Athlon II N330 vs Core 2 Duo T7600

AMD

Athlon II N330

2 Cores2 Thrd1 WWMax: 2.3 GHz2010
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core 2 Duo T7600

2 Cores2 Thrd4 WWMax: 2.33 GHz2006
Similar parts
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Athlon II N330 vs Core 2 Duo T7600 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 II N330 vs Core 2 Duo T7600 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 II N330 vs Core 2 Duo T7600: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Athlon II N330

2010

Why buy it

  • Draws 1W instead of 4W, a 3W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,999 vs 2,004).
  • Launch MSRP is still $100 MSRP, while Core 2 Duo T7600 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Core 2 Duo T7600

2006

Why buy it

  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • 300% higher power demand at 4W vs 1W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core 2 Duo T7600 better than Athlon II N330?
Yes. Core 2 Duo T7600 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.3% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Core 2 Duo T7600 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.2% 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, Core 2 Duo T7600 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core 2 Duo T7600 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core 2 Duo T7600 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $100 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Athlon II N330 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2010 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (20.0 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on S1.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Athlon II N330 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2006). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Athlon II N330 vs Core 2 Duo T7600 Technical Specifications

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

AMD

Athlon II N330

The Athlon II N330 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Champlain (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2.3 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: S1. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,999 points. Launch price was $149.

Intel

Core 2 Duo T7600

The Core 2 Duo T7600 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 28 August 2006 (19 years ago). It is based on the Merom (2006−2008) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.33 GHz, with boost up to 2.33 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 34 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,004 points. Launch price was $619.

Processing Power

Both the Athlon II N330 and Core 2 Duo T7600 share an identical 2-core/2-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.3 GHz on the Athlon II N330 versus 2.33 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T7600 — a 1.3% clock advantage for the Core 2 Duo T7600. The Athlon II N330 uses the Champlain (2010−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Core 2 Duo T7600 uses Merom (2006−2008) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon II N330 scores 1,999 against the Core 2 Duo T7600's 2,004 — a 0.2% lead for the Core 2 Duo T7600.

FeatureAthlon II N330Core 2 Duo T7600
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
2 / 2
Boost Clock
2.3 GHz
2.33 GHz+1%
Base Clock
2.33 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
L2 Cache
1 MB
4 MB+300%
Process
45 nm-31%
65 nm
Architecture
Champlain (2010−2011)
Merom (2006−2008)
PassMark
1,999
2,004
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Memory & Platform

The Athlon II N330 uses the S1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core 2 Duo T7600 uses PGA478 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1066 on the Athlon II N330 versus DDR2-667 on the Core 2 Duo T7600 — the Athlon II N330 supports 59.8% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Athlon II N330 supports up to 8 GB of RAM compared to 4 GB 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 0 (Athlon II N330) vs 16 (Core 2 Duo T7600) — the Core 2 Duo T7600 offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: S1g4 (Athlon II N330) and Socket P (Core 2 Duo T7600).

FeatureAthlon II N330Core 2 Duo T7600
Socket
S1
PGA478
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0+82%
PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed
1066+60%
DDR2-667
Max RAM Capacity
8 GB+100%
4 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
0
16
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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Athlon II N330) vs VT-x (Core 2 Duo T7600). Direct competitor: Athlon II N330 rivals Pentium P6100.

FeatureAthlon II N330Core 2 Duo T7600
Integrated GPU
No
No
IGPU Model
None
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
true
VT-x