Intel Core i5-3350P vs Intel Core i5-4440S Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data reveals a consistent, though modest, advantage for the Intel Core i5-4440S across nearly every recorded test. Out of six head-to-head comparisons, the i5-4440S claims five wins, with the i5-3350P taking only a single tie in the Cinebench R15 single-core test.

Starting with multi-core performance, the i5-4440S leads in all three Cinebench versions. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the i5-4440S scores 375 against the i5-3350P's 371, a delta of -1.1% from the perspective of the i5-3350P. The gap widens slightly in Cinebench R20 multi-core, where the i5-4440S posts 1566 compared to 1546, a -1.3% difference. Cinebench R23 multi-core follows the same pattern: 3729 for the i5-4440S versus 3681 for the i5-3350P, again a -1.3% delta. These are tight margins, but they are consistent across all three generations of the Cinebench workload, suggesting a small but repeatable multi-threaded advantage for the Haswell-based part.

Single-core results tell a similar story, though with even narrower gaps. In Cinebench R15 single-core, both processors score exactly 52, resulting in a 0% delta and the lone win for the i5-3350P in the head-to-head count. The i5-4440S edges ahead in Cinebench R20 single-core with 220 versus 217, a -1.4% delta, and in Cinebench R23 single-core with 526 versus 519, a -1.3% delta. The single-core margins are so small that they fall within what could be considered run-to-run variation, yet the direction of the advantage is uniform.

The Geekbench results are only recorded for the i5-3350P, so no direct head-to-head comparison is possible there. The i5-3350P scores 1730 in Geekbench multi-core and 584 in single-core, but without a corresponding i5-4440S measurement, these numbers serve only as absolute reference points.

What stands out is the overall average benchmark score. The i5-3350P averages 1088, while the i5-4440S averages 1078. This is curious: despite losing most head-to-head tests, the i5-3350P has a higher average score. This discrepancy likely arises from the different benchmark suites included in each processor's average. The i5-3350P's average includes its Geekbench scores, which are not present for the i5-4440S. The i5-3350P also sits in the 30th percentile of all CPUs, matching the i5-4440S's 30th percentile, so neither processor distinguishes itself in the broader performance hierarchy.

The nearest rivals for the i5-3350P include the AMD Athlon 220GE at an equal 1088 average score, the Intel Core i5-2450P at 1086 (0.2% behind), the Intel Core i3-6320 at 1085 (0.3% behind), and the Intel Pentium Gold G5400 at 1091 (0.3% ahead). For the i5-4440S, the nearest rivals are the AMD A12-9800 at 1081 (0.2% ahead of the i5-4440S), the Intel Pentium Gold G6505T at 1082 (0.3% ahead), the Intel Pentium Gold G6505 at 1074 (0.4% behind), and the Intel Core i5-3335S at 1083 (0.4% ahead). These rival comparisons reinforce that both processors occupy a very crowded performance tier where the differences between adjacent chips are minimal.

Architecture Differences

The two processors belong to different Intel microarchitectures, which explains many of their behavioral differences. The i5-3350P uses Ivy Bridge, built on a 22 nm process node, while the i5-4440S uses Haswell, also on a 22 nm node. Both are manufactured by Intel, so the process generation is identical, but the microarchitecture improvements in Haswell account for the slight performance edge.

Socket compatibility is a major divider. The i5-3350P fits Intel Socket 1155, whereas the i5-4440S uses Intel Socket 1150. These sockets are not interchangeable, so a motherboard designed for one will not accept the other. This is a critical consideration for anyone upgrading an existing system. The i5-3350P's part number is SR0WS, and the i5-4440S's part number is SR14L, confirming they are distinct silicon revisions.

Die size and transistor count differ notably. The i5-4440S has a die size of 177 mm² and contains 1,400 million transistors. The i5-3350P's die size is 133 mm², and its transistor count is not recorded in the database. The larger Haswell die accommodates additional integrated components, most notably the integrated graphics. The i5-4440S includes Intel HD 4600 graphics, while the i5-3350P has no integrated graphics listed at all. This means the i5-3350P requires a discrete graphics card for any display output, whereas the i5-4440S can drive a display on its own.

Core and thread counts are identical: both have 4 cores and 4 threads, with no hyper-threading. Cache configurations also match exactly. Each processor has 64 KB of L1 cache per core, 256 KB of L2 cache per core, and 6 MB of shared L3 cache. The memory support is the same as well: DDR3 memory in a dual-channel configuration, with no ECC support. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier, so overclocking is not a supported feature on either.

Clock speeds show a subtle but interesting split. The i5-3350P has a base clock of 3.10 GHz and a boost clock of 3.30 GHz. The i5-4440S has a lower base clock of 2.80 GHz but the same boost clock of 3.30 GHz. This means the i5-4440S relies more heavily on turbo boost to reach its peak frequency, while the i5-3350P maintains a higher baseline frequency. The thermal design power differs slightly: the i5-3350P is rated at 69 watts, and the i5-4440S at 65 watts. The lower TDP of the i5-4440S, combined with its lower base clock, suggests a more power-conscious design, yet it still manages to outperform the i5-3350P in the benchmarks, pointing to the efficiency gains of the Haswell architecture.

PCIe support differs in the recorded data. The i5-3350P lists "Gen 3, 16 Lanes (CPU only)", while the i5-4440S simply lists "Gen 3" without a lane count. Both support PCIe Gen 3, but the lane specification is only quantified for the i5-3350P.

Where Each One Wins

The i5-4440S is the clear winner in multi-threaded workloads, taking every Cinebench multi-core test by a margin of 1.1% to 1.3%. This applies to rendering tasks, video encoding, and any application that scales across all four cores. The advantage is not large, but it is consistent. For users running prolonged multi-core workloads, the i5-4440S is the safer choice.

The i5-4440S also wins in single-threaded performance, except for the exact tie in Cinebench R15. The margins in Cinebench R20 and R23 are 1.4% and 1.3% respectively. Applications that rely on single-core speed, such as older games or lightly threaded productivity software, will see a slight preference for the i5-4440S.

The i5-3350P's only head-to-head win is the tie in Cinebench R15 single-core. That is not a meaningful victory, but it does indicate that in at least one legacy benchmark, the two processors perform identically. The i5-3350P's higher base clock of 3.10 GHz might provide a small advantage in scenarios where boost clocks are not sustained, but the recorded data does not show this translating into benchmark wins.

The integrated graphics situation creates a functional split. The i5-4440S with Intel HD 4600 can handle basic display output and light graphical tasks without a discrete GPU. The i5-3350P has no integrated graphics, so it is strictly for systems with a dedicated graphics card. For a budget office build or home theater PC where a discrete GPU is not desired, the i5-4440S is the only viable option between the two.

Power consumption is another differentiator. The i5-4440S has a 65 watt TDP versus 69 watts for the i5-3350P. In a compact or thermally constrained system, the i5-4440S would generate less heat and potentially require less substantial cooling. The performance advantage it holds despite the lower TDP makes it the more efficient processor in the database's measurements.

FAQ

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

A: The Intel Core i5-4440S wins all three Cinebench multi-core tests. It scores 375 versus 371 in R15, 1566 versus 1546 in R20, and 3729 versus 3681 in R23, with deltas of -1.1% to -1.3% from the i5-3350P's perspective.

Q: Do these processors have the same number of cores and threads?

A: Yes, both have 4 cores and 4 threads. Neither supports hyper-threading, and both have identical cache configurations: 64 KB L1 per core, 256 KB L2 per core, and 6 MB shared L3.

Q: Can I use the same motherboard for both processors?

A: No. The i5-3350P uses Intel Socket 1155, while the i5-4440S uses Intel Socket 1150. The sockets are physically different and incompatible with each other.

Q: Does either processor have integrated graphics?

A: The i5-4440S includes Intel HD 4600 graphics. The i5-3350P has no integrated graphics listed, so it requires a discrete GPU for display output.

Q: What is the TDP difference between the two?

A: The i5-3350P has a TDP of 69 watts, and the i5-4440S has a TDP of 65 watts. The i5-4440S delivers better benchmark scores while drawing less thermal headroom.

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

A: The i5-3350P's average score of 1088 ties the AMD Athlon 220GE, edges the Intel Core i5-2450P by 0.2%, and trails the Intel Pentium Gold G5400 by 0.3%. The i5-4440S's average of 1078 is 0.2% behind the AMD A12-9800 and 0.4% ahead of the Intel Pentium Gold G6505.

The Verdict

The data points to the Intel Core i5-4440S as the stronger processor in nearly every measured dimension. It wins five of six head-to-head benchmarks, including all multi-core tests and both single-core tests that were not tied. Its 65 watt TDP is lower than the i5-3350P's 69 watts, and it includes integrated graphics, making it a more flexible and efficient package. The only area where the i5-3350P matches it is the Cinebench R15 single-core tie, which is not enough to offset the i5-4440S's consistent advantages elsewhere.

The i5-3350P does have a higher base clock of 3.10 GHz compared to 2.80 GHz, and a smaller die size of 133 mm² versus 177 mm², but these specifications do not translate into benchmark victories. Its higher average benchmark score of 1088 versus 1078 is attributable to the inclusion of Geekbench results in its average, not to superior performance against the i5-4440S directly.

For a user choosing between these two, the i5-4440S is the recommended pick if the system can accommodate an Intel Socket 1150 motherboard. It offers better performance, lower power consumption, and integrated graphics. The i5-3350P is only preferable in the narrow scenario where a Socket 1155 platform is already in place and a discrete GPU is guaranteed, since its lack of integrated graphics makes it unsuitable for GPU-less builds. The benchmark results do not show any workload category where the i5-3350P meaningfully outperforms the i5-4440S.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core i5-3350P | Intel Core i5-4440S |

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

| Base Clock | 3.10 GHz | 2.80 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 3.30 GHz | 3.30 GHz |

| TDP | 69 W | 65 W |

| Socket | Intel Socket 1155 | Intel Socket 1150 |

| Architecture | Ivy Bridge | Haswell |

| Codename | Ivy Bridge | Haswell |

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

| Die Size | 133 mm² | 177 mm² |

| Transistors | Not recorded | 1,400 million |

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

| Integrated Graphics | None | Intel HD 4600 |

| Part Number | SR0WS | SR14L |

| Release Date | 2012-09-02 | 2013-08-31 |