Intel Core i5-3335S socket: LGA 1155

What the Core i5-3335S is

Intel Core i5-3335S is a low power quad core Ivy Bridge desktop chip that Intel added in the third quarter of 2012. It mirrors the Core i5-3330S at 2.7 GHz base to 3.2 GHz turbo with 6 MB cache and 65 W power, but it swaps HD 2500 for HD 4000 graphics at 650 MHz to 1050 MHz. Four cores give 4 threads with no Hyper-Threading, on a 22 nm process.

The graphics change is the point of the model. HD 4000 carries more execution units than HD 2500, which helps display work, video playback and light creation tasks that run on the integrated block. The chip still fits the same DDR3 boards and the same coolers as other S parts, so makers could offer a stronger display option without moving to 77 W.

Systems pair it with H77, B75 or Q77 boards, two DDR3 DIMMs and an SSD for quiet service. Base clock trails the 77 W quads, while turbo keeps short tasks responsive. The LGA, PGA and BGA: CPU package types explained guide places the LGA package in context against mobile PGA and BGA forms.

Socket and motherboard compatibility

The Core i5-3335S fits LGA 1155 in FCLGA1155 form. 7 series boards boot it with a shipping BIOS, and most 6 series H61, H67, P67 and Z68 boards accept it after a BIOS update with Ivy Bridge microcode. B65, Q65 and Q67 boards remain Sandy Bridge only. The Intel desktop datasheet lists the 3335S among the 65 W Ivy quads, which confirms the socket and power class.

At 65 W the chip suits slim towers and small forms that struggle with 77 W heat. Any LGA 1155 board covers the power, so the choice comes down to display outputs and chipset features. Boards with HDMI and DisplayPort use the HD 4000 block best. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide explains the BIOS sequence for 6 series boards.

Memory, PCIe and cooling

Memory support is DDR3-1333 and 1600, two channels, up to 32 GB for 25.6 GB/s. Two matched DIMMs feed the HD 4000 block that shares system RAM, and that pairing is more valuable here than on HD 2500 models. ECC is not supported, and DDR4 is not an option on this socket.

PCI Express is 16 lanes from the CPU at PCIe 3.0, split as 1x16, 2x8 or 1x8 plus 2x4. Many 3335S systems never add a card, since HD 4000 already handles dual displays and video. Where a card is fitted, a mainstream 2012 model matches the quad CPU without excess.

Cooling follows the 65 W S pattern with a lower case limit than 77 W parts. The stock cooler runs quietly in an office tower, and the 75 × 75 mm mount accepts the same replacements as other LGA 1155 chips. Keep intake filters clean in small cases.

Upgrade paths

On LGA 1155 the Core i5-3335S can stay on the same board and move to faster Ivy quads. A step to Intel Core i3-3220 would drop cores and is useful only for comparison, while a step up to a higher clock i5 keeps four cores and adds speed. Memory and storage carry over, and the cooler often carries over within the same power class.

A platform move to DDR4 boards such as LGA 1200 needs a new board, new RAM and a new mount. That step makes sense only when the whole system is due. Keep the 3335S board for display heavy office duty where HD 4000 still covers the monitors.