672
Geekbench 6 Single	560	—

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1155 socket with PCIe 2.0.

Feature	Core i5-2320	Core i5-3335S
Socket	LGA1155	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, EPT (Core i5-2320) / not specified (Core i5-3335S). The Core i5-2320 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2000), while the Core i5-3335S requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-2320 targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-2320 rivals Phenom II X4 965.

Feature	Core i5-2320	Core i5-3335S
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 2000	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, EPT	—
Target Use	Legacy Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-2320 was priced at $177, while the Core i5-3335S came in at $225. On launch pricing ($177 vs $225), Core i5-2320 was $48 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-2320 delivers 20.8 pts/$ vs 16.3 pts/$ for the Core i5-3335S — making the Core i5-2320 the 24.3% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-2320	Core i5-3335S
MSRP	$177-21%	$225
Performance per Dollar	20.8+28%	16.3
Release Date	2011	2012

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