Core i5-3330S vs Processor N200

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 Processor N200 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 Processor N200: 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 3,937).
❌Launch MSRP is still $231 MSRP, while Processor N200 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌Older platform position on LGA1155, while Processor N200 moves to FCBGA1264 and DDR5.

Processor N200

2023

Why buy it

✅Newer platform on FCBGA1264 with DDR5 support instead of LGA1155 and older memory support.

Trade-offs

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

Quick Answers

So, is Processor N200 better than Core i5-3330S?

Yes. Processor N200 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.6% 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, Processor N200 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.2% 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, Processor N200 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Processor N200 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Processor N200 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $231 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-3330S only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2012 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (16.9 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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?

Processor N200 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2012), a healthier platform with FCBGA1264 and DDR5 instead of LGA1155, and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i5-3330S vs Processor N200 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.

Processor N200

The Processor N200 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-N (2023) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 0.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (total). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1264. Thermal design power (TDP): + 6 MB. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5 4800 MHz Single-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 3,937 points. Launch price was $193.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-3330S and Processor N200 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-3330S versus 3.7 GHz on the Processor N200 — a 14.5% clock advantage for the Processor N200 (base: 2.7 GHz vs 0.1 GHz). The Core i5-3330S uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Processor N200 uses Alder Lake-N (2023) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3330S scores 3,915 against the Processor N200's 3,937 — a 0.6% lead for the Processor N200. Both processors carry 6 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i5-3330S	Processor N200
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz	3.7 GHz+16%
Base Clock	2.7 GHz+2600%	0.1 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	6 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	2 MB (total)+700%
Process	22 nm	10 nm-55%
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Alder Lake-N (2023)
PassMark	3,915	3,937

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3330S uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Processor N200 uses FCBGA1264 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.