CPU
GPU
Athlon 64 X2 3600+
Core i3-330M
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Athlon 64 X2 3600+ is positioned at rank 1053 and the Core i3-330M is on rank 276, so the Core i3-330M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Athlon 64 X2 3600+
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-330M
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Athlon 64 X2 3600+ | Core i3-330M |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($10) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Manchester (2005−2006) / 90 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Arrandale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Athlon 64 X2 3600+ | Core i3-330M |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($10) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Athlon 64 X2 3600+ and Core i3-330M
Athlon 64 X2 3600+
The Athlon 64 X2 3600+ is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Manchester (2005−2006) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 90 nm process technology. Socket: 939. Thermal design power (TDP): 89 Watt. Memory support: DDR1. Passmark benchmark score: 1,020 points. Launch price was $149.
Core i3-330M
The Core i3-330M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.13 GHz, with boost up to 0.13 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800, DDR3-1066. Passmark benchmark score: 1,032 points. Launch price was $49.
Processing Power
The Athlon 64 X2 3600+ packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-330M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2 GHz on the Athlon 64 X2 3600+ versus 0.13 GHz on the Core i3-330M — a 175.6% clock advantage for the Athlon 64 X2 3600+. The Athlon 64 X2 3600+ uses the Manchester (2005−2006) architecture (90 nm), while the Core i3-330M uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon 64 X2 3600+ scores 1,020 against the Core i3-330M's 1,032 — a 1.2% lead for the Core i3-330M. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Athlon 64 X2 3600+ vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-330M.
| Feature | Athlon 64 X2 3600+ | Core i3-330M |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 2 GHz+1438% | 0.13 GHz |
| Base Clock | — | 2.13 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 3 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 90 nm | 32 nm-64% |
| Architecture | Manchester (2005−2006) | Arrandale (2010−2011) |
| PassMark | 1,020 | 1,032+1% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 317 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 689 |
Memory & Platform
The Athlon 64 X2 3600+ uses the 939 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i3-330M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR2-800 on the Athlon 64 X2 3600+ versus DDR3-1066 on the Core i3-330M — the Core i3-330M supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Athlon 64 X2 3600+ supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 0 (Athlon 64 X2 3600+) vs 16 (Core i3-330M) — the Core i3-330M offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AMD AM2 (Athlon 64 X2 3600+) and HM55,PM55,QM57 (Core i3-330M).
| Feature | Athlon 64 X2 3600+ | Core i3-330M |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | 939 | PGA988 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 2.0+82% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR2-800 | DDR3-1066+50% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB+100% | 8 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Athlon 64 X2 3600+) / VT-x / EPT (Core i3-330M). The Core i3-330M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Arrandale)), while the Athlon 64 X2 3600+ requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-330M targets Legacy Budget. Direct competitor: Core i3-330M rivals AMD Athlon II P320.
| Feature | Athlon 64 X2 3600+ | Core i3-330M |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel HD Graphics (Arrandale) |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x / EPT |
| Target Use | — | Legacy Budget |
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The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
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