Athlon 64 X2 6000+ vs Core i3-2330E

AMD

Athlon 64 X2 6000+

2 Cores2 Thrd125 WWMax: 3.1 GHz2007
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i3-2330E

2 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 2.2 GHz2011
Similar parts
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Athlon 64 X2 6000+ vs Core i3-2330E 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.

Athlon 64 X2 6000+ vs Core i3-2330E 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 6000+ vs Core i3-2330E: 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 6000+

2007

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 4.1 vs 8.1 PassMark/$ ($450 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
    • 257.1% higher power demand at 125W vs 35W.
    • No integrated graphics, while Core i3-2330E can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

    Core i3-2330E

    2011

    Why buy it

    • Costs $225 less on MSRP ($225 MSRP vs $450 MSRP).
    • Delivers 99.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 8.1 vs 4.1 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $450 MSRP).
    • Draws 35W instead of 125W, a 90W reduction.
    • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
    • Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 3000, while Athlon 64 X2 6000+ needs a discrete GPU.

    Trade-offs

    • Lower PassMark (1,823 vs 1,825).

    Quick Answers

    So, is Athlon 64 X2 6000+ better than Core i3-2330E?
    Yes. Athlon 64 X2 6000+ is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
    Which one is better for gaming?
    If gaming is the priority, Athlon 64 X2 6000+ is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.5% 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, Athlon 64 X2 6000+ is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Athlon 64 X2 6000+ is still the much better call for a fresh build. Athlon 64 X2 6000+ comes in 100.0% more expensive on MSRP at $450 MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-2330E only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2011 platform. Even with 99.8% better value on paper (8.1 vs 4.1 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on PGA988.
    Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
    Core i3-2330E makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2007). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

    Athlon 64 X2 6000+ vs Core i3-2330E Technical Specifications

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

    AMD

    Athlon 64 X2 6000+

    The Athlon 64 X2 6000+ is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Windsor (2006−2007) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512K. Built on 90 nm process technology. Socket: AM2. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,825 points. Launch price was $149.

    Intel

    Core i3-2330E

    The Core i3-2330E 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: 1,823 points. Launch price was $225.

    Processing Power

    The Athlon 64 X2 6000+ packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-2330E's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Athlon 64 X2 6000+ versus 2.2 GHz on the Core i3-2330E — a 34% clock advantage for the Athlon 64 X2 6000+. The Athlon 64 X2 6000+ uses the Windsor (2006−2007) architecture (90 nm), while the Core i3-2330E uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon 64 X2 6000+ scores 1,825 against the Core i3-2330E's 1,823 — a 0.1% lead for the Athlon 64 X2 6000+. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Athlon 64 X2 6000+ vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2330E.

    FeatureAthlon 64 X2 6000+Core i3-2330E
    Cores / Threads
    2 / 2
    2 / 4
    Boost Clock
    3.1 GHz+41%
    2.2 GHz
    Base Clock
    2.2 GHz
    L3 Cache
    0 kB
    3 MB (total)
    L2 Cache
    512K+100%
    256K (per core)
    Process
    90 nm
    32 nm-64%
    Architecture
    Windsor (2006−2007)
    Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
    PassMark
    1,825
    1,823
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Athlon 64 X2 6000+ uses the AM2 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i3-2330E uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR2-800 on the Athlon 64 X2 6000+ versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i3-2330E — the Core i3-2330E 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 6000+) vs 16 (Core i3-2330E) — the Core i3-2330E offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

    FeatureAthlon 64 X2 6000+Core i3-2330E
    Socket
    AM2
    PGA988
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 1.1
    PCIe 2.0+82%
    Max RAM Speed
    DDR2-800
    DDR3-1333+67%
    Max RAM Capacity
    16 GB
    16 GB
    RAM Channels
    2
    2
    ECC Support
    No
    No
    PCIe Lanes
    0
    16
    🔧

    Advanced Features

    Virtualization: not specified (Athlon 64 X2 6000+) / VT-x (Core i3-2330E). The Core i3-2330E includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 3000), while the Athlon 64 X2 6000+ requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-2330E targets Embedded.

    FeatureAthlon 64 X2 6000+Core i3-2330E
    Integrated GPU
    No
    Yes
    IGPU Model
    HD Graphics 3000
    Unlocked
    No
    AVX-512
    No
    Virtualization
    VT-x
    Target Use
    Embedded
    💰

    Value Analysis

    At launch, the Athlon 64 X2 6000+ was priced at $450, while the Core i3-2330E came in at $225. On launch pricing ($450 vs $225), Core i3-2330E was $225 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Athlon 64 X2 6000+ delivers 4.1 pts/$ vs 8.1 pts/$ for the Core i3-2330E — making the Core i3-2330E the 66.6% better value option.

    FeatureAthlon 64 X2 6000+Core i3-2330E
    MSRP
    $450
    $225-50%
    Performance per Dollar
    4.1
    8.1+98%
    Release Date
    2007
    2011

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