Core i5-3330S vs Core i7-2675QM

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 i7-2675QM 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 i7-2675QM: 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

✅+0.1% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $147 less on MSRP ($231 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
✅Delivers 63.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 16.9 vs 10.4 PassMark/$ ($231 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-2675QM across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌71.1% higher power demand at 77W vs 45W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-2675QM can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-2675QM

2011

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +9.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 45W instead of 77W, a 32W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 3000, while Core i5-3330S needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,913 vs 3,915).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 10.4 vs 16.9 PassMark/$ ($378 MSRP vs $231 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-3330S better than Core i7-2675QM?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-2675QM is ahead with a 9.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-3330S pulls ahead with 0.1% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-3330S is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-3330S is the better buy right now. Core i5-3330S comes in $147 cheaper on MSRP at $231 MSRP versus $378 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.1% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i7-2675QM is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 9.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 63.7% better value on MSRP (16.9 vs 10.4 PassMark/$), 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 i5-3330S makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-3330S vs Core i7-2675QM 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 i7-2675QM

The Core i7-2675QM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 12 October 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1224. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 3,913 points. Launch price was $378.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-3330S packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-2675QM's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-3330S versus 3.1 GHz on the Core i7-2675QM — a 3.2% clock advantage for the Core i5-3330S (base: 2.7 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Core i5-3330S uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-2675QM uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3330S scores 3,915 against the Core i7-2675QM's 3,913 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i5-3330S. Both processors carry 6 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i5-3330S	Core i7-2675QM
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz+3%	3.1 GHz
Base Clock	2.7 GHz+23%	2.2 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	6 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	3,915	3,913

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3330S uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-2675QM uses FCBGA1224 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-3330S	Core i7-2675QM
Socket	LGA1155	FCBGA1224
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	—	16 GB
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i5-3330S) / VT-x (Core i7-2675QM). The Core i7-2675QM includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 3000), while the Core i5-3330S requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-2675QM targets Mobile.

Feature	Core i5-3330S	Core i7-2675QM
Integrated GPU	—	Yes
IGPU Model	—	HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	VT-x
Target Use	—	Mobile

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-3330S was priced at $231, while the Core i7-2675QM came in at $378. On launch pricing ($231 vs $378), Core i5-3330S was $147 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3330S delivers 16.9 pts/$ vs 10.4 pts/$ for the Core i7-2675QM — making the Core i5-3330S the 48.3% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-3330S	Core i7-2675QM
MSRP	$231-39%	$378
Performance per Dollar	16.9+62%	10.4
Release Date	2012	2011

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