Core i5-3339Y vs Phenom II X3 720

Core i5-3339Y vs Phenom II X3 720 Performance Spectrum

Core i5-3339Y

2 / 4

1,589

0.0%

1,600

+0.7%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX

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 i5-3339Y vs Phenom II X3 720 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 i5-3339Y vs Phenom II X3 720: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-3339Y

2013

Why buy it

✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4000, while Phenom II X3 720 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (368 vs 380).
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (707 vs 980).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 6 MB).
❌438.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 95W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Phenom II X3 720.

Phenom II X3 720

2010

Why buy it

✅+3.3% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 95W instead of 512W, a 417W reduction.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Included), unlike Core i5-3339Y.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $130 MSRP, while Core i5-3339Y mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-3339Y can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Phenom II X3 720 better than Core i5-3339Y?

Yes. Phenom II X3 720 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 38.6% better Geekbench multi-core, and 0.7% higher PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Phenom II X3 720 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.0% 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 X3 720 is the stronger fit. You are getting 38.6% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 3 cores and 3 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Phenom II X3 720 is the better buy right now. Phenom II X3 720 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $130 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (12.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-3339Y makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-3339Y vs Phenom II X3 720 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-3339Y

The Core i5-3339Y is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 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 1.5 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 13 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,589 points. Launch price was $250.

Phenom II X3 720

The Phenom II X3 720 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 1 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Heka (2009−2010) architecture. It features 3 cores and 3 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6 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: 1,600 points. Launch price was $75.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-3339Y packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Phenom II X3 720 offers 3 cores / 3 threads — the Phenom II X3 720 has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 2 GHz on the Core i5-3339Y versus 2.8 GHz on the Phenom II X3 720 — a 33.3% clock advantage for the Phenom II X3 720 (base: 1.5 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i5-3339Y uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Phenom II X3 720 uses Heka (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3339Y scores 1,589 against the Phenom II X3 720's 1,600 — a 0.7% lead for the Phenom II X3 720. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 368 vs 380, a 3.2% lead for the Phenom II X3 720 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 707 vs 980 (32.4% advantage for the Phenom II X3 720). L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-3339Y vs 6 MB (total) on the Phenom II X3 720.

Feature	Core i5-3339Y	Phenom II X3 720
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	3 / 3+50%
Boost Clock	2 GHz	2.8 GHz+40%
Base Clock	1.5 GHz	2.8 GHz+87%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	6 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	512 kB (per core)+100%
Process	22 nm-51%	45 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Heka (2009−2010)
PassMark	1,589	1,600
Geekbench 6 Single	368	380+3%
Geekbench 6 Multi	707	980+39%

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3339Y uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Phenom II X3 720 uses AM3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1600 on the Core i5-3339Y versus DDR3-1333 on the Phenom II X3 720 — the Core i5-3339Y supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-3339Y supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM76,UM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i5-3339Y) and AM3,AM2+ (Phenom II X3 720).

Feature	Core i5-3339Y	Phenom II X3 720
Socket	BGA1023	AM3
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	1600+20%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+100%	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Only the Phenom II X3 720 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: true (Core i5-3339Y) vs AMD-V (Phenom II X3 720). The Core i5-3339Y includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Phenom II X3 720 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Phenom II X3 720 targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-3339Y rivals AMD A8-4555M.