CPU
GPU
Core i5-3330
Core i5-2500K
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i5-3330 is positioned at rank 736 and the Core i5-2500K is on rank 828, so the Core i5-3330 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-3330
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-2500K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-3330 | Core i5-2500K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($21) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($35) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-3330 | Core i5-2500K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+65%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($21) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($35) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-3330 and Core i5-2500K
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.
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.
Processing Power
Both the Core i5-3330 and Core i5-2500K share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-3330 versus 3.7 GHz on the Core i5-2500K — a 14.5% clock advantage for the Core i5-2500K (base: 3 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Core i5-3330 uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-2500K uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3330 scores 4,100 against the Core i5-2500K's 4,141 — a 1% lead for the Core i5-2500K. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 600 vs 684, 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 i5-3330 | Core i5-2500K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.2 GHz | 3.7 GHz+16% |
| Base Clock | 3 GHz | 3.3 GHz+10% |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | 6 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm-31% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 4,100 | 4,141+1% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 3,200 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 600 | 684+14% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 2,032 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA1155 socket with PCIe 3.0. Both support up to DDR3-1600 memory speed. Both support up to 32 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H61,B75,H77,Z75,Z77 (Core i5-3330) and P67,Z68,Z77 (Core i5-2500K).
| Feature | Core i5-3330 | Core i5-2500K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1600 | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB | 32 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
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, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-3330) vs VT-x (Core i5-2500K). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 2500 (Core i5-3330) and HD Graphics 3000 (Core i5-2500K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-3330 targets Legacy Desktop, Core i5-2500K targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i5-3330 rivals FX-6300; Core i5-2500K rivals FX-6300.
| Feature | Core i5-3330 | Core i5-2500K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 2500 | HD Graphics 3000 |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | VT-x |
| Target Use | Legacy Desktop | Gaming |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-3330 launched at $182 MSRP, while the Core i5-2500K debuted at $225. At current prices ($21 vs $35), the Core i5-3330 is $14 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3330 delivers 195.2 pts/$ vs 118.3 pts/$ for the Core i5-2500K — making the Core i5-3330 the 49.1% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-3330 | Core i5-2500K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $182-19% | $225 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $21-40% | $35 |
| Performance per Dollar | 195.2+65% | 118.3 |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2011 |
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