CPU Comparison
Core i5-3350P vs Intel Core i5-3330S
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-3350P is a unique 3rd generation Ivy Bridge processor designed specifically for budget gamers and system builders who plan to use a dedicated graphics card. Launched in September 2012, the 'P' suffix indicates that it lacks integrated graphics entirely. This allowed Intel to price it slightly lower while offering higher clock speeds. It features 4 cores and 4 threads, operating at a base frequency of 3.1 GHz and boosting up to 3.3 GHz. With a 69W TDP, it is remarkably power-efficient for a quad-core chip of its era. It supports dual-channel DDR3 memory and provides 16 PCIe 3.0 lanes for expansion. The removal of the iGPU meant that every transistor was dedicated to CPU performance, making it a favorite for cheap gaming rigs paired with cards like the GTX 650 Ti or HD 7850. It remains a notable example of Intel segmenting the market for cost-conscious enthusiasts.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Solid performance for basic office tasks, provided a display output is available.
4 cores handle basic office tasks well, but the lack of threads and older IPC limits heavy multitasking.
Gaming
Can handle pre-2015 games well with a dedicated GPU, but bottlenecks modern titles.
The HD 2500 graphics are extremely weak; a dedicated GPU is required for any form of gaming.
Virtualization
Limited by 4 threads, but VT-d is supported.
Can run a couple of light VMs with VT-d support, but limited by 4 threads.
Efficiency
Excellent efficiency; 69W TDP is very low for a quad-core CPU.
The 65W TDP and 22nm process provide excellent efficiency for a desktop chip of its era.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- Low core count limits compute
- No AI hardware support
- Aging architecture makes AI inference very slow
Content Creation
Gaming
- Requires a dedicated GPU to function
- 4 cores limit modern gaming performance
- Acceptable for older eSports titles
- 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
- 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
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 i5-3350P
- 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.
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 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 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 i5-3350P 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 i5-3350P or Intel Core i5-3330S?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-3330S leads with a gaming performance score of 30/100 among Core i5-3350P 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 i5-3350P (69 W), Intel Core i5-3330S (65 W).
Do Core i5-3350P and Intel Core i5-3330S use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i5-3350P: LGA 1155, Intel Core i5-3330S: Intel Socket 1155), so each needs a compatible motherboard.