Core i5-3330 vs Core i5-4590T

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 i5-3330 vs Core i5-4590T 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 i5-3330 vs Core i5-4590T: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-3330

2012

Why buy it

✅+0.9% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $10 less on MSRP ($182 MSRP vs $192 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (600 vs 917).
❌120% higher power demand at 77W vs 35W.

Core i5-4590T

2014

Why buy it

✅+52.8% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Draws 35W instead of 77W, a 42W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (4,064 vs 4,100).
❌
5.5% HIGHER MSRP
$192 MSRPvs$182 MSRP

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-4590T better than Core i5-3330?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-4590T is ahead with a 1.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-3330 pulls ahead with 0.9% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-3330 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-4590T is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-4590T comes in 5.5% more expensive on MSRP at $192 MSRP versus $182 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-3330 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2012 platform. Even with 6.4% better value on paper (22.5 vs 21.2 PassMark/$), 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 i5-4590T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-3330 vs Core i5-4590T Technical Specifications

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

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 i5-4590T

The Core i5-4590T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 May 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333/1600, DDR3L-1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 4,064 points. Launch price was $192.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-3330 and Core i5-4590T share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-3330 versus 3 GHz on the Core i5-4590T — a 6.5% clock advantage for the Core i5-3330 (base: 3 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core i5-3330 uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-4590T uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3330 scores 4,100 against the Core i5-4590T's 4,064 — a 0.9% lead for the Core i5-3330. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 600 vs 917, a 41.8% lead for the Core i5-4590T that directly translates to higher frame rates. Both processors carry 6 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i5-3330	Core i5-4590T
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz+7%	3 GHz
Base Clock	3 GHz+50%	2 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	6 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	4,100	4,064
Geekbench 6 Single	600	917+53%

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3330 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-4590T uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. 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 B85,Q85,H81,Q87,H87,Z87,H97,Z97 (Core i5-4590T).

Feature	Core i5-3330	Core i5-4590T
Socket	LGA1155	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	DDR3-1600
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 — HD Graphics 2500 (Core i5-3330) and HD Graphics 4600 (Core i5-4590T) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-3330 targets Legacy Desktop, Core i5-4590T targets Low Power Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-3330 rivals FX-6300; Core i5-4590T rivals A8-7600.

Feature	Core i5-3330	Core i5-4590T
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 2500	HD Graphics 4600
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	Legacy Desktop	Low Power Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-3330 was priced at $182, while the Core i5-4590T came in at $192. On launch pricing ($182 vs $192), Core i5-3330 was $10 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3330 delivers 22.5 pts/$ vs 21.2 pts/$ for the Core i5-4590T — making the Core i5-3330 the 6.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-3330	Core i5-4590T
MSRP	$182-5%	$192
Performance per Dollar	22.5+6%	21.2
Release Date	2012	2014

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