A4-9120C vs Core i3-330E

A4-9120C vs Core i3-330E Performance Spectrum

A4-9120C

2 / 2

1,258

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i3-330E

2 / 4

1,260

+0.2%

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.

A4-9120C 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.

A4-9120C 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.

A4-9120C

2019

Why buy it

✅Draws 6W instead of 35W, a 29W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (8 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon R4, while Core i3-330E needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,258 vs 1,260).

Core i3-330E

2010

Why buy it

✅+0.2% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $177 MSRP, while A4-9120C mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌483.3% higher power demand at 35W vs 6W.
❌No integrated graphics, while A4-9120C can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is A4-9120C better than Core i3-330E?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, A4-9120C is ahead with a 0.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-330E pulls ahead with 0.2% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-330E is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

A4-9120C is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. A4-9120C comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $177 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.8% 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.

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

A4-9120C makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

A4-9120C vs Core i3-330E Technical Specifications

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

A4-9120C

The A4-9120C is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Stoney Ridge (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 1.6 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: BGA. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 1,258 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 A4-9120C packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-330E's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 1.6 GHz on the A4-9120C versus 0.03 GHz on the Core i3-330E — a 192.6% clock advantage for the A4-9120C. The A4-9120C uses the Stoney Ridge (2016−2019) architecture (28 nm), while the Core i3-330E uses Westmere (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the A4-9120C scores 1,258 against the Core i3-330E's 1,260 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i3-330E.

Feature	A4-9120C	Core i3-330E
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	1.6 GHz+5233%	0.03 GHz
Base Clock	—	2.13 GHz
L3 Cache	—	3 MB
L2 Cache	1 MB+100%	512 kB
Process	28 nm-13%	32 nm
Architecture	Stoney Ridge (2016−2019)	Westmere (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,258	1,260
Geekbench 6 Single	418	—

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Memory & Platform

The A4-9120C uses the BGA socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-330E uses BGA1288 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	A4-9120C	Core i3-330E
Socket	BGA	BGA1288
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-1866	—
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	—
RAM Channels	1	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	8	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: AMD-V (A4-9120C) / not specified (Core i3-330E). The A4-9120C includes integrated graphics (Radeon R4), while the Core i3-330E requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A4-9120C targets Chromebook. Direct competitor: A4-9120C rivals Celeron N3350.