Intel Core i5-3330S vs Intel Core i5-3570T Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded benchmark data for these two Ivy Bridge desktop processors shows a surprisingly split picture. Across the seven head-to-head tests in the database, the Intel Core i5-3330S wins five of them, while the Intel Core i5-3570T takes the remaining two. However, the margins in most cases are razor thin, and the two wins for the 3570T are actually the most decisive results in the entire comparison.

Starting with the multi-core Cinebench tests, the 3330S consistently edges ahead. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the 3330S scores 335 against the 3570T's 331, a delta of -1.2% from the perspective of the 3570T. That is a difference of just four points, which is well within run-to-run noise for most testing scenarios. The Cinebench R20 multi-core test shows the same pattern: the 3330S posts 1396, while the 3570T manages 1383, a 0.9% gap. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the 3330S scores 3326 versus 3293, a 1% difference. These are all extremely small margins, but the direction is consistent: the 3330S holds a slight edge in rendering workloads that scale across all four cores.

Single-core Cinebench results follow the same trend. In Cinebench R20 single-core, the 3330S scores 196 against 195 for the 3570T, which is a 0.5% difference. In Cinebench R23 single-core, the 3330S posts 469 versus 465, a 0.9% gap. Again, the 3330S wins, but the margins are tiny enough that any real-world difference would be difficult to perceive.

The Geekbench results flip the script entirely. In Geekbench multi-core, the 3570T scores 1705 against the 3330S's 1625, giving the 3570T a 4.9% advantage. That is a much larger margin than any of the Cinebench deltas. In Geekbench single-core, the 3570T scores 578 versus 549, a 5.3% lead. These are the two biggest swings in either direction across the entire test suite. The 3570T's wins are substantial, while the 3330S's wins are mostly marginal.

Looking at the overall average benchmark scores, the two processors land nearly on top of each other. The 3570T has an average benchmark score of 1136, while the 3330S has an average of 1128. That is a difference of eight points, or roughly 0.7%. Both CPUs sit at the 32nd percentile among all CPUs in the database, meaning they are essentially tied in overall standing. The nearest rivals for the 3570T include the Intel Core i5-2550K with an identical average score of 1136 and a delta of 0%, the Intel Xeon E5640 at 1137 (-0.1%), and the Intel Core i3-N300 at 1135 (0.1%). For the 3330S, the nearest rivals include the Intel Core i7-2720QM at 1128 (0%), the Intel Core i3-1115GRE at 1127 (0.1%), and the Intel Core i7-3612QM at 1129 (-0.1%). Both chips are firmly in the same performance tier, surrounded by the same class of competitors.

Where Each One Wins

The benchmark breakdown suggests that the Intel Core i5-3570T is the stronger choice for workloads that resemble Geekbench's testing methodology. The 5.3% lead in Geekbench single-core and the 4.9% lead in Geekbench multi-core are the largest performance gaps recorded in this comparison. Geekbench tends to emphasize memory latency, branch prediction, and certain integer and floating-point operations that may not scale perfectly with raw clock speed. The 3570T's architecture appears to handle these workloads more efficiently, despite having a lower base clock.

The Intel Core i5-3330S, by contrast, wins in every Cinebench test. Cinebench is heavily threaded and rendering-focused, and it tends to reward sustained multi-core throughput. The 3330S's higher base clock of 2.70 GHz likely contributes to its consistency in these tests, even though its boost clock of 3.20 GHz is lower than the 3570T's 3.30 GHz. The margins are small, but they are uniform across all four Cinebench tests, suggesting that the 3330S has a slight but reliable advantage in rendering, video encoding, and other all-core workloads.

For a PC builder, the practical takeaway is that the 3570T is the better pick if the system will run a mix of everyday applications, office work, and light content creation where Geekbench-style performance matters. The 3330S is the better pick if the workload is predominantly multi-threaded rendering or batch processing where Cinebench-style performance is the relevant metric. Neither chip offers a dramatic advantage in either direction, but the direction of the wins is consistent and worth respecting.

Architecture Differences

Both processors are built on the same Ivy Bridge architecture, use the same 22 nm process node, and are fabricated by Intel. They share the same socket, Intel Socket 1155, and both support DDR3 memory on a dual-channel memory bus. Both have four cores and four threads, with no hyper-threading. Both feature the Intel HD 2500 integrated graphics, and both provide PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes from the CPU.

The most significant architectural difference is the transistor count and die size, though the data only lists this for one chip. The 3570T has 1,400 million transistors and a die size of 160 mm². The 3330S has a die size of 133 mm², but the transistor count is not recorded in the database for that part. The smaller die size on the 3330S suggests a different configuration, likely related to the absence of certain features or a different binning strategy, but without the transistor count, the exact cause cannot be confirmed from the data.

The cache layout is identical: 64 KB of L1 per core, 256 KB of L2 per core, and 6 MB of shared L3 cache. Memory support is DDR3 for both, with no ECC support on either chip. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier, so overclocking headroom is limited on both.

The base and boost clocks differ notably. The 3570T has a base clock of 2.30 GHz and a boost clock of 3.30 GHz. The 3330S has a base clock of 2.70 GHz and a boost clock of 3.20 GHz. This means the 3330S runs faster at idle and in lightly threaded all-core workloads, but the 3570T can reach a higher single-core boost when only one or two cores are active. The thermal design power also differs significantly: the 3570T is rated at 45 W, while the 3330S is rated at 77 W. That is a 32 W difference, which makes the 3570T substantially easier to cool and more suitable for compact builds or systems with modest cooling solutions.

The release dates place the 3570T first, with a release date of 2012-04-28, while the 3330S followed on 2012-09-02. The part numbers are SR0P1 for the 3570T and SR0RR for the 3330S. Neither chip has a recorded launch MSRP in the database.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher single-core performance?

A: The Intel Core i5-3570T wins in Geekbench single-core with a score of 578 versus 549 for the Intel Core i5-3330S, a 5.3% advantage. However, in Cinebench R20 and R23 single-core tests, the 3330S wins by 0.5% and 0.9%, respectively. The winner depends on the benchmark.

Q: Which processor is better for multi-core rendering?

A: The Intel Core i5-3330S wins all four Cinebench multi-core tests in the database, with margins ranging from 0.9% to 1.2%. Its higher base clock of 2.70 GHz appears to help in sustained all-core workloads.

Q: What is the TDP difference between these two CPUs?

A: The Intel Core i5-3570T has a TDP of 45 W, while the Intel Core i5-3330S has a TDP of 77 W. The 3570T is significantly more power-efficient and easier to cool.

Q: Do both processors support the same memory and expansion features?

A: Yes, both support DDR3 on a dual-channel memory bus, both have PCIe Gen 3 with 16 CPU lanes, and both feature Intel HD 2500 integrated graphics. Neither supports ECC memory.

Q: Are these processors in the same performance tier overall?

A: Yes. The 3570T has an average benchmark score of 1136 and the 3330S has 1128, a difference of about 0.7%. Both sit at the 32nd percentile among all CPUs in the database.

Q: Which CPU has the higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core i5-3570T has a boost clock of 3.30 GHz, while the Intel Core i5-3330S has a boost clock of 3.20 GHz. The 3570T can reach a higher single-core boost, but the 3330S has a higher base clock.

Specification Differences

The recorded differences between the two processors are limited to a few key fields. The base clock differs: the 3570T runs at 2.30 GHz, while the 3330S runs at 2.70 GHz. The boost clock also differs, with the 3570T reaching 3.30 GHz and the 3330S reaching 3.20 GHz. The TDP is a major point of separation: 45 W for the 3570T versus 77 W for the 3330S.

The die size differs as well, with the 3570T measuring 160 mm² and the 3330S measuring 133 mm². The transistor count is listed for the 3570T at 1,400 million, but no transistor count is recorded for the 3330S. The release dates differ, with the 3570T released on 2012-04-28 and the 3330S on 2012-09-02. The part numbers are SR0P1 for the 3570T and SR0RR for the 3330S.

All other specification fields are identical: both use the Ivy Bridge architecture, the 22 nm process node, Intel Socket 1155, four cores, four threads, 64 KB L1 per core, 256 KB L2 per core, 6 MB shared L3, DDR3 dual-channel memory, no ECC support, PCIe Gen 3 with 16 CPU lanes, Intel HD 2500 integrated graphics, and a locked multiplier. Neither has a launch MSRP recorded in the database.

The Verdict

The choice between these two processors comes down to a clear trade-off between power efficiency and raw sustained throughput. The Intel Core i5-3570T is the better option for builders who prioritize low power draw and easy cooling. Its 45 W TDP is dramatically lower than the 3330S's 77 W, which makes it suitable for small form factor systems, silent builds, or any chassis with limited airflow. It also delivers superior Geekbench scores, with a 4.9% lead in multi-core and a 5.3% lead in single-core, which suggests it handles general-purpose computing tasks more responsively.

The Intel Core i5-3330S is the better option for builders who want maximum multi-core rendering performance in a conventional desktop setup. It wins every Cinebench test in the database, and while the margins are small, they are consistent across the board. Its higher base clock of 2.70 GHz gives it an edge in all-core workloads that do not benefit from brief turbo boosts. The 77 W TDP is higher, but still manageable with a capable air cooler.

The data does not support a decisive winner. The average benchmark scores are nearly identical at 1136 versus 1128, and both chips sit at the 32nd percentile. The 3330S wins five of the seven head-to-head tests, but the 3570T wins the two tests with the largest margins. A builder who values efficiency and responsiveness should choose the 3570T. A builder who values rendering throughput and does not mind the extra heat should choose the 3330S. Either way, the performance difference in real-world use will be small, and the deciding factor should be the thermal and power constraints of the system.