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 i5-2500K 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 i5-2500K 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 i5-2500K

2011

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 18.4 vs 22.5 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $182 MSRP).
❌23.4% higher power demand at 95W vs 77W.

Core i5-3330

2012

Why buy it

✅Costs $43 less on MSRP ($182 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Delivers 22.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 22.5 vs 18.4 PassMark/$ ($182 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Draws 77W instead of 95W, a 18W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-2500K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (4,100 vs 4,141).

Quick Answers

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

Yes. Core i5-2500K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-2500K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.1% 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 i5-2500K is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-2500K is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-2500K comes in 23.6% more expensive on MSRP at $225 MSRP versus $182 MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-3330 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2012 platform. Even with 22.4% better value on paper (22.5 vs 18.4 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1155.

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 i5-2500K vs Core i5-3330 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-2500K

The Core i5-2500K 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: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,141 points. Launch price was $216.

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 i5-2500K and Core i5-3330 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i5-2500K versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-3330 — a 14.5% clock advantage for the Core i5-2500K (base: 3.3 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i5-2500K 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 i5-2500K scores 4,141 against the Core i5-3330's 4,100 — a 1% lead for the Core i5-2500K. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 684 vs 600, a 13.1% lead for the Core i5-2500K that directly translates to higher frame rates. Both processors carry 6 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i5-2500K	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	6 MB (total)	6 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	4,141+1%	4,100
Cinebench R23 Multi	3,200	—
Geekbench 6 Single	684+14%	600
Geekbench 6 Multi	2,032	—

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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 i5-2500K 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: P67,Z68,Z77 (Core i5-2500K) and H61,B75,H77,Z75,Z77 (Core i5-3330).

Feature	Core i5-2500K	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

Only the Core i5-2500K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core i5-2500K) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-3330). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 3000 (Core i5-2500K) and HD Graphics 2500 (Core i5-3330) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-2500K targets Gaming, Core i5-3330 targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-2500K rivals FX-6300; Core i5-3330 rivals FX-6300.

Feature	Core i5-2500K	Core i5-3330
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 3000	HD Graphics 2500
Unlocked	Yes	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	Gaming	Legacy Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-2500K was priced at $225, while the Core i5-3330 came in at $182. On launch pricing ($225 vs $182), Core i5-3330 was $43 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-2500K delivers 18.4 pts/$ vs 22.5 pts/$ for the Core i5-3330 — making the Core i5-3330 the 20.1% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-2500K	Core i5-3330
MSRP	$225	$182-19%
Performance per Dollar	18.4	22.5+22%
Release Date	2011	2012

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