Core i5-3330S
Intel
PassMark
3,915
MSRP
$231
AVG Price
$30
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 i5-3330S 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 2.7 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): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,915 points. Launch price was $231.
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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-3330S
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Core i5-3330S across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Counter-Strike 2
Deadlock
Delta Force
League of Legends
Left 4 Dead 2
Monster Hunter Wilds
Palworld
Path of Exile 2
Roblox
Rocket League
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Core i5-3330S specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Core i5-3330S 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 2.7 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 3,915, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.
| Specification | Core i5-3330S |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 4C / 4T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 3.2 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 2.7 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 | 3,915 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-3330S fits into the LGA1155 socket and supports PCIe 3.0. It supports DDR3 memory.
| Specification | Core i5-3330S |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | desktop |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | LGA1155 |
| PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth | PCIe 3.0 |
| RAM TypeSupported memory standard | DDR3 |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 1 |
Power & Cooling
The Core i5-3330S has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 65 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.
| Specification | Core i5-3330S |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 65 Watt |
Value Analysis
At an average price of $30 (MSRP: $231), the Core i5-3330S delivers 131 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #2026 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Core i5-3330S |
|---|---|
| MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | $231 |
| Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days | $30 |
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $231 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #2026 |
| 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 |
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
General Information
7 specs
| Type | desktop |
| Designer | Intel |
| Launch Price | $231 |
| Manufacturer | Intel |
| Release Date | 3 September 2012 (13 years ago) |
| Architecture Codename | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) |
| Performance Ranking Position | 2026 |
Technical Specifications
13 specs
Technical Specifications
13 specs
| Cores | 4 |
| Threads | 4 |
| Die Size | 133 mm2 |
| L1 Cache | 64 kB (per core) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) |
| Bus Speed | 5 GT/s |
| Max Frequency | 3.2 GHz |
| 64-Bit Support | + |
| Base Frequency | 2.7 GHz |
| Process Technology | 22 nm |
| Windows 11 Compatible | - |
| Max Case Temperature (TCase) | 67 °C |
Compatibility
4 specs
Compatibility
4 specs
| Socket | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 |
| Power Consumption (TDP) | 65 Watt |
| Max Processors In Config | 1 |
Memory
4 specs
Memory
4 specs
| RAM Types | DDR3 |
| Memory Channels | 2 |
| Memory Bandwidth | 25.6 GB/s |
| Max Memory Capacity | 32 GB |
Similar Performance
Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.
Intel (8)
AMD (8)
Our Recommendation for Core i5-3330S
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
Popular Comparisons
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Compare Core i5-3330S
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