A4-3330MX vs Core i3-330E

A4-3330MX vs Core i3-330E Performance Spectrum

A4-3330MX

2 / 2

1,264

+0.3%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i3-330E

2 / 4

1,260

0.0%

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.

A4-3330MX vs Core i3-330E FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

A4-3330MX vs Core i3-330E: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

A4-3330MX

2011

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon HD 6480G, while Core i3-330E needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌28.6% higher power demand at 45W vs 35W.

Core i3-330E

2010

Why buy it

✅Draws 35W instead of 45W, a 10W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,260 vs 1,264).
❌Launch MSRP is still $177 MSRP, while A4-3330MX mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while A4-3330MX can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is A4-3330MX better than Core i3-330E?

Yes. A4-3330MX is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.3% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, A4-3330MX is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.2% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, A4-3330MX is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

A4-3330MX is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. A4-3330MX comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $177 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-330E only looks good on raw value math because it is a cheap legacy laptop chip, not because it is a real desktop gaming recommendation. It simply does not keep up in modern games, especially when the gap is already 2.2% in the shared gaming data.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

A4-3330MX makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2010) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 2 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

A4-3330MX vs Core i3-330E Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

A4-3330MX

The A4-3330MX is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Llano (2011−2012) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FS1. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,264 points. Launch price was $50.

Core i3-330E

The Core i3-330E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Westmere (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.13 GHz, with boost up to 0.03 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1288. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800, DDR3-1066. Passmark benchmark score: 1,260 points. Launch price was $177.

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Processing Power

The A4-3330MX packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-330E's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.6 GHz on the A4-3330MX versus 0.03 GHz on the Core i3-330E — a 195.4% clock advantage for the A4-3330MX (base: 2.2 GHz vs 2.13 GHz). The A4-3330MX uses the Llano (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i3-330E uses Westmere (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the A4-3330MX scores 1,264 against the Core i3-330E's 1,260 — a 0.3% lead for the A4-3330MX. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A4-3330MX vs 3 MB on the Core i3-330E.

Feature	A4-3330MX	Core i3-330E
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.6 GHz+8567%	0.03 GHz
Base Clock	2.2 GHz+3%	2.13 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	3 MB
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)+100%	512 kB
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Llano (2011−2012)	Westmere (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,264	1,260
Geekbench 6 Single	263	—

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Memory & Platform

The A4-3330MX uses the FS1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i3-330E uses BGA1288 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	A4-3330MX	Core i3-330E
Socket	FS1	BGA1288
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	—
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: AMD-V (A4-3330MX) / not specified (Core i3-330E). The A4-3330MX includes integrated graphics (Radeon HD 6480G), while the Core i3-330E requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A4-3330MX targets Budget Laptop. Direct competitor: A4-3330MX rivals Pentium B980.