AMD Ryzen 3 1200 vs Intel Core i5-3330S Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded data shows a split decision between these two quad-core desktop parts, with each processor taking a clear win in different workloads. In Cinebench R23 single-core, the AMD Ryzen 3 1200 dominates, scoring 834 against the Intel Core i5-3330S's 469. That is a 43.8% advantage for AMD, a massive gap that reflects the generational leap in per-core performance. Any task that leans heavily on single-threaded responsiveness will favor the Ryzen 3 1200 by a wide margin.

The picture flips in Cinebench R23 multi-core. Here the Intel Core i5-3330S posts 3326, beating the Ryzen 3 1200's 3013 by 10.4%. This is a notable result because the Intel part is older, yet it manages to outrun the newer AMD chip in this specific multi-threaded test. The reasons lie in sustained all-core execution and the test's scaling characteristics, but the raw numbers are unambiguous: the i5-3330S wins multi-core in R23.

However, the Cinebench R15 multi-core test tells a different story. The Ryzen 3 1200 scores 480, while the i5-3330S manages 335. That works out to a 30.2% deficit for Intel in this older benchmark version. So across the two multi-core Cinebench versions, each processor wins one: R15 goes to AMD, R23 goes to Intel. The divergent results between R15 and R23 suggest that workload composition and test version matter a great deal when comparing these CPUs.

The average benchmark score puts the i5-3330S at 1128, barely ahead of the Ryzen 3 1200's 1116. That is a 1.1% difference in aggregate performance, essentially a statistical tie. The percentile rankings agree: the i5-3330S sits at the 32nd percentile of all CPUs, while the Ryzen 3 1200 sits at the 31st. Neither chip is a powerhouse by modern standards, but both occupy a similar performance tier overall.

Looking at the nearest rivals in the database clarifies the positioning. The i5-3330S's average score of 1128 matches the Intel Core i7-2720QM exactly, and it sits within 0.1% of the Core i3-1115GRE and 0.1% below the Core i5-4690T. The Ryzen 3 1200's 1116 average puts it 0.1% above the Core i3-7300 and 0.2% below the Core i5-3550S. The two CPUs are surrounded by similar-performing parts, which underscores how close they are on average despite their very different architectures.

Architecture Differences

The architectural gap between these two chips is substantial. The Intel Core i5-3330S uses the Ivy Bridge architecture built on Intel's 22 nm process, while the AMD Ryzen 3 1200 uses the Zen architecture on GlobalFoundries' 14 nm node. The process technology difference alone explains much of the efficiency and clock behavior. The Ryzen 3 1200 has a higher base clock of 3.10 GHz versus 2.70 GHz, and a higher boost clock of 3.40 GHz versus 3.20 GHz. Those clock advantages, combined with the newer microarchitecture, drive AMD's large single-core win.

Cache configurations differ notably. The i5-3330S has 64 KB of L1 per core and 256 KB of L2 per core, with 6 MB of shared L3. The Ryzen 3 1200 has 96 KB of L1 per core and 512 KB of L2 per core, with 8 MB of shared L3. The larger cache hierarchy on the AMD side gives it more headroom for data-heavy workloads and contributes to its higher per-core throughput. The die size also reflects the architectural differences: the i5-3330S measures 133 mm², while the Ryzen 3 1200 is 213 mm² and packs 4,800 million transistors. The AMD chip is physically much larger and carries far more transistors.

Memory support is another major divider. The i5-3330S supports DDR3 memory in dual-channel configuration, with no listed memory bandwidth figure. The Ryzen 3 1200 supports DDR4 in dual-channel configuration with a recorded bandwidth of 42.7 GB/s. ECC memory is supported on the Ryzen 3 1200 but not on the i5-3330S. Socket compatibility differs entirely as well: the Intel part uses Intel Socket 1155, while the Ryzen 3 1200 uses AMD Socket AM4, meaning motherboard upgrades between the two are impossible without changing platforms.

Integrated graphics exist only on the Intel side. The i5-3330S includes the Intel HD 2500 iGPU, while the Ryzen 3 1200 has no integrated graphics at all. Both CPUs require a discrete GPU for display output on the Ryzen platform, and both use PCI Express Gen 3 with 16 lanes on the CPU. The Ryzen 3 1200 has an unlocked multiplier and is fully unlocked for overclocking, with a production status of Active. The i5-3330S has a locked multiplier and is not unlocked. The Ryzen 3 1200's launch MSRP was $109, a figure stated once here for reference.

Where Each One Wins

The benchmark results create a clear use-case split. The Ryzen 3 1200 wins where single-thread performance matters most. Its 43.8% lead in Cinebench R23 single-core is the largest margin in the head-to-head data, and it also wins Cinebench R15 multi-core by 30.2%. That makes it the better choice for applications that scale poorly across cores or that rely on quick per-thread response, such as lightly threaded productivity tasks and general desktop responsiveness. The higher clocks and newer Zen core make it the more responsive chip in day-to-day interaction.

The i5-3330S wins in Cinebench R23 multi-core by 10.4%, which suggests it can hold its own in certain fully threaded workloads. The R23 test is more modern and demanding than R15, and the Intel part's ability to win there indicates that its sustained multi-core execution is not obsolete. For workloads that match R23's patterns, the i5-3330S is the stronger performer despite its lower clocks and older architecture.

The average scores are nearly identical, so neither chip has an aggregate advantage across all recorded benchmarks. The i5-3330S edges ahead by 1.0% in average score, but the Ryzen 3 1200's wins in two of the three head-to-head tests give it a 2-to-1 win count. The data points to the Ryzen 3 1200 as the more consistent performer across the tested workloads, with the i5-3330S holding a specific niche in R23 multi-core.

The Verdict

The data supports a straightforward recommendation. The AMD Ryzen 3 1200 is the pick for most users. It wins the majority of head-to-head tests, delivers a massive 43.8% single-core advantage, and offers a larger cache, newer process node, DDR4 support, ECC memory, and an unlocked multiplier. The i5-3330S is the pick only if your workload is specifically aligned with the Cinebench R23 multi-core pattern, where it leads by 10.4%, or if you need integrated graphics, since it includes Intel HD 2500 while the Ryzen 3 1200 has none.

The Ryzen 3 1200 also has the advantage of being an active production part with a recorded launch MSRP of $109. The i5-3330S is a legacy part from 2012. For a new build, the Ryzen 3 1200's platform support for DDR4 and its newer architecture make it the more forward-looking choice. For an existing Socket 1155 owners who already own compatible DDR3 memory, the i5-3330S remains a serviceable upgrade, and its R23 multi-core win shows it is not entirely outclassed.

FAQ

Q: Which CPU is faster in single-core performance?

A: The AMD Ryzen 3 1200 is substantially faster. In Cinebench R23 single-core, it scores 834 versus the Intel Core i5-3330S's 469, a 43.8% lead.

Q: Does the Intel Core i5-3330S win any benchmark?

A: Yes, it wins Cinebench R23 multi-core with a score of 3326 against the Ryzen 3 1200's 3013, a 10.4% advantage.

Q: What are the cache differences between the two?

A: The i5-3330S has 64 KB L1 per core, 256 KB L2 per core, and 6 MB shared L3. The Ryzen 3 1200 has 96 KB L1 per core, 512 KB L2 per core, and 8 MB shared L3.

Q: Do both CPUs support the same memory type?

A: No. The i5-3330S supports DDR3 memory, while the Ryzen 3 1200 supports DDR4 with a recorded bandwidth of 42.7 GB/s.

Q: Can either CPU be overclocked?

A: The Ryzen 3 1200 has an unlocked multiplier and is overclockable. The i5-3330S has a locked multiplier and is not unlocked.

Q: Does either processor include integrated graphics?

A: The i5-3330S includes Intel HD 2500. The Ryzen 3 1200 has no integrated graphics, so it requires a discrete GPU for display output.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core i5-3330S | AMD Ryzen 3 1200 |

|---|---|---|

| Base Clock | 2.70 GHz | 3.10 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 3.20 GHz | 3.40 GHz |

| TDP | 77 W | 65 W |

| Socket | Intel Socket 1155 | AMD Socket AM4 |

| Architecture | Ivy Bridge | Zen |

| Codename | Ivy Bridge | Zen |

| Generation | Core i5 (Ivy Bridge) | Ryzen 3 (Zen, Summit Ridge) |

| Process Node | 22 nm | 14 nm |

| Foundry | Intel | GlobalFoundries |

| Transistors | Not listed | 4,800 million |

| Die Size | 133 mm² | 213 mm² |

| L1 Cache | 64 KB (per core) | 96 KB (per core) |

| L2 Cache | 256 KB (per core) | 512 KB (per core) |

| L3 Cache | 6 MB (shared) | 8 MB (shared) |

| Memory Support | DDR3 | DDR4 |

| Memory Bus | Dual-channel | Dual-channel |

| Memory Bandwidth | Not listed | 42.7 GB/s |

| ECC Memory | No | Yes |

| PCIe | Gen 3, 16 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 3, 16 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated Graphics | Intel HD 2500 | None |

| Multiplier Unlocked | No | Yes |

| Production Status | Not listed | Active |