Core i5-4330M
CPU·Budget

Core i5-4330M

Intel

PassMark

3,202

1 September 2013 (12 years ago)
37 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 i5-4330M 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 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA946. Thermal design power (TDP): 37 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,202 points. Launch price was $275.

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

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i5-4330M across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i5-4330M specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Core i5-4330M 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 2.8 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 3 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256K (per core) of L2 cache and 64K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 3,202, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

SpecificationCore i5-4330M
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units2C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost3.5 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency2.8 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designHaswell (2013−2015)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient22 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores3 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data256K (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache64K (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor118 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities1,400 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency5 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)100 °C
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleNo
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score3,202
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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4330M fits into the PGA946 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to DDR3L-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 4600 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

SpecificationCore i5-4330M
TypeDesktop or Laptop processorLaptop
SeriesProduct familyIntel Core i5
SocketMotherboard socket requiredPGA946
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 frequencyDDR3L-1600
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory32 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruptionNo
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processorHD Graphics 4600
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers1
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Advanced Features

The Core i5-4330M is primarily designed for Mobile. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

SpecificationCore i5-4330M
Primary Use CaseIntended workload categoryMobile
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 i5-4330M has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 37 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

SpecificationCore i5-4330M
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload37 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)100 °C
💰

Value Analysis

Performance ranking position: #2195 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationCore i5-4330M
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$275
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#2195
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

8 specs

TypeLaptop
SeriesIntel Core i5
DesignerIntel
Launch Price$275
ManufacturerIntel
Release Date1 September 2013 (12 years ago)
Architecture CodenameHaswell (2013−2015)
Performance Ranking Position2195

Technical Specifications

14 specs

Cores2
Threads4
Die Size118 mm2
L1 Cache64K (per core)
L2 Cache256K (per core)
L3 Cache3 MB (total)
Bus Speed5 GT/s
Max Frequency3.5 GHz
64-Bit Support+
Base Frequency2.8 GHz
Transistor Count1,400 million
Process Technology22 nm
Max Core Temperature100 °C
Windows 11 Compatible-

Compatibility

4 specs

SocketPGA946
PCIe GenerationPCIe 3.0
Power Consumption (TDP)37 Watt
Max Processors In Config1

Memory

4 specs

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

Our Recommendation for Core i5-4330M

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