Core i5-3330S vs Ryzen Embedded R2312

Intel

Core i5-3330S

4 Cores4 Thrd77 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2012
VS
AMD

Ryzen Embedded R2312

2 Cores4 Thrd15 WWMax: 3.5 GHz2022

Core i5-3330S vs Ryzen Embedded R2312 Performance Spectrum

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.

Core i5-3330S vs Ryzen Embedded R2312 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 Ryzen Embedded R2312: 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

  • βœ…+50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).

Trade-offs

  • ❌Lower PassMark (3,915 vs 3,952).
  • ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 16.9 vs 26.3 PassMark/$ ($231 MSRP vs $150 MSRP).
  • ❌413.3% higher power demand at 77W vs 15W.

Ryzen Embedded R2312

2022

Why buy it

  • βœ…Costs $81 less on MSRP ($150 MSRP vs $231 MSRP).
  • βœ…Delivers 55.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 26.3 vs 16.9 PassMark/$ ($150 MSRP vs $231 MSRP).
  • βœ…Draws 15W instead of 77W, a 62W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • ❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 6 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen Embedded R2312 better than Core i5-3330S?
Yes. Ryzen Embedded R2312 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.9% 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, Ryzen Embedded R2312 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.4% 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, Ryzen Embedded R2312 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Ryzen Embedded R2312 is the better buy right now. Ryzen Embedded R2312 comes in $81 cheaper on MSRP at $150 MSRP versus $231 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 55.5% better value on MSRP (26.3 vs 16.9 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Ryzen Embedded R2312 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2022 vs 2012) and more multi-core headroom with 2 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 Ryzen Embedded R2312 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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 (2012βˆ’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.

AMD

Ryzen Embedded R2312

The Ryzen Embedded R2312 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 21 June 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Picasso (2019βˆ’2022) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 12 nm process technology. Socket: FP5. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 3,952 points. Launch price was $69.

⚑

Processing Power

The Core i5-3330S packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Ryzen Embedded R2312 offers 2 cores / 4 threads β€” the Core i5-3330S has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-3330S versus 3.5 GHz on the Ryzen Embedded R2312 β€” a 9% clock advantage for the Ryzen Embedded R2312 (base: 2.7 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Core i5-3330S uses the Ivy Bridge (2012βˆ’2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Ryzen Embedded R2312 uses Picasso (2019βˆ’2022) (12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3330S scores 3,915 against the Ryzen Embedded R2312's 3,952 β€” a 0.9% lead for the Ryzen Embedded R2312. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-3330S vs 4 MB (total) on the Ryzen Embedded R2312.

FeatureCore i5-3330SRyzen Embedded R2312
Cores / Threads
4 / 4+100%
2 / 4
Boost Clock
3.2 GHz
3.5 GHz+9%
Base Clock
2.7 GHz
2.7 GHz
L3 Cache
6 MB (total)+50%
4 MB (total)
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
512 kB (per core)+100%
Process
22 nm
12 nm-45%
Architecture
Ivy Bridge (2012βˆ’2013)
Picasso (2019βˆ’2022)
PassMark
3,915
3,952
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3330S uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Ryzen Embedded R2312 uses FP5 (PCIe 3.0) β€” making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i5-3330SRyzen Embedded R2312
Socket
LGA1155
FP5
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
πŸ’°

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-3330S was priced at $231, while the Ryzen Embedded R2312 came in at $150. On launch pricing ($231 vs $150), Ryzen Embedded R2312 was $81 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3330S delivers 16.9 pts/$ vs 26.3 pts/$ for the Ryzen Embedded R2312 β€” making the Ryzen Embedded R2312 the 43.4% better value option.

FeatureCore i5-3330SRyzen Embedded R2312
MSRP
$231
$150-35%
Performance per Dollar
16.9
26.3+56%
Release Date
2012
2022

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