A6-9210 vs Core i3-330E

AMD

A6-9210

2 Cores2 Thrd15 WWMax: 2.8 GHz2016
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i3-330E

2 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 0.03 GHz2010
Similar parts
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A6-9210 vs Core i3-330E 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 i3-330E 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.

A6-9210 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.

A6-9210

2016

Why buy it

  • Draws 15W instead of 35W, a 20W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (8 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with AMD Radeon R4, while Core i3-330E needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,254 vs 1,260).

Core i3-330E

2010

Why buy it

  • +0.5% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

  • Launch MSRP is still $177 MSRP, while A6-9210 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • 133.3% higher power demand at 35W vs 15W.
  • No integrated graphics, while A6-9210 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is A6-9210 better than Core i3-330E?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, A6-9210 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 0.5% 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 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
A6-9210 is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. A6-9210 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?
A6-9210 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

A6-9210 vs Core i3-330E 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 i3-330E

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.

Processing Power

The A6-9210 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-330E's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the A6-9210 versus 0.03 GHz on the Core i3-330E — a 195.8% clock advantage for the A6-9210 (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2.13 GHz). The A6-9210 uses the Stoney Ridge (2016−2019) architecture (28 nm), while the Core i3-330E uses Westmere (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the A6-9210 scores 1,254 against the Core i3-330E's 1,260 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i3-330E.

FeatureA6-9210Core i3-330E
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
2 / 4
Boost Clock
2.8 GHz+9233%
0.03 GHz
Base Clock
2.4 GHz+13%
2.13 GHz
L3 Cache
3 MB
L2 Cache
1024 kB+100%
512 kB
Process
28 nm-13%
32 nm
Architecture
Stoney Ridge (2016−2019)
Westmere (2010−2011)
PassMark
1,254
1,260
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Memory & Platform

The A6-9210 uses the FP4 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-330E uses BGA1288 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureA6-9210Core i3-330E
Socket
FP4
BGA1288
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2133
Max RAM Capacity
16 GB
RAM Channels
1
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
8
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Advanced Features

The A6-9210 includes integrated graphics (AMD Radeon R4), while the Core i3-330E requires a dedicated GPU.

FeatureA6-9210Core i3-330E
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
AMD Radeon R4