CPU
GPU
Core i5-3330S
Xeon E3-1225
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 Xeon E3-1225 is on rank 654, so the Xeon E3-1225 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 Xeon E3-1225
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-3330S | Xeon E3-1225 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($30) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($205) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-3330S | Xeon E3-1225 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+585%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($30) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($205) |
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 Xeon E3-1225
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.
Xeon E3-1225
The Xeon E3-1225 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 April 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,903 points. Launch price was $150.
Processing Power
Both the Core i5-3330S and Xeon E3-1225 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-3330S versus 3.4 GHz on the Xeon E3-1225 — a 6.1% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1225 (base: 2.7 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Core i5-3330S uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E3-1225 uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3330S scores 3,915 against the Xeon E3-1225's 3,903 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i5-3330S. Both processors carry 6 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i5-3330S | Xeon E3-1225 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.2 GHz | 3.4 GHz+6% |
| Base Clock | 2.7 GHz | 3.1 GHz+15% |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | 6 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm-31% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 3,915 | 3,903 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA1155 socket with PCIe 3.0.
| Feature | Core i5-3330S | Xeon E3-1225 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-3330S launched at $231 MSRP, while the Xeon E3-1225 debuted at $224. At current prices ($30 vs $205), the Core i5-3330S is $175 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3330S delivers 130.5 pts/$ vs 19.0 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1225 — making the Core i5-3330S the 149.1% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-3330S | Xeon E3-1225 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $231 | $224-3% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $30-85% | $205 |
| Performance per Dollar | 130.5+587% | 19.0 |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2011 |
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