Athlon 64 X2 4200+ vs Core i3-2330M

Athlon 64 X2 4200+ vs Core i3-2330M Performance Spectrum

Athlon 64 X2 4200+

2 / 2

1,255

+0.6%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i3-2330M

2 / 4

1,248

0.0%

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.

Athlon 64 X2 4200+ 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.

Athlon 64 X2 4200+ 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.

Athlon 64 X2 4200+

2006

Why buy it

✅+0.6% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $581 MSRP, while Core i3-2330M mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌154.3% higher power demand at 89W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-2330M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i3-2330M

2011

Why buy it

✅Draws 35W instead of 89W, a 54W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 3000, while Athlon 64 X2 4200+ needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,248 vs 1,255).

Quick Answers

So, is Athlon 64 X2 4200+ better than Core i3-2330M?

Yes. Athlon 64 X2 4200+ 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 and 0.6% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

For gaming, this matchup is basically a tie in the data we have.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Athlon 64 X2 4200+ is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Athlon 64 X2 4200+ is the better buy right now. Athlon 64 X2 4200+ comes in at an unclear MSRP at $581 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (2.2 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i3-2330M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2006). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Athlon 64 X2 4200+ vs Core i3-2330M Technical Specifications

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

Athlon 64 X2 4200+

The Athlon 64 X2 4200+ is manufactured by AMD. It was released in Dezembro 2006 (19 years ago). It is based on the Manchester (2005−2006) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 90 nm process technology. Socket: 939. Thermal design power (TDP): 89 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,255 points. Launch price was $309.

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.

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Processing Power

The Athlon 64 X2 4200+ packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-2330M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.2 GHz on the Athlon 64 X2 4200+ versus 2.2 GHz on the Core i3-2330M — identical boost frequencies. The Athlon 64 X2 4200+ uses the Manchester (2005−2006) architecture (90 nm), while the Core i3-2330M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon 64 X2 4200+ scores 1,255 against the Core i3-2330M's 1,248 — a 0.6% lead for the Athlon 64 X2 4200+. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Athlon 64 X2 4200+ vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2330M.

Feature	Athlon 64 X2 4200+	Core i3-2330M
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.2 GHz	2.2 GHz
Base Clock	—	2.2 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	512 kB+100%	256K (per core)
Process	90 nm	32 nm-64%
Architecture	Manchester (2005−2006)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	1,255	1,248

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Memory & Platform

The Athlon 64 X2 4200+ uses the 939 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i3-2330M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR2-800 on the Athlon 64 X2 4200+ versus 1333 on the Core i3-2330M — the Core i3-2330M supports 66.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 16 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 0 (Athlon 64 X2 4200+) vs 16 (Core i3-2330M) — the Core i3-2330M offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AMD AM2 (Athlon 64 X2 4200+) and HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i3-2330M).

Feature	Athlon 64 X2 4200+	Core i3-2330M
Socket	939	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 2.0+82%
Max RAM Speed	DDR2-800	1333+67%
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	0	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Athlon 64 X2 4200+) / true (Core i3-2330M). The Core i3-2330M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Athlon 64 X2 4200+ requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i3-2330M rivals AMD A6-3400M.