Core i5-3340S vs Core i5-7260U

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 i5-3340S vs Core i5-7260U 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 i5-3340S vs Core i5-7260U: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-3340S

2013

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +6.0% higher average FPS across 49 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $182 MSRP, while Core i5-7260U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌333.3% higher power demand at 65W vs 15W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-7260U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i5-7260U

2017

Why buy it

✅Draws 15W instead of 65W, a 50W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (12 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Iris Plus Graphics 640, while Core i5-3340S needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-3340S across 49 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (3,953 vs 3,962).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 6 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-3340S better than Core i5-7260U?

Yes. Core i5-3340S is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 6.0% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.2% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-3340S is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 6.0% more average FPS across 49 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-3340S is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).

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

Core i5-3340S is the better buy right now. Core i5-3340S comes in at an unclear MSRP at $182 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 6.0% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (21.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-7260U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2013). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-3340S vs Core i5-7260U Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-3340S

The Core i5-3340S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 July 2013 (12 years ago). It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 3,962 points. Launch price was $69.

Core i5-7260U

The Core i5-7260U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 3,953 points. Launch price was $304.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-3340S packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-7260U offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Core i5-3340S has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-3340S versus 3.4 GHz on the Core i5-7260U — a 3% clock advantage for the Core i5-7260U (base: 2.8 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Core i5-7260U is built on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i5-3340S scores 3,962 against the Core i5-7260U's 3,953 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i5-3340S. L3 cache: 6 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Core i5-3340S vs 4 MB on the Core i5-7260U.

Feature	Core i5-3340S	Core i5-7260U
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.3 GHz	3.4 GHz+3%
Base Clock	2.8 GHz+27%	2.2 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB Intel® Smart Cache+50%	4 MB
L2 Cache	—	512 kB
Process	22 nm	14 nm-36%
Architecture	—	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)
PassMark	3,962	3,953
Geekbench 6 Single	—	1,192

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3340S uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-7260U uses BGA1356 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-3340S	Core i5-7260U
Socket	LGA1155	BGA1356
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR4-2133
Max RAM Capacity	—	32 GB
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	12

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i5-3340S) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-7260U). The Core i5-7260U includes integrated graphics (Iris Plus Graphics 640), while the Core i5-3340S requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-7260U targets Mainstream Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-7260U rivals A12-9720P.