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 i5-3330 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 September 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 77 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,100 points. Launch price was $360.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core i5-3330 is positioned at rank #736 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 i5-3330

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

13836%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

13073%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

9492%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

2860%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

2265%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

1982%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

1135%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

1120%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

1020%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

1020%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

1008%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

981%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

967%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

964%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

955%

#288

Ryzen Threadripper 1950

MSRP: $999|Avg: $300

98%

#392

Celeron G4920

MSRP: $52|Avg: $115

99%

#736

Core i5-3330

MSRP: $182|Avg: $21

100%

#737

Core i3-4330T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $15

100%

#738

Pentium E5300

MSRP: $62|Avg: $25

100%

#739

Athlon II X2 215

MSRP: $45|Avg: $10

100%

#740

Core i7-4790S

MSRP: $312|Avg: $60

99%

#741

Pentium G2020T

MSRP: $64|Avg: $69

99%

#742

FX-6100

MSRP: $165|Avg: $25

99%

#743

Core i7-4771

MSRP: $320|Avg: $78

99%

#746

Core i7-4770S

MSRP: $305|Avg: $35

98%

#747

Core i5-6400T

MSRP: $192|Avg: $40

98%

#749

Core i5-3570K

MSRP: $225|Avg: $35

98%

#750

Athlon II X3 455

MSRP: $88|Avg: $15

98%

#751

Core i5-3570S

MSRP: $213|Avg: $59

98%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i5-3330 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i5-3330 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i5-3330 is a 4-core / 4-thread processor based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture, manufactured on a 22 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.2 GHz from a base frequency of 3 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 6 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 4,100, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 600.

Specification	Core i5-3330
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.2 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	22 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	6 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256 kB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	133 mm2
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	5 GT/s
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	4,100
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	600

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3330 fits into the LGA1155 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). Integrated graphics: HD Graphics 2500 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Core i5-3330
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA1155
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	16
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR3-1600
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	32 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	HD Graphics 2500
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	H61,B75,H77,Z75,Z77
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

The Core i5-3330 is primarily designed for Legacy Desktop. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the FX-6300.

Specification	Core i5-3330
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Legacy Desktop
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer	FX-6300

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i5-3330 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 77 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. It ships with the Yes stock cooler. Recommended cooling: Stock.

Specification	Core i5-3330
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	77 Watt
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	Yes
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Stock

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $21 (MSRP: $182), the Core i5-3330 delivers 195 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #736 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2000 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i5-3330
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$182
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$21
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$360
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#736
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2000
Release DateLaunch date	3 September 2012 (13 years ago)
Release Year	2012
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel