Core i5-3337U vs Phenom II X4 820

CPU

GPU

Core i5-3337U

2 Cores4 Thrd512 WWMax: 2.7 GHz2013

Similar parts

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Phenom II X4 820

4 Cores4 Thrd95 WWMax: 2.8 GHz2009

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Core i5-3337U vs Phenom II X4 820 Performance Spectrum

Core i5-3337U

2 / 4

2,093

0.0%

2,114

+1.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

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 i5-3337U vs Phenom II X4 820 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 i5-3337U vs Phenom II X4 820: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-3337U

2013

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4000, while Phenom II X4 820 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,093 vs 2,114).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 9.3 vs 14.1 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $150 MSRP).
❌438.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 95W.

Phenom II X4 820

2009

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Costs $75 less on MSRP ($150 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Delivers 51.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 14.1 vs 9.3 PassMark/$ ($150 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Draws 95W instead of 512W, a 417W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-3337U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Phenom II X4 820 better than Core i5-3337U?

Yes. Phenom II X4 820 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Phenom II X4 820 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.7% 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, Phenom II X4 820 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Phenom II X4 820 is the better buy right now. Phenom II X4 820 comes in $75 cheaper on MSRP at $150 MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 51.5% better value on MSRP (14.1 vs 9.3 PassMark/$), 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 i5-3337U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-3337U vs Phenom II X4 820 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-3337U

The Core i5-3337U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3/L/-RS 1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,093 points. Launch price was $225.

Phenom II X4 820

The Phenom II X4 820 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 1 September 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Deneb (2009−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,114 points. Launch price was $90.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-3337U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Phenom II X4 820 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Phenom II X4 820 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Core i5-3337U versus 2.8 GHz on the Phenom II X4 820 — a 3.6% clock advantage for the Phenom II X4 820 (base: 1.8 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i5-3337U uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Phenom II X4 820 uses Deneb (2009−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3337U scores 2,093 against the Phenom II X4 820's 2,114 — a 1% lead for the Phenom II X4 820. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-3337U vs 4 MB (total) on the Phenom II X4 820.

Feature	Core i5-3337U	Phenom II X4 820
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	2.7 GHz	2.8 GHz+4%
Base Clock	1.8 GHz	2.8 GHz+56%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	4 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	512 kB (per core)+100%
Process	22 nm-51%	45 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Deneb (2009−2011)
PassMark	2,093	2,114+1%

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3337U uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Phenom II X4 820 uses AM3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-3337U	Phenom II X4 820
Socket	BGA1023	AM3
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	32	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Core i5-3337U) / not specified (Phenom II X4 820). The Core i5-3337U includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Phenom II X4 820 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-3337U rivals AMD A8-4555M.

Feature	Core i5-3337U	Phenom II X4 820
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 4000	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	true	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-3337U was priced at $225, while the Phenom II X4 820 came in at $150. On launch pricing ($225 vs $150), Phenom II X4 820 was $75 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3337U delivers 9.3 pts/$ vs 14.1 pts/$ for the Phenom II X4 820 — making the Phenom II X4 820 the 41% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-3337U	Phenom II X4 820
MSRP	$225	$150-33%
Performance per Dollar	9.3	14.1+52%
Release Date	2013	2009

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