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. The Core i3-4330 is positioned at rank #687 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. 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

#1
Ryzen 9 7950X
MSRP: $194|Avg: $20
12355%
#2
Core i9-10900T
MSRP: $120|Avg: $5
11674%
#3
Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE
MSRP: $423|Avg: $5
8476%
#4
Ryzen Threadripper 3960X
MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85
2554%
#5
Ryzen 9 9950X
MSRP: $649|Avg: $129
2023%
#6
Ryzen 5 8400F
MSRP: $303|Avg: $55
1769%
#7
Ryzen 7 PRO 2700
MSRP: $299|Avg: $60
1013%
#8
Ryzen 5 2600X
MSRP: $229|Avg: $55
1000%
#9
Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G
MSRP: $150|Avg: $60
911%
#10
Core Ultra 5 245KF
MSRP: $294|Avg: $189
911%
#11
Ryzen 5 5500
MSRP: $159|Avg: $85
900%
#12
Ryzen 5 3600
MSRP: $199|Avg: $80
876%
#13
Core i3-9100E
MSRP: $202|Avg: $30
864%
#14
Core Ultra 5 245K
MSRP: $319|Avg: $200
860%
#15
Core i3-8300T
MSRP: $138|Avg: $25
853%
#687
Core i3-4330
MSRP: $138|Avg: $60
100%
#689
Core i7-7700T
MSRP: $303|Avg: $75
98%
#690
Core i3-4150T
MSRP: $117|Avg: $30
98%
#691
Core i7-3770S
MSRP: $250|Avg: $250
98%
#692
Core i7-6800K
MSRP: $434|Avg: $120
98%
#693
Core i5-4670S
MSRP: $213|Avg: $30
98%
#694
Core i5-3550
MSRP: $194|Avg: $30
98%
#695
Core i3-7300
MSRP: $184|Avg: $46
97%
#696
Core i5-3450
MSRP: $184|Avg: $95
97%
#697
FX-4300
MSRP: $122|Avg: $25
97%
#698
Celeron G550
MSRP: $52|Avg: $15
97%
#700
Core i3-4370T
MSRP: $138|Avg: $138
97%
#701
FX-6200
MSRP: $169|Avg: $25
96%
#702
FX-4150
MSRP: $137|Avg: $20
96%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

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. It currently holds Rank #687 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. 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
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking#687
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

Our Recommendation for Core i3-4330

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