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. The Core i5-3330S is positioned at rank #866 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 i5-3330S

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

18390%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

17377%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

12617%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

3801%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

3011%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

2634%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

1509%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

1489%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

1356%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

1356%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

1340%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

1304%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

1286%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

1281%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

1269%

#298

Core i9-7960X

MSRP: $1699|Avg: $185

97%

#866

Core i5-3330S

MSRP: $231|Avg: $30

100%

#867

Celeron G465

MSRP: $70|Avg: $37

100%

#868

Athlon II X4 630

MSRP: $129|Avg: $15

99%

#869

A6-7400K

MSRP: $101|Avg: $43

98%

#870

Core i7-4765T

MSRP: $303|Avg: $50

98%

#871

Core i7-4770TE

MSRP: $303|Avg: $303

98%

#872

Core i5-4570T

MSRP: $195|Avg: $45

98%

#873

Athlon II X2 260u

MSRP: $60|Avg: $10

97%

#875

A4-3420

MSRP: $65|Avg: $30

97%

#876

Core i5-5675R

MSRP: $339|Avg: $392

97%

#877

Pentium G3470

MSRP: $150|Avg: $130

96%

#878

Core i5-3335S

MSRP: $225|Avg: $30

96%

#879

Core i5-3470T

MSRP: $184|Avg: $35

96%

#881

Pentium G6960

MSRP: $89|Avg: $15

95%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

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

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. It currently holds Rank #866 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. 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
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#866
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