A6-6400K vs Atom 330

AMD

A6-6400K

2 Cores2 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.1 GHz2013
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Atom 330

2 Cores4 Thrd8 WWMax: 0.1 GHz2008
Similar parts
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A6-6400K vs Atom 330 Performance Spectrum

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.

A6-6400K vs Atom 330: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A6-6400K

2013

Why buy it

  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon HD 8470D, while Atom 330 needs a discrete GPU.
  • Includes a boxed cooler (true), unlike Atom 330.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,511 vs 1,530).
  • 712.5% higher power demand at 65W vs 8W.

Atom 330

2008

Why buy it

  • +1.3% higher PassMark.
  • Draws 8W instead of 65W, a 57W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Launch MSRP is still $43 MSRP, while A6-6400K mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • No integrated graphics, while A6-6400K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike A6-6400K.

Quick Answers

So, is Atom 330 better than A6-6400K?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, A6-6400K is ahead with a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Atom 330 pulls ahead with 1.3% better PassMark.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Atom 330 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Atom 330 is the better buy right now. Atom 330 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $43 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 1.3% better PassMark. The compromise is that A6-6400K is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (35.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
A6-6400K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

A6-6400K vs Atom 330 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

A6-6400K

The A6-6400K is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Richland (2013−2014) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1024 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM2. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 1,511 points. Launch price was $70.

Intel

Atom 330

The Atom 330 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 April 2008 (17 years ago). It is based on the Diamondville (2008−2009) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 0.1 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PBGA437. Thermal design power (TDP): 8 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,530 points. Launch price was $43.

Processing Power

The A6-6400K packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Atom 330's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the A6-6400K versus 0.1 GHz on the Atom 330 — a 190.5% clock advantage for the A6-6400K (base: 3.9 GHz vs 1.6 GHz). The A6-6400K uses the Richland (2013−2014) architecture (32 nm), while the Atom 330 uses Diamondville (2008−2009) (45 nm). In PassMark, the A6-6400K scores 1,511 against the Atom 330's 1,530 — a 1.2% lead for the Atom 330. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

FeatureA6-6400KAtom 330
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
2 / 4
Boost Clock
4.1 GHz+4000%
0.1 GHz
Base Clock
3.9 GHz+144%
1.6 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
0 kB
L2 Cache
1024 kB
1 MB
Process
32 nm-29%
45 nm
Architecture
Richland (2013−2014)
Diamondville (2008−2009)
PassMark
1,511
1,530+1%
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Memory & Platform

The A6-6400K uses the FM2 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Atom 330 uses PBGA437 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1866 on the A6-6400K versus DDR2-533 on the Atom 330 — the A6-6400K supports 250.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A6-6400K supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 4 GB 700% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (A6-6400K) vs 1 (Atom 330). PCIe lanes: 16 (A6-6400K) vs 0 (Atom 330) — the A6-6400K offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: FM2 (A6-6400K) and Intel BGA437 (Atom 330).

FeatureA6-6400KAtom 330
Socket
FM2
PBGA437
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
1866+250%
DDR2-533
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB+700%
4 GB
RAM Channels
2+100%
1
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
16
0
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (A6-6400K) / not specified (Atom 330). The A6-6400K includes integrated graphics (Radeon HD 8470D), while the Atom 330 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: A6-6400K rivals Pentium G3258.

FeatureA6-6400KAtom 330
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
Radeon HD 8470D
Unlocked
Yes
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
true