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 i5-2500 vs Core i5-3330 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 i5-2500 vs Core i5-3330: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-2500

2011

Why buy it

✅+0% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (590 vs 600).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 14.0 vs 22.5 PassMark/$ ($294 MSRP vs $182 MSRP).
❌23.4% higher power demand at 95W vs 77W.

Core i5-3330

2012

Why buy it

✅+1.7% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Costs $112 less on MSRP ($182 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).
✅Delivers 61.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 22.5 vs 14.0 PassMark/$ ($182 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).
✅Draws 77W instead of 95W, a 18W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (4,100 vs 4,102).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-3330 better than Core i5-2500?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-3330 is ahead with a 1.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-2500 pulls ahead with 0% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-2500 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-3330 is the better buy right now. Core i5-3330 comes in $112 cheaper on MSRP at $182 MSRP versus $294 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i5-2500 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0% better PassMark. It is also 61.5% better value on MSRP (22.5 vs 14.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-3330 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 i5-2500 vs Core i5-3330 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-2500

The Core i5-2500 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 6144 kB (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: 4,102 points. Launch price was $85.

Core i5-3330

The Core i5-3330 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 3 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): 77 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,100 points. Launch price was $360.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-2500 and Core i5-3330 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i5-2500 versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-3330 — a 14.5% clock advantage for the Core i5-2500 (base: 3.3 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i5-2500 uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-3330 uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2500 scores 4,102 against the Core i5-3330's 4,100 — a 0% lead for the Core i5-2500. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 590 vs 600, a 1.7% lead for the Core i5-3330 that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-2500 vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-3330.

Feature	Core i5-2500	Core i5-3330
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.7 GHz+16%	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	3.3 GHz+10%	3 GHz
L3 Cache	6144 kB (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	4,102	4,100
Cinebench R23 Multi	2,642	—
Geekbench 6 Single	590	600+2%
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,690	—

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1155 socket with PCIe 2.0. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Core i5-2500 versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i5-3330 — the Core i5-3330 supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 32 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H61,H67,P67,Z68,B75,Z77 (Core i5-2500) and H61,B75,H77,Z75,Z77 (Core i5-3330).

Feature	Core i5-2500	Core i5-3330
Socket	LGA1155	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	DDR3-1600+20%
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d, EPT virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 2000 (Core i5-2500) and HD Graphics 2500 (Core i5-3330) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-2500 targets Desktop, Core i5-3330 targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-3330 rivals FX-6300.

Feature	Core i5-2500	Core i5-3330
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 2000	HD Graphics 2500
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	Desktop	Legacy Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-2500 was priced at $294, while the Core i5-3330 came in at $182. On launch pricing ($294 vs $182), Core i5-3330 was $112 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-2500 delivers 14.0 pts/$ vs 22.5 pts/$ for the Core i5-3330 — making the Core i5-3330 the 47% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-2500	Core i5-3330
MSRP	$294	$182-38%
Performance per Dollar	14.0	22.5+61%
Release Date	2011	2012

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