CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-2400S vs Core i5-3335S
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-2400S is a quad-core processor tailored for small form factor desktops that cannot accommodate standard 95W cooling solutions. By maintaining four physical cores but lowering the base and turbo frequencies compared to the standard i5-2400, Intel achieved a 65W thermal envelope. It lacks Hyper-Threading, a defining characteristic of non-K Sandy Bridge i5 processors, meaning it handles four threads natively. Equipped with 6 MB of shared L3 cache and Intel HD 2000 graphics, it provided a balanced blend of multi-core productivity and low-power operation for home and office PCs during its prime.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles basic office tasks but struggles with heavy spreadsheets or modern web apps.
Handles office tasks adequately, but low base clock limits multitasking headroom.
Gaming
Cannot handle modern AAA games, even at lowest settings.
HD 4000 can play very old games (like Half-Life 2) at low settings, but is useless for modern titles.
Virtualization
Can run a basic NAS OS or light VM, but limited by 4 threads.
Basic virtualization is possible but limited by 4 threads.
Efficiency
Good power-to-core ratio for the 32nm era.
Excellent efficiency for its generation, tailored for SFF systems.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware capabilities
- Too slow for practical machine learning inference
- No AI acceleration
- Low compute capacity
Content Creation
Gaming
- HD 2000 graphics lack driver support for modern titles
- Even with a discrete GPU, CPU bottlenecks severely
- Playable only in legacy esports like CS 1.6
- HD 4000 is insufficient for modern gaming
- Low base clock limits performance
- Suitable only for retro or 2D indie games
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- True quad-core CPU
- Low 65W power draw
- Cool and quiet operation
- Full 6 MB L3 cache
Cons
- No Hyper-Threading
- Low clock speeds
- Outdated HD 2000 graphics
- Not Windows 11 compatible
- Locked multiplier
Pros
- Low 65W TDP
- Includes HD 4000 graphics
- Good for basic media tasks
- Reliable quad-core design
Cons
- Low base clock of 2.7 GHz
- Uses outdated DDR3 memory
- Not supported by Windows 11
- Lacks Hyper-Threading
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-2400S
- AMD Phenom II X4 960TRival
Desktop
- AMD FX-4100Rival
Desktop
- AMD A8-3800Rival
Desktop APU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-2390TRival
Desktop
- Intel Core i3-2125Rival
Desktop
Standard power, faster clocks for tower PCs.
Compare head-to-headSame power, better integrated graphics.
Compare head-to-head- AMD FX-4300Alt
Slightly newer platform with more upgrade paths.
- Intel Core i7-2600SAlt
Same 65W TDP but adds Hyper-Threading.
- Intel Xeon E3-1235Alt
Similar specs with better graphics, though 80W TDP.
Core i5-3335S
- AMD A10-5700Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-3330SRival
Desktop
- AMD A8-5600Rival
Desktop
- Intel Core i3-3225Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-2400SRival
Desktop
Newer Haswell architecture with better performance and efficiency.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 3 3200GEAlt
Modern low-power alternative with vastly superior integrated graphics.
- Intel Core i5-3330Alt
Slightly higher base clock if power consumption is less of a concern.
- Intel Core i7-3770SAlt
Hyper-threading and more L3 cache on the same socket.
- AMD Ryzen 5 3400GAlt
Excellent modern alternative for SFF builds with Vega graphics.
Our Verdict on Each
A power-efficient quad-core chip that is now strictly relegated to keeping legacy small form factor office PCs operational.
Best for: Direct replacement for a failed CPU in a Dell Optiplex SFF
Read the full reviewA solid low-power CPU for 2012 SFF builds, offering decent integrated graphics, but outdated for modern computing.
Best for: Restoring an old SFF office PC
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-2400S or Core i5-3335S?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i5-3335S 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, Intel Core i5-2400S or Core i5-3335S?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-2400S leads with a gaming performance score of 15/100 among Intel Core i5-2400S and Core i5-3335S.
Do Intel Core i5-2400S and Core i5-3335S use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the LGA 1155 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-2400S posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-2400S (2,400). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.