Core i7-3770S
CPU·Budget

Core i7-3770S

Intel

PassMark

6,173

MSRP

$250

AVG Price

$250

29 April 2012 (13 years ago)
65 Watt
Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)

Performance Spectrum - CPU

About PassMark

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Overview

The Core i7-3770S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 April 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,173 points. Launch price was $330.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i7-3770S

#880
Core i3-8350K
MSRP: $250|Avg: $250
112%
#881
Athlon 64 3400+
MSRP: $440|Avg: $20
110%
#882
Celeron G3900T
MSRP: $42|Avg: $70
110%
#883
Celeron G540T
MSRP: $42|Avg: $42
110%
#884
Ryzen Embedded V1807B
MSRP: $300|Avg: $300
109%
#885
Celeron 2.40
MSRP: $69|Avg: $13
107%
#886
Pentium 4 2.53
MSRP: $193|Avg: $13
107%
#887
Ryzen Embedded R2312
MSRP: $150|Avg: $150
107%
#888
Ryzen Threadripper 7980X
MSRP: $4999|Avg: $5200
106%
#889
Core i3-3220
MSRP: $117|Avg: $88
105%
#890
Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX
MSRP: $1799|Avg: $1247
104%
#891
Core i5-670
MSRP: $284|Avg: $100
103%
#892
Core i7-5930K
MSRP: $583|Avg: $410
102%
#893
Phenom II X3 720
MSRP: $130|Avg: $64
101%
#894
Sempron 3100+
MSRP: $65|Avg: $15
100%
#895
Core i7-3770S
MSRP: $250|Avg: $250
100%
#896
A10 PRO-7850B
MSRP: $426|Avg: $140
100%
#897
Pentium G4620
MSRP: $86|Avg: $154
99%
#898
Core i3-4370T
MSRP: $138|Avg: $138
99%
#899
Sempron 3600+
MSRP: $105|Avg: $20
98%
#900
Core i7-860S
MSRP: $299|Avg: $96
98%
#901
Pentium E6600
MSRP: $84|Avg: $50
97%
#902
Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX
MSRP: $1299|Avg: $1300
96%
#903
Core 2 Duo E7600
MSRP: $133|Avg: $50
93%
#904
Pentium G620T
MSRP: $64|Avg: $90
92%
#905
A12-9800E
MSRP: $426|Avg: $150
92%
#906
FX-4350
MSRP: $122|Avg: $140
92%
#907
Athlon II X4 641
MSRP: $102|Avg: $102
92%
#908
Core i7-970
MSRP: $1083|Avg: $289
92%
#909
Athlon 64 4000+
MSRP: $482|Avg: $30
91%
#910
Celeron G4920
MSRP: $52|Avg: $115
90%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i7-3770S specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Core i7-3770S is a 4-core / 8-thread processor based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture, manufactured on a 22 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.9 GHz from a base frequency of 3.1 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. With a massive 8192 kB (total) L3 cache (3D V-Cache technology), this processor has a significant gaming advantage — the large cache drastically reduces memory latency in game engines., plus 256 kB (per core) of L2 cache and 64 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 6,173, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 694, while multi-core reaches 2,303. Cinebench R23 multi-core (measuring sustained rendering workload performance) scores 4,500.

SpecificationCore i7-3770S
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units4C / 8T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost3.9 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency3.1 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designIvy Bridge (2012−2013)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient22 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores8192 kB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data256 kB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache64 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor160 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities1,400 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency5 GT/s
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleNo
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score6,173
Cinebench R23 MultiSustained multi-core rendering performance4,500
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming694
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance2,303
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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-3770S fits into the LGA1155 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to DDR3-1600 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 32 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: HD Graphics 4000 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

SpecificationCore i7-3770S
TypeDesktop or Laptop processordesktop
SocketMotherboard socket requiredLGA1155
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion16
RAM TypeSupported memory standardDDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequencyDDR3-1600
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory32 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruptionNo
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processorHD Graphics 4000
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPUZ77,H77,B75,Z68,P67,H67
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers1
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Advanced Features

The Core i7-3770S is primarily designed for Budget. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

SpecificationCore i7-3770S
Primary Use CaseIntended workload categoryBudget
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technologyVT-x, VT-d
🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i7-3770S has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 65 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. It ships with the Stock stock cooler. Recommended cooling: Stock.

SpecificationCore i7-3770S
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload65 Watt
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the boxStock
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solutionStock
💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $250, the Core i7-3770S delivers 25 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #1698 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationCore i7-3770S
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price$250
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days$250
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$330
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#1698
Release DateLaunch date29 April 2012 (13 years ago)
Release Year2012
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)Intel

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