CPU Comparison
Core i5-3330 vs Core i5-3350P
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-3330 is a 3rd generation desktop processor launched in September 2012 as part of the Ivy Bridge architecture. Designed for the LGA 1155 socket, it brought the 22nm manufacturing process to mainstream users, offering improved efficiency over the previous Sandy Bridge generation. This quad-core processor operates at a base frequency of 3.0 GHz and boosts up to 3.2 GHz. It features 6MB of L3 cache and supports dual-channel DDR3 memory. The inclusion of Intel HD 2500 integrated graphics provided basic display capabilities, though it was not intended for gaming. With a 77W TDP, it balanced power consumption and performance adequately for its time. While it lacks Hyper-Threading and an unlocked multiplier, it remained a popular choice for budget-conscious builders and office PCs, providing reliable performance for everyday computing tasks.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware acceleration
- AVX instructions present but too slow for modern AI
- No AI hardware
- Low core count limits compute
Content Creation
Gaming
- Low clock speeds limit frame rates
- 4 cores cause stuttering in modern games
- HD 2500 graphics are useless for gaming
- Requires a dedicated GPU to function
- 4 cores limit modern gaming performance
- Acceptable for older eSports titles
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Good single-core performance for 2012
- Low power consumption for its generation
- Supports PCIe 3.0
- Reliable quad-core design for basic tasks
Cons
- Only 4 cores and 4 threads
- Lacks Hyper-Threading
- Uses outdated DDR3 memory
- Integrated HD 2500 is very weak
Pros
- Affordable price point at launch
- Low 69W TDP for cool operation
- Good clock speeds for its generation
- Fully featured CPU instruction set (AVX, AES-NI)
Cons
- Lacks integrated graphics
- Only 4 cores and 4 threads
- Uses outdated DDR3 memory
- Locked multiplier
Competitors & Alternatives
Core i5-3330
- AMD FX-4300Rival
Desktop
- AMD FX-6300Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-2400Rival
Desktop
- Intel Core i3-3220Rival
Desktop
- AMD A8-5600KRival
Desktop
Newer Haswell architecture with better performance and instructions.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 3 3200GAlt
Vastly superior modern alternative with integrated graphics capable of light gaming.
Slightly higher clock speeds on the same socket if buying used.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i7-3770Alt
Hyper-threading and higher clocks on the same LGA 1151 motherboard.
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600Alt
Massive leap in multi-threaded performance for a small budget.
Core i5-3350P
- AMD FX-4300Rival
Desktop
- AMD FX-6300Rival
Desktop
- Intel Core i5-2380PRival
Desktop
- Intel Core i3-3220Rival
Desktop
- AMD A8-5600KRival
Desktop
Newer Haswell architecture with better performance and integrated graphics.
Compare head-to-headIncludes integrated graphics for similar CPU performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 3 3200GAlt
Modern budget alternative with capable integrated graphics.
- Intel Core i7-3770Alt
Hyper-threading and higher clocks on the same socket.
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600Alt
Massive multi-threading upgrade for a small budget.
Our Verdict on Each
A historic workhorse for basic computing, but its 4-core/4-thread design and HD 2500 graphics make it obsolete for modern workloads.
Best for: Purchasing a $10 used office PC for basic web browsing
Read the full reviewA clever cost-saving CPU for 2012 gamers, but the lack of an iGPU and outdated architecture make it obsolete today.
Best for: Building a retro gaming PC from used parts
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i5-3330 or Core i5-3350P?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i5-3350P comes out ahead with a score of 5.5/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which uses less power?
The Core i5-3350P has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i5-3330 (77 W), Core i5-3350P (69 W).
Do Core i5-3330 and Core i5-3350P use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the LGA 1155 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.