Core i5-3330S vs Core i3-7101TE
Core i5-3330S
Core i3-7101TE
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 i5-3330S is positioned at rank 866 and the Core i3-7101TE is on rank 552, so the Core i3-7101TE offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-3330S
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-7101TE
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-3330S | Core i3-7101TE |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($30) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($60) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake (2016−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-3330S | Core i3-7101TE |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+98%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($30) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($60) |
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 i5-3330S and Core i3-7101TE
Core i5-3330S
The Core i5-3330S 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 2.7 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): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,915 points. Launch price was $231.
Core i3-7101TE
The Core i3-7101TE 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 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1600, DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 3,956 points. Launch price was $117.
Processing Power
The Core i5-3330S packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i3-7101TE offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Core i5-3330S has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-3330S versus 3.4 GHz on the Core i3-7101TE — a 6.1% clock advantage for the Core i3-7101TE (base: 2.7 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Core i5-3330S uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i3-7101TE uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3330S scores 3,915 against the Core i3-7101TE's 3,956 — a 1% lead for the Core i3-7101TE. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-3330S vs 3 MB on the Core i3-7101TE.
| Feature | Core i5-3330S | Core i3-7101TE |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4+100% | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.2 GHz | 3.4 GHz+6% |
| Base Clock | 2.7 GHz | 3.4 GHz+26% |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total)+100% | 3 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 | 3,915 | 3,956+1% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,188 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 2,368 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-3330S uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-7101TE uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i5-3330S | Core i3-7101TE |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR4-2400 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 64 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Core i5-3330S) / Yes (Core i3-7101TE). The Core i3-7101TE includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 630), while the Core i5-3330S requires a dedicated GPU.
| Feature | Core i5-3330S | Core i3-7101TE |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel HD Graphics 630 |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | Yes |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-3330S launched at $231 MSRP, while the Core i3-7101TE debuted at $117. At current prices ($30 vs $60), the Core i5-3330S is $30 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3330S delivers 130.5 pts/$ vs 65.9 pts/$ for the Core i3-7101TE — making the Core i5-3330S the 65.7% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-3330S | Core i3-7101TE |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $231 | $117-49% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $30-50% | $60 |
| Performance per Dollar | 130.5+98% | 65.9 |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2017 |
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