Intel Core i5-3330S vs Intel Core i5-4690T Comparison

The Intel Core i5-4690T and Intel Core i5-3330S are both quad-core desktop processors, but the benchmark data shows a clear and consistent performance hierarchy. The i5-4690T wins every single head-to-head comparison, with margins ranging from 17.3% to 17.9% across Cinebench tests. Despite the i5-3330S having a higher base clock (2.70 GHz vs 2.50 GHz), the newer Haswell architecture of the i5-4690T delivers substantially better results in every workload tested.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The i5-4690T dominates the i5-3330S across all five shared Cinebench benchmarks. In multi-core tests, the advantage is substantial: Cinebench R15 multicore shows the i5-4690T scoring 393 against 335 for the i5-3330S, a 17.3% lead. This pattern repeats in Cinebench R20 multicore, where the i5-4690T scores 1640 versus 1396, a 17.5% gap. The largest multi-core margin appears in Cinebench R23, with the i5-4690T hitting 3905 compared to 3326, a 17.4% advantage.

Single-core performance tells the same story with even slightly larger margins. Cinebench R20 single-core shows the i5-4690T at 231 versus 196 for the i5-3330S, a 17.9% difference. Cinebench R23 single-core follows closely, with the i5-4690T scoring 551 against 469, a 17.5% lead. The i5-4690T also holds a win in Cinebench R15 single-core, recording 55 points where the i5-3330S has no comparable entry in the shared dataset.

The average benchmark scores confirm the overall picture. The i5-4690T averages 1129 across all its benchmarks, while the i5-3330S averages 1128. Both processors sit at the 32nd percentile against all CPUs, meaning they occupy the same overall performance tier in the broader market. The head-to-head results, however, show that within this tier, the i5-4690T is consistently faster, with wins in 5 out of 5 direct comparisons.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different architectural generations. The i5-4690T is built on the Haswell architecture, while the i5-3330S uses the older Ivy Bridge design. Both are manufactured on Intel's 22 nm process node, which means the transistor size is identical, but the underlying microarchitecture differs significantly.

The i5-4690T features 1,400 million transistors on a 177 mm² die, while the i5-3330S has a smaller 133 mm² die with no transistor count listed. This die size difference reflects the architectural evolution, with Haswell packing more functionality into the same process node. Cache configurations are identical on paper: both have 64 KB of L1 per core, 256 KB of L2 per core, and 6 MB of shared L3. The clock speeds differ in both directions: the i5-3330S has a higher base clock at 2.70 GHz, but the i5-4690T boosts higher at 3.50 GHz versus 3.20 GHz.

Power consumption is a major differentiator. The i5-4690T draws just 45 W TDP, while the i5-3330S consumes 77 W. This 32 W gap makes the i5-4690T far more efficient, especially given that it also delivers superior performance. The sockets differ as well: the i5-4690T uses Intel Socket 1150, while the i5-3330S uses Intel Socket 1155. Both support DDR3 memory with dual-channel configuration, and the i5-4690T lists a memory bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s, a figure absent for the i5-3330S.

Integrated graphics also differ. The i5-4690T includes Intel HD 4600, while the i5-3330S has the older Intel HD 2500. Both support PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes from the CPU. Neither processor has ECC memory support, and both have locked multipliers. The i5-4690T was released on 2014-04-30, while the i5-3330S came earlier on 2012-09-02.

Where Each One Wins

The i5-4690T wins every benchmark category in this comparison, so the use-case split is straightforward. For multi-threaded workloads like video rendering, 3D modeling, or batch processing, the i5-4690T delivers a 17.3% to 17.5% advantage across Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 multicore tests. This consistent margin means tasks that scale across all four cores will complete noticeably faster on the i5-4690T.

For single-threaded performance, which matters for older games, spreadsheet calculations, or lightly-threaded applications, the i5-4690T again leads, with margins of 17.5% to 17.9% in Cinebench R20 and R23 single-core tests. The higher boost clock of 3.50 GHz versus 3.20 GHz helps explain this advantage, as does the architectural efficiency of Haswell.

The i5-3330S has no benchmark wins to claim in this dataset. Its higher base clock of 2.70 GHz is its only nominal advantage, but benchmark results show this does not translate into actual performance gains. The i5-3330S does have a smaller die size at 133 mm², which could indicate lower manufacturing costs, but from a pure performance standpoint, it loses every comparison.

For power-sensitive use cases, the i5-4690T is clearly superior. Its 45 W TDP versus 77 W for the i5-3330S means it generates less heat and requires less robust cooling. This makes the i5-4690T suitable for compact or low-noise builds where the i5-3330S might struggle without adequate cooling solutions.

FAQ

Q: Which processor is faster in multi-core workloads?

A: The Intel Core i5-4690T wins all multi-core Cinebench tests. It scores 393 versus 335 in R15 multicore, 1640 versus 1396 in R20 multicore, and 3905 versus 3326 in R23 multicore, representing 17.3% to 17.5% advantages.

Q: How do the clock speeds compare?

A: The i5-3330S has a higher base clock at 2.70 GHz, but the i5-4690T has a higher boost clock at 3.50 GHz versus 3.20 GHz. Benchmark results show the i5-4690T's boost advantage translates into better real-world performance.

Q: Are these processors compatible with the same motherboards?

A: No, they use different sockets. The i5-4690T uses Intel Socket 1150, while the i5-3330S uses Intel Socket 1155. They are not interchangeable on the same motherboard.

Q: Which processor has better integrated graphics?

A: The i5-4690T includes Intel HD 4600, which is a more capable integrated GPU than the Intel HD 2500 found in the i5-3330S. This matters for systems without a discrete graphics card.

Q: What is the power consumption difference?

A: The i5-4690T has a TDP of 45 W, while the i5-3330S has a TDP of 77 W. The i5-4690T is significantly more power-efficient despite delivering higher performance.

Q: How do these processors compare to their nearest rivals?

A: Both processors sit at the 32nd percentile of all CPUs. The i5-4690T is statistically tied with the Intel Core i7-3612QM (0% delta), while the i5-3330S is tied with the Intel Core i7-2720QM (0% delta). They are also within 0.1% of each other in average benchmark score.

The Verdict

The data is unambiguous: the Intel Core i5-4690T is the superior processor in every measured dimension. It wins all five head-to-head benchmark comparisons with margins between 17.3% and 17.9%. It achieves this while consuming only 45 W TDP compared to 77 W for the i5-3330S, making it both faster and more efficient.

For users building a new system or upgrading an existing one, the i5-4690T is the clear choice. Its Haswell architecture delivers better single-core and multi-core performance, its integrated HD 4600 graphics are more capable, and its lower power draw simplifies cooling requirements. The only caveat is socket compatibility: the i5-4690T requires an Intel Socket 1150 motherboard, while the i5-3330S uses the older Socket 1155.

The i5-3330S retains one narrow advantage: its higher base clock of 2.70 GHz. However, this does not translate into any benchmark victory, and its older Ivy Bridge architecture cannot match the i5-4690T's efficiency. For anyone choosing between these two specific processors, the i5-4690T wins on performance, efficiency, and feature set. The i5-3330S only makes sense if a Socket 1155 motherboard is already in hand and the 17% performance deficit is acceptable.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core i5-4690T | Intel Core i5-3330S |

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

| Base Clock | 2.50 GHz | 2.70 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 3.50 GHz | 3.20 GHz |

| TDP | 45 W | 77 W |

| Socket | Intel Socket 1150 | Intel Socket 1155 |

| Architecture | Haswell | Ivy Bridge |

| Generation | Core i5 (Haswell) | Core i5 (Ivy Bridge) |

| Die Size | 177 mm² | 133 mm² |

| Transistors | 1,400 million | Not listed |

| Memory Bandwidth | 25.6 GB/s | Not listed |

| Integrated Graphics | Intel HD 4600 | Intel HD 2500 |

| Release Date | 2014-04-30 | 2012-09-02 |

| Part Number | SR1QT | SR0RR |

Both processors share identical core counts (4), thread counts (4), L1 cache (64 KB per core), L2 cache (256 KB per core), L3 cache (6 MB shared), process node (22 nm), memory type (DDR3), memory bus (dual-channel), ECC support (none), PCIe configuration (Gen 3, 16 lanes), and market segment (desktop). Neither has an unlocked multiplier.