CPU
GPU
Core i5-450M
Core i3-330E
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 i5-450M is positioned at rank 10 and the Core i3-330E is on rank 1157, so the Core i5-450M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-450M
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-330E
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-450M | Core i3-330E |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($31) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($89) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Arrandale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Westmere (2010−2011) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-450M | Core i3-330E |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+188%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($31) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($89) |
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 i5-450M and Core i3-330E
Core i5-450M
The Core i5-450M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 26 September 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.66 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,264 points. Launch price was $32.
Core i3-330E
The Core i3-330E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Westmere (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.13 GHz, with boost up to 0.03 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1288. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800, DDR3-1066. Passmark benchmark score: 1,260 points. Launch price was $177.
Processing Power
Both the Core i5-450M and Core i3-330E share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.66 GHz on the Core i5-450M versus 0.03 GHz on the Core i3-330E — a 195.5% clock advantage for the Core i5-450M (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2.13 GHz). The Core i5-450M uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i3-330E uses Westmere (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-450M scores 1,264 against the Core i3-330E's 1,260 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i5-450M. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-450M vs 3 MB on the Core i3-330E.
| Feature | Core i5-450M | Core i3-330E |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 2.66 GHz+8767% | 0.03 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.4 GHz+13% | 2.13 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 3 MB |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 512 kB+100% |
| Process | 32 nm | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Arrandale (2010−2011) | Westmere (2010−2011) |
| PassMark | 1,264 | 1,260 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-450M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i3-330E uses BGA1288 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i5-450M | Core i3-330E |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | BGA1288 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1066 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | — |
| ECC Support | ❌ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: true (Core i5-450M) / not specified (Core i3-330E). The Core i5-450M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)), while the Core i3-330E requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-450M rivals AMD Turion II M620.
| Feature | Core i5-450M | Core i3-330E |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | — |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | true | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-450M launched at $32 MSRP, while the Core i3-330E debuted at $177. At current prices ($31 vs $89), the Core i5-450M is $58 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-450M delivers 40.8 pts/$ vs 14.2 pts/$ for the Core i3-330E — making the Core i5-450M the 96.9% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-450M | Core i3-330E |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $32-82% | $177 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $31-65% | $89 |
| Performance per Dollar | 40.8+187% | 14.2 |
| Release Date | 2010 | 2010 |
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