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 i7-7660U 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 i7-7660U: 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

✅+1% higher PassMark.
✅+50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).
✅33.3% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 12) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i7-7660U.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (600 vs 1,150).
❌Launch MSRP is still $182 MSRP, while Core i7-7660U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌413.3% higher power demand at 77W vs 15W.

Core i7-7660U

2017

Why buy it

✅+91.7% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Draws 15W instead of 77W, a 62W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (4,059 vs 4,100).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 6 MB).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-3330.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-7660U better than Core i5-3330?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-7660U is ahead with a 2.4% 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 1% better PassMark. Core i5-3330 also has the bigger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).

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 1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).

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

Core i7-7660U is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-7660U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $182 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-3330 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2012 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (22.5 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i7-7660U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-3330 vs Core i7-7660U 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 i7-7660U

The Core i7-7660U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 4,059 points. Launch price was $415.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-3330 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-7660U offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Core i5-3330 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-3330 versus 4 GHz on the Core i7-7660U — a 22.2% clock advantage for the Core i7-7660U (base: 3 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i5-3330 uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-7660U uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3330 scores 4,100 against the Core i7-7660U's 4,059 — a 1% lead for the Core i5-3330. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 600 vs 1,150, a 62.9% lead for the Core i7-7660U that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-3330 vs 4 MB on the Core i7-7660U.

Feature	Core i5-3330	Core i7-7660U
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz	4 GHz+25%
Base Clock	3 GHz+20%	2.5 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)+50%	4 MB
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	512 kB+100%
Process	22 nm	14 nm-36%
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)
PassMark	4,100+1%	4,059
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	1,759
Geekbench 6 Single	600	1,150+92%
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	2,285

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3330 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-7660U uses BGA1356 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i5-3330 versus DDR4-2133 on the Core i7-7660U — the Core i7-7660U supports 33.3% 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. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-3330) vs 12 (Core i7-7660U) — the Core i5-3330 offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H61,B75,H77,Z75,Z77 (Core i5-3330) and SoC (Core i7-7660U).

Feature	Core i5-3330	Core i7-7660U
Socket	LGA1155	BGA1356
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	DDR4-2133+33%
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16+33%	12

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-3330) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-7660U). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 2500 (Core i5-3330) and Iris Plus 640 (Core i7-7660U) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-3330 targets Legacy Desktop, Core i7-7660U targets Productivity. Direct competitor: Core i5-3330 rivals FX-6300; Core i7-7660U rivals Core i5-8250U.

Feature	Core i5-3330	Core i7-7660U
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 2500	Iris Plus 640
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Legacy Desktop	Productivity