Today, we have the Intel Core i3 model 4330 processor to be tested for general computing and game benchmark (thanks to Intel Corp. Malaysia).
Core i3 is a dual core, 4 thread x86-64 processor. Based on latest Haswell architecture (LGA1150), it has 3 selection model of different clock speed, which are 4310 (3.4GHz), 4330 (3.5GHz), and 4330 (3.6GHz). Also the improved GMA from Intel, the HD Graphics 4600 is bonded together as a complete package. lets find out the 4330 in depth.

skip the unboxing steps, here we have the test system specifications:

Core i3 Test System 2013
Intel Core i3 4330 @ 3.5GHz
Corsair value select 8GB @ DDR1600
Gigabyte H87M-D3H
Intel SSD 80G2
ACBel ME2 PLUS 500W



additional test: Sapphire HD7730 DDR3



Overview - CPU segment

Model: Core i3 4330 (3.5GHz)
Core /thread: 2cores, 4 threads
Base clock: 100MHz
Multiplier: 35x
L2 cache: 2x256KB non-shared
L3 cache: 4MB shared by core0 and core1
TDP: 54Watt Max

Comparing to previous i3 3250, which is also came with 3.5GHz clock speed. but the improvement have been done in higher Level 3 cache, and the HD2500 has been updated become HD4600. Mean while you dont see much better power efficiency (lowered by 1 watt TDP), actually Intel has put great efforts behind this Haswell design. The role of Voltage Regulator Module (VRM) has been moved from mobo to processor itself. You will notice it by looking at new LGA1150 mobo. The beefy PWM & MOSFet cooler has become smaller in size from previous LGA1155 mobo.

SuperPI 1M representing general small application (used 1 core / 1thread). Ends at 10.545 seconds
temperature is alrite for idle (34'C) and load (44'C)



SuperPI 32M representing general large application (used 1 core / 1thread only). Ends at 9 minutes 7.936 seconds



WPrime short run & long run (used 2 core / 4 threads).
32M result: 14.806 seconds
1024M result: 467.69 seconds

During prime, the load temperature has raise up significantly to 62'C


i find the results is interesting, because it already sit side by side with previous sandy bridge Core i7 in single thread applications.
the additional cache does help in this case. Heat dessipation is normal with 1200-2000RPM stock fan

fanless throttle test


Overview - Graphics segment

Model: HD Graphics 4600 int.
Clock speed: 1150MHz max
Shared memory: 1GB max
Output resolution: 4K compatible

as you all already know, Intel graphics has never gotten to gamers consideration. Although they have new models launched, still far behind the looong players nVidia & AMD (ATi). ok the frame per seconds (FPS) performance has overtaken HD Graphics 2500 of Ivy Bridge, or should i say "optimized" to increase frame rate...


3D Mark 05 default - 9877 points (smoothly playable)


3D Mark 11 default - 957 points (unsmoothly playable)


FF 14 maximum details - 1320 (low frame rate)


no bug or glitch is noticeable during benchmark, but it still not up on-par with RM200-300 graphic cards



Conclusion

4330 has the absolute capability to handle daily task, multimedia and much more. Although limited by the "dual core" performance, where users may look into the "quad core" i5 family which is priced higher. Never the less, it is a good entry CPU to experience the Intel Haswell architecture.

Graphics is still far from desire, as new 3D engines and Direct X codes are getting tougher to crunch the byte. For sure, play at low resolution and low detail is definitely not as enjoyful, at least the medium detail still workable. Hopes one day Intel GMA 50000000 will able to match fight with nVidia & AMD (ATi) these two leaders.

This post has been edited by swisspac: Nov 7 2013, 11:54 AM