Core i5-3330 vs FX-8100
Core i5-3330
FX-8100
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 FX-8100 is on rank 928, 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 FX-8100
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-3330 | FX-8100 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($21) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($50) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Zambezi (2011−2012) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-3330 | FX-8100 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+138%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($21) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($50) |
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 FX-8100
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.
FX-8100
The FX-8100 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 12 October 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Zambezi (2011−2012) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 8 MB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,095 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
The Core i5-3330 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the FX-8100 offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the FX-8100 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-3330 versus 3.7 GHz on the FX-8100 — a 14.5% clock advantage for the FX-8100 (base: 3 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i5-3330 uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the FX-8100 uses Zambezi (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3330 scores 4,100 against the FX-8100's 4,095 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i5-3330. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 600 vs 455, a 27.5% lead for the Core i5-3330 that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-3330 vs 8 MB (total) on the FX-8100.
| Feature | Core i5-3330 | FX-8100 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 8 / 8+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3.2 GHz | 3.7 GHz+16% |
| Base Clock | 3 GHz+7% | 2.8 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | 8 MB (total)+33% |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 8 MB+3100% |
| Process | 22 nm-31% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Zambezi (2011−2012) |
| PassMark | 4,100 | 4,095 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 600+32% | 455 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 1,621 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-3330 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the FX-8100 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1600 memory speed. The Core i5-3330 supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-3330) vs 0 (FX-8100) — the Core i5-3330 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H61,B75,H77,Z75,Z77 (Core i5-3330) and AMD 990FX,AMD 970 (FX-8100).
| Feature | Core i5-3330 | FX-8100 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | AM3+ |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1600 | DDR3-1866 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB+100% | 16 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Only the FX-8100 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 AMD-V (FX-8100). The Core i5-3330 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2500), while the FX-8100 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-3330 targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-3330 rivals FX-6300.
| Feature | Core i5-3330 | FX-8100 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 2500 | — |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | AMD-V |
| Target Use | Legacy Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-3330 launched at $182 MSRP, while the FX-8100 debuted at $300. At current prices ($21 vs $50), the Core i5-3330 is $29 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3330 delivers 195.2 pts/$ vs 81.9 pts/$ for the FX-8100 — making the Core i5-3330 the 81.8% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-3330 | FX-8100 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $182-39% | $300 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $21-58% | $50 |
| Performance per Dollar | 195.2+138% | 81.9 |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2011 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i5-3330 and FX-8100
