CPU Comparison
Core i5-3330 vs Intel Core i5-3330S
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
Performance Compared
Productivity
Can handle basic document editing, but struggles with heavy multitasking or modern web apps.
4 cores handle basic office tasks well, but the lack of threads and older IPC limits heavy multitasking.
Gaming
Severely bottlenecks modern GPUs. Only viable for pre-2015 games at low settings.
The HD 2500 graphics are extremely weak; a dedicated GPU is required for any form of gaming.
Virtualization
Limited to very light virtualization due to lack of Hyper-Threading.
Can run a couple of light VMs with VT-d support, but limited by 4 threads.
Efficiency
Efficient for its era, but completely outclassed by modern 10nm and 7nm processors.
The 65W TDP and 22nm process provide excellent efficiency for a desktop chip of its era.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware acceleration
- AVX instructions present but too slow for modern AI
- No AI hardware support
- Aging architecture makes AI inference very slow
Content Creation
Gaming
- Low clock speeds limit frame rates
- 4 cores cause stuttering in modern games
- HD 2500 graphics are useless for gaming
- HD 2500 graphics are only suitable for 2D applications
- Requires a discrete GPU for any 3D gaming
- Older architecture limits performance with modern GPUs
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
- Low 65W TDP for cool and quiet operation
- True quad-core design for basic multitasking
- Uses the ubiquitous LGA 1155 socket
- Supports PCIe 3.0
Cons
- Weak HD 2500 integrated graphics
- No Hyper-Threading
- End-of-life and outdated
- Locked multiplier
- DDR3 memory only
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.
Intel Core i5-3330S
- AMD FX-4300Rival
Desktop
- Intel Core i5-3450Rival
Desktop
- AMD A8-5600KRival
Desktop APU
- Intel Core i3-3220Rival
Desktop
- AMD FX-6100Rival
Desktop
A newer Haswell generation low-power CPU if upgrading within a similar tier.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 3 3200GAlt
A budget modern alternative with vastly superior Vega integrated graphics.
A modern budget quad-core that obliterates this chip in every metric.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5600GAlt
A modern APU that offers incredible integrated graphics and CPU performance.
A budget modern CPU that offers 6 cores and 12 threads for cheap.
Compare head-to-head
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 reliable low-power quad-core for its time, good for basic desktop tasks, but severely lacking in graphical and multi-threaded performance today.
Best for: Reviving an old office PC for basic web browsing or as a home NAS server.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i5-3330 or Intel Core i5-3330S?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-3330S comes out ahead with a score of 6/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Core i5-3330 or Intel Core i5-3330S?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-3330S leads with a gaming performance score of 30/100 among Core i5-3330 and Intel Core i5-3330S.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-3330S has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i5-3330 (77 W), Intel Core i5-3330S (65 W).
Do Core i5-3330 and Intel Core i5-3330S use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i5-3330: LGA 1155, Intel Core i5-3330S: Intel Socket 1155), so each needs a compatible motherboard.