Core i7-2700K vs Ryzen 3 3300U

Intel

Core i7-2700K

4 Cores8 Thrd95 WWMax: 3.9 GHz2011
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Ryzen 3 3300U

4 Cores4 Thrd15 WWMax: 3.5 GHz2019
Ryzen family
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Core i7-2700K vs Ryzen 3 3300U Performance Spectrum

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 i7-2700K vs Ryzen 3 3300U 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 i7-2700K vs Ryzen 3 3300U: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-2700K

2011

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +12.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB).
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 3000, while Ryzen 3 3300U needs a discrete GPU.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Ryzen 3 3300U.

Trade-offs

  • Launch MSRP is still $332 MSRP, while Ryzen 3 3300U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • 533.3% higher power demand at 95W vs 15W.

Ryzen 3 3300U

2019

Why buy it

  • Draws 15W instead of 95W, a 80W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-2700K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (5,686 vs 5,689).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 8 MB).
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i7-2700K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i7-2700K.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-2700K better than Ryzen 3 3300U?
Yes. Core i7-2700K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 12.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Core i7-2700K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 12.7% 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, Core i7-2700K is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i7-2700K is the better buy right now. Core i7-2700K comes in at an unclear MSRP at $332 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 12.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (17.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Ryzen 3 3300U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-2700K vs Ryzen 3 3300U Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i7-2700K

The Core i7-2700K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 October 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 8 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: 5,689 points. Launch price was $514.

AMD

Ryzen 3 3300U

The Ryzen 3 3300U is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 6 January 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Picasso (2019−2022) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 12 nm process technology. Socket: FP5. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 5,686 points. Launch price was $149.

Processing Power

The Core i7-2700K packs 4 cores / 8 threads, matching the Ryzen 3 3300U's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-2700K versus 3.5 GHz on the Ryzen 3 3300U — a 10.8% clock advantage for the Core i7-2700K (base: 3.5 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Core i7-2700K uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Ryzen 3 3300U uses Picasso (2019−2022) (12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-2700K scores 5,689 against the Ryzen 3 3300U's 5,686 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i7-2700K. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-2700K vs 4 MB (total) on the Ryzen 3 3300U.

FeatureCore i7-2700KRyzen 3 3300U
Cores / Threads
4 / 8
4 / 4
Boost Clock
3.9 GHz+11%
3.5 GHz
Base Clock
3.5 GHz+67%
2.1 GHz
L3 Cache
8 MB (total)+100%
4 MB (total)
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
512K (per core)+100%
Process
32 nm
12 nm-63%
Architecture
Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Picasso (2019−2022)
PassMark
5,689
5,686
Geekbench 6 Single
701
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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-2700K uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Ryzen 3 3300U uses FP5 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i7-2700KRyzen 3 3300U
Socket
LGA1155
FP5
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
16
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x (Core i7-2700K) / not specified (Ryzen 3 3300U). The Core i7-2700K includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 3000), while the Ryzen 3 3300U requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-2700K targets Gaming Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-2700K rivals FX-8150.

FeatureCore i7-2700KRyzen 3 3300U
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked
Yes
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x
Target Use
Gaming Desktop