A6-9210 vs Core i3-2330M

AMD

A6-9210

2 Cores2 Thrd15 WWMax: 2.8 GHz2016
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i3-2330M

2 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 2.2 GHz2011
Similar parts
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A6-9210 vs Core i3-2330M 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.

A6-9210 vs Core i3-2330M 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.

A6-9210 vs Core i3-2330M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A6-9210

2016

Why buy it

  • Draws 15W instead of 35W, a 20W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Core i3-2330M

2011

Why buy it

  • 100% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 8) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,248 vs 1,254).
  • 133.3% higher power demand at 35W vs 15W.

Quick Answers

So, is A6-9210 better than Core i3-2330M?
Yes. A6-9210 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.5% 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, A6-9210 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.7% 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, A6-9210 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
A6-9210 still makes the most sense overall. A6-9210 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
A6-9210 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2011) 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.

A6-9210 vs Core i3-2330M Technical Specifications

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

AMD

A6-9210

The A6-9210 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. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L2 cache: 1024 kB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FP4. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 1,254 points. Launch price was $70.

Intel

Core i3-2330M

The Core i3-2330M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,248 points. Launch price was $225.

Processing Power

The A6-9210 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-2330M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the A6-9210 versus 2.2 GHz on the Core i3-2330M — a 24% clock advantage for the A6-9210 (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The A6-9210 uses the Stoney Ridge (2016−2019) architecture (28 nm), while the Core i3-2330M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the A6-9210 scores 1,254 against the Core i3-2330M's 1,248 — a 0.5% lead for the A6-9210.

FeatureA6-9210Core i3-2330M
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
2 / 4
Boost Clock
2.8 GHz+27%
2.2 GHz
Base Clock
2.4 GHz+9%
2.2 GHz
L3 Cache
3 MB (total)
L2 Cache
1024 kB+300%
256K (per core)
Process
28 nm-13%
32 nm
Architecture
Stoney Ridge (2016−2019)
Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark
1,254
1,248
🧠

Memory & Platform

The A6-9210 uses the FP4 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-2330M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the A6-9210 versus 1333 on the Core i3-2330M — the A6-9210 supports 60% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 16 GB of RAM. Memory channels: 1 (A6-9210) vs 2 (Core i3-2330M). PCIe lanes: 8 (A6-9210) vs 16 (Core i3-2330M) — the Core i3-2330M offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AMD BGA soldered (A6-9210) and HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i3-2330M).

FeatureA6-9210Core i3-2330M
Socket
FP4
PGA988
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2133+60%
1333
Max RAM Capacity
16 GB
16 GB
RAM Channels
1
2+100%
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
8
16+100%
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (A6-9210) / true (Core i3-2330M). Both include integrated graphics AMD Radeon R4 (A6-9210) and Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i3-2330M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i3-2330M rivals AMD A6-3400M.

FeatureA6-9210Core i3-2330M
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
AMD Radeon R4
Intel HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
true