Core i3-4330
CPU·Budget

Core i3-4330

Intel

PassMark

3,482

MSRP

$138

AVG Price

$60

1 September 2013 (12 years ago)
54 Watt
Haswell (2013−2015)

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.

Overview

The Core i3-4330 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 54 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,482 points. Launch price was $171.

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.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i3-4330

#676
Core i7-10700
MSRP: $365|Avg: $268
103%
#677
Core i5-9600K
MSRP: $263|Avg: $178
103%
#678
Ryzen Threadripper 7960X
MSRP: $1499|Avg: $1400
103%
#679
Core i5-661
MSRP: $196|Avg: $40
103%
#680
Ryzen 7 PRO 4750GE
MSRP: $309|Avg: $309
103%
#681
Core i3-10305T
MSRP: $143|Avg: $143
103%
#682
Celeron G1840
MSRP: $35|Avg: $30
102%
#683
Core i5-2500
MSRP: $294|Avg: $69
102%
#684
Pentium G4520
MSRP: $86|Avg: $45
102%
#685
Ryzen 3 2300X
MSRP: $129|Avg: N/A
101%
#686
Ryzen Embedded V1202B
MSRP: $100|Avg: $60
101%
#687
Core i3-10100
MSRP: $122|Avg: $146
101%
#688
Ryzen 5 PRO 5650GE
MSRP: $311|Avg: $311
101%
#689
Pentium D 940
MSRP: $132|Avg: $15
101%
#690
Celeron G3900E
MSRP: $107|Avg: $35
100%
#691
Core i3-4330
MSRP: $138|Avg: $60
100%
#692
Celeron G6900
MSRP: $52|Avg: $77
100%
#693
Core i5-7600
MSRP: $224|Avg: $114
99%
#694
Core i9-11900K
MSRP: $539|Avg: $435
99%
#695
Core 2 Duo E8200
MSRP: $163|Avg: $20
99%
#696
Athlon 64 3500+
MSRP: $272|Avg: $10
98%
#697
Core i7-12700TE
MSRP: $378|Avg: $350
97%
#698
Core i9-12900E
MSRP: $500|Avg: $500
97%
#699
Core i5-4690K
MSRP: $243|Avg: $101
97%
#700
Core i7-6700
MSRP: $303|Avg: $143
97%
#701
Celeron G4900T
MSRP: $42|Avg: $40
96%
#702
Pentium E5300
MSRP: $62|Avg: $25
96%
#703
Ryzen Threadripper 2920X
MSRP: $649|Avg: $452
96%
#704
Core i9-9900KS
MSRP: $513|Avg: $350
96%
#705
Core i5-2500S
MSRP: $192|Avg: $61
95%
#706
Celeron G3900
MSRP: $42|Avg: $39
95%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i3-4330 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Baldur's Gate 3

Baldur's Gate 3

1080p
low87 FPS
medium87 FPS
high87 FPS
ultra74 FPS
1440p
low87 FPS
medium84 FPS
high67 FPS
ultra52 FPS
4k
low56 FPS
medium47 FPS
high41 FPS
ultra31 FPS
Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2

1080p
low87 FPS
medium87 FPS
high87 FPS
ultra65 FPS
1440p
low87 FPS
medium78 FPS
high73 FPS
ultra57 FPS
4k
low62 FPS
medium57 FPS
high40 FPS
ultra27 FPS
Destiny 2

Destiny 2

1080p
low87 FPS
medium83 FPS
high46 FPS
ultra31 FPS
1440p
low56 FPS
medium43 FPS
high32 FPS
ultra18 FPS
4k
low32 FPS
medium24 FPS
high16 FPS
ultra11 FPS
Hearts of Iron IV

Hearts of Iron IV

1080p
low87 FPS
medium87 FPS
high87 FPS
ultra87 FPS
1440p
low87 FPS
medium87 FPS
high73 FPS
ultra56 FPS
4k
low81 FPS
medium68 FPS
high53 FPS
ultra33 FPS
Honkai: Star Rail

Honkai: Star Rail

1080p
low60 FPS
medium60 FPS
high60 FPS
ultra60 FPS
1440p
low60 FPS
medium60 FPS
high60 FPS
ultra60 FPS
4k
low60 FPS
medium60 FPS
high58 FPS
ultra46 FPS
League of Legends

League of Legends

1080p
low87 FPS
medium87 FPS
high87 FPS
ultra87 FPS
1440p
low87 FPS
medium87 FPS
high87 FPS
ultra87 FPS
4k
low87 FPS
medium87 FPS
high87 FPS
ultra87 FPS
Left 4 Dead 2

Left 4 Dead 2

1080p
low87 FPS
medium87 FPS
high87 FPS
ultra87 FPS
1440p
low87 FPS
medium87 FPS
high87 FPS
ultra87 FPS
4k
low87 FPS
medium87 FPS
high87 FPS
ultra87 FPS
Marvel Rivals

Marvel Rivals

1080p
low87 FPS
medium87 FPS
high87 FPS
ultra87 FPS
1440p
low87 FPS
medium87 FPS
high87 FPS
ultra87 FPS
4k
low87 FPS
medium87 FPS
high87 FPS
ultra87 FPS
Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2

1080p
low87 FPS
medium87 FPS
high87 FPS
ultra84 FPS
1440p
low87 FPS
medium87 FPS
high86 FPS
ultra68 FPS
4k
low65 FPS
medium56 FPS
high43 FPS
ultra33 FPS
Phasmophobia

Phasmophobia

1080p
low87 FPS
medium87 FPS
high87 FPS
ultra80 FPS
1440p
low87 FPS
medium87 FPS
high67 FPS
ultra52 FPS
4k
low65 FPS
medium57 FPS
high41 FPS
ultra30 FPS

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i3-4330 specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Core i3-4330 is a 2-core / 4-thread processor based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture, manufactured on a 22 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.5 GHz from a base frequency of 3.5 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 4 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256 kB (per core) of L2 cache and 64 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 3,482, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

SpecificationCore i3-4330
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units2C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost3.5 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency3.5 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designHaswell (2013−2015)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient22 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores4 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data256 kB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache64 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor177 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities1,400 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency5 GT/s
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleNo
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score3,482
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-4330 fits into the LGA1150 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to DDR3-1600 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 32 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). It supports ECC memory, providing error-correcting capabilities — essential for mission-critical workloads and servers. Integrated graphics: HD Graphics 4600 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

SpecificationCore i3-4330
TypeDesktop or Laptop processordesktop
SocketMotherboard socket requiredLGA1150
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion16
RAM TypeSupported memory standardDDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequencyDDR3-1600
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory32 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruptionYes
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processorHD Graphics 4600
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers1
🔧

Advanced Features

The Core i3-4330 is primarily designed for Desktop. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

SpecificationCore i3-4330
Primary Use CaseIntended workload categoryDesktop
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technologyVT-x, VT-d
🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i3-4330 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 54 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

SpecificationCore i3-4330
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload54 Watt
💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $60 (MSRP: $138), the Core i3-4330 delivers 58 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #2121 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationCore i3-4330
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price$138
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days$60
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$171
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#2121
Release DateLaunch date1 September 2013 (12 years ago)
Release Year2013
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)Intel

Specifications Reference

Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.

4 categories

General Information

7 specs

Typedesktop
DesignerIntel
Launch Price$171
ManufacturerIntel
Release Date1 September 2013 (12 years ago)
Architecture CodenameHaswell (2013−2015)
Performance Ranking Position2121

Technical Specifications

14 specs

Cores2
Threads4
Die Size177 mm2
L1 Cache64 kB (per core)
L2 Cache256 kB (per core)
L3 Cache4 MB (total)
Bus Speed5 GT/s
Max Frequency3.5 GHz
64-Bit Support+
Base Frequency3.5 GHz
Transistor Count1,400 million
Process Technology22 nm
Windows 11 Compatible-
Max Case Temperature (TCase)72 °C

Compatibility

4 specs

SocketLGA1150
PCIe GenerationPCIe 3.0
Power Consumption (TDP)54 Watt
Max Processors In Config1

Memory

5 specs

RAM TypesDDR3
Memory Channels2
Memory Bandwidth25.6 GB/s
ECC Memory Support+
Max Memory Capacity32 GB

Our Recommendation for Core i3-4330

Suggested pairings based on performance balance

Compare Core i3-4330

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