Quick Verdict
A solid low-power CPU for 2012 SFF builds, offering decent integrated graphics, but outdated for modern computing.
Overview
Launch
2012
Status
End-of-lifeGeneration
3rd Gen (Ivy Bridge)
Market
Desktop
The Intel Core i5-3335S is a low-power variant of the 3rd generation Ivy Bridge desktop processors. Launched in late 2012, it is designed for small form factor (SFF) PCs and all-in-one systems where thermals are constrained. It features a reduced TDP of 65W compared to the standard 77W of the i5-3330. To achieve this, the base clock is lowered to 2.7 GHz, though it can still boost up to 3.2 GHz. The processor offers 4 cores and 4 threads, alongside 6MB of L3 cache. A notable feature of the 3335S is the inclusion of Intel HD 4000 graphics, a significant step up from the HD 2500 found in the standard 3330, providing better media decoding and light gaming capabilities. It supports dual-channel DDR3 memory and fits into the LGA 1155 socket, making it a versatile choice for compact, efficient builds.
The Intel Core i5-3335S brings Ivy Bridge architecture to low-power environments. With a 65W TDP and base clock of 2.7 GHz, it is tailored for compact chassis.
It distinguishes itself from the i5-3330 by featuring Intel HD 4000 graphics, allowing for smoother media playback and light 3D tasks. While its 4-core design lacks Hyper-Threading, it remains a historically reliable choice for basic office computing and home theater PCs.
Specifications
Performance
Handles office tasks adequately, but low base clock limits multitasking headroom.
Basic virtualization is possible but limited by 4 threads.
HD 4000 can play very old games (like Half-Life 2) at low settings, but is useless for modern titles.
Excellent efficiency for its generation, tailored for SFF systems.
- •HD 4000 is insufficient for modern gaming
- •Low base clock limits performance
- •Suitable only for retro or 2D indie games
- •No AI acceleration
- •Low compute capacity
Architecture
22nm
Process Node
Ivy Bridge
Codename
4C / 4T
Core Config
6 MB
L3 Cache
65 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The i5-3335S utilizes the Ivy Bridge microarchitecture on Intel's 22nm process, optimized for lower voltage curves.
CPU Design
4 cores and 4 threads with a locked multiplier, tuned to fit within a 65W thermal envelope.
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel DDR3 memory controller supporting up to 1600 MT/s.
PCIe & I/O
16 PCIe 3.0 lanes for expansion cards and storage.
Overclocking
Locked; designed for stable, low-power operation.
- 22nm process for better efficiency
- Upgraded to HD 4000 graphics
- Native DDR3-1600 support
Key Highlights
- Low 65W TDP
- Includes HD 4000 graphics
- Good for basic media tasks
- Reliable quad-core design
- Low base clock of 2.7 GHz
- Uses outdated DDR3 memory
- Not supported by Windows 11
- Lacks Hyper-Threading
History
The Core i5-3335S was launched in late 2012 to cater to the growing small form factor and all-in-one PC markets. System builders needed processors that could fit into tight thermal envelopes without sacrificing too much performance. The 3335S answered this by lowering the TDP to 65W and the base clock to 2.
7 GHz, but crucially, it retained the superior HD 4000 integrated graphics. This made it an ideal choice for HTPCs and office machines where a dedicated GPU wasn't feasible. It saw significant adoption in OEM systems, including various Apple and Lenovo compact desktops.
While it has long been discontinued, it represents an era where Intel began seriously segmenting its lineup to address specific power and form-factor requirements, a strategy that continues today with T and S suffix CPUs.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- 22nm process for better efficiency
- Upgraded to HD 4000 graphics
- Native DDR3-1600 support
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Not Recommended for the right buyer
Restoring an old SFF office PC
Avoid if…
- Building a new PC
- Needing modern performance
- Playing modern games
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
The 'S' suffix denotes a performance-optimized low-power SKU.
It features the HD 4000 iGPU, which has 16 execution units, double that of the HD 2500.
It was a popular choice for Apple Mac Mini and iMac models of the era.
Despite the lower TDP, it retains the full 6MB of L3 cache.
The processor supports Intel Quick Sync Video for fast media transcoding.
It is soldered onto the motherboard in some AIO designs, though it originally shipped as an LGA part.
The max turbo boost of 3.2 GHz matches the standard i5-3330.
It was built on the same 160mm² die as other Ivy Bridge quad-cores.
The CPU supports VT-d for directed I/O virtualization.
It can drive up to three independent displays via the integrated graphics.
People Also Ask
Is the Core i5-3335S good for gaming?
No, while the HD 4000 graphics are better than HD 2500, they are still too weak for modern games.
What is the difference between i5-3330 and i5-3335S?
The 3335S has a lower base clock, lower TDP (65W), and better integrated graphics (HD 4000).
Can the i5-3335S run Windows 11?
Not officially. It is too old to meet Windows 11 requirements.
What is the TDP of the i5-3335S?
It has a Thermal Design Power of 65 Watts.
Does the i5-3335S have HD 4000 graphics?
Yes, it includes Intel HD 4000 integrated graphics.
What socket does the i5-3335S use?
It uses the LGA 1155 socket.
Can I overclock the i5-3335S?
No, the multiplier is locked.
Does the i5-3335S support DDR4?
No, it only supports DDR3 memory.
Is the i5-3335S fast?
It was considered a decent low-power chip in 2012, but is slow by modern standards.
What is the max turbo of the i5-3335S?
The maximum turbo frequency is 3.2 GHz.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the S suffix mean?
S stands for a performance-optimized low-power SKU, usually with a 65W TDP.
Does the i5-3335S support Hyper-Threading?
No, it has 4 cores and 4 threads.
What generation is the i5-3335S?
It is a 3rd generation Ivy Bridge processor.
How much RAM does the i5-3335S support?
It supports up to 32GB of DDR3 RAM.
Does the i5-3335S have VT-d?
Yes, it supports VT-x and VT-d.
Is the i5-3335S unlocked?
No, it is a locked processor.
What is the base clock of the i5-3335S?
The base clock is 2.7 GHz.
Can the i5-3335S play 4K video?
It can struggle with 4K software decoding, but Quick Sync helps with supported formats.
Is the i5-3335S good for video editing?
It is very slow for modern video editing.
What cooling is needed for the i5-3335S?
A standard LGA 1155 cooler is sufficient due to the low 65W TDP.