Core i5-3330S vs Core i5-3340S

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 i5-3330S vs Core i5-3340S 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 i5-3330S vs Core i5-3340S: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-3330S

2012

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,915 vs 3,962).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 16.9 vs 21.8 PassMark/$ ($231 MSRP vs $182 MSRP).
❌18.5% higher power demand at 77W vs 65W.

Core i5-3340S

2013

Why buy it

✅Costs $49 less on MSRP ($182 MSRP vs $231 MSRP).
✅Delivers 28.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 21.8 vs 16.9 PassMark/$ ($182 MSRP vs $231 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 77W, a 12W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-3340S better than Core i5-3330S?

Yes. Core i5-3340S is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1.2% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-3340S is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.5% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-3340S is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-3340S is the better buy right now. Core i5-3340S comes in $49 cheaper on MSRP at $182 MSRP versus $231 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 28.4% better value on MSRP (21.8 vs 16.9 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i5-3340S makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2012) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-3330S vs Core i5-3340S Technical Specifications

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

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 i5-3340S

The Core i5-3340S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 July 2013 (12 years ago). It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 3,962 points. Launch price was $69.

⚡

Processing Power

Both the Core i5-3330S and Core i5-3340S share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-3330S versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-3340S — a 3.1% clock advantage for the Core i5-3340S (base: 2.7 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i5-3330S is built on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i5-3330S scores 3,915 against the Core i5-3340S's 3,962 — a 1.2% lead for the Core i5-3340S. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-3330S vs 6 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Core i5-3340S.

Feature	Core i5-3330S	Core i5-3340S
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz	3.3 GHz+3%
Base Clock	2.7 GHz	2.8 GHz+4%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	6 MB Intel® Smart Cache
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	—
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	—
PassMark	3,915	3,962+1%

🧠

Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1155 socket with PCIe 3.0.

Feature	Core i5-3330S	Core i5-3340S
Socket	LGA1155	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-3330S was priced at $231, while the Core i5-3340S came in at $182. On launch pricing ($231 vs $182), Core i5-3340S was $49 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3330S delivers 16.9 pts/$ vs 21.8 pts/$ for the Core i5-3340S — making the Core i5-3340S the 24.9% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-3330S	Core i5-3340S
MSRP	$231	$182-21%
Performance per Dollar	16.9	21.8+29%
Release Date	2012	2013

Search Core i5-3330S on Amazon

Search Core i5-3340S on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.