Atom 330 vs Phenom X4 9750B

Intel

Atom 330

2 Cores4 Thrd8 WWMax: 0.1 GHz2008
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Phenom X4 9750B

4 Cores4 Thrd95 WWMax: 2.4 GHz2008
Similar parts
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Atom 330 vs Phenom X4 9750B 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.

Atom 330 vs Phenom X4 9750B 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.

Atom 330 vs Phenom X4 9750B: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Atom 330

2008

Why buy it

  • +0.7% higher PassMark.
  • Costs $172 less on MSRP ($43 MSRP vs $215 MSRP).
  • Delivers 403.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 35.6 vs 7.1 PassMark/$ ($43 MSRP vs $215 MSRP).
  • Draws 8W instead of 95W, a 87W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Phenom X4 9750B

2008

Why buy it

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

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,520 vs 1,530).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.1 vs 35.6 PassMark/$ ($215 MSRP vs $43 MSRP).
  • 1087.5% higher power demand at 95W vs 8W.

Quick Answers

So, is Atom 330 better than Phenom X4 9750B?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Phenom X4 9750B 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, Atom 330 pulls ahead with 0.7% better PassMark.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Atom 330 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Atom 330 is the better buy right now. Atom 330 comes in $172 cheaper on MSRP at $43 MSRP versus $215 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.7% better PassMark. The compromise is that Phenom X4 9750B is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 0.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 403.3% better value on MSRP (35.6 vs 7.1 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Phenom X4 9750B is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Atom 330 vs Phenom X4 9750B Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Atom 330

The Atom 330 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 April 2008 (17 years ago). It is based on the Diamondville (2008−2009) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 0.1 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PBGA437. Thermal design power (TDP): 8 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,530 points. Launch price was $43.

AMD

Phenom X4 9750B

The Phenom X4 9750B is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Agena (2007−2008) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: AM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,520 points. Launch price was $149.

Processing Power

The Atom 330 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Phenom X4 9750B offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Phenom X4 9750B has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 0.1 GHz on the Atom 330 versus 2.4 GHz on the Phenom X4 9750B — a 184% clock advantage for the Phenom X4 9750B. The Atom 330 uses the Diamondville (2008−2009) architecture (45 nm), while the Phenom X4 9750B uses Agena (2007−2008) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Atom 330 scores 1,530 against the Phenom X4 9750B's 1,520 — a 0.7% lead for the Atom 330. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Atom 330 vs 2 MB (total) on the Phenom X4 9750B.

FeatureAtom 330Phenom X4 9750B
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock
0.1 GHz
2.4 GHz+2300%
Base Clock
1.6 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
2 MB (total)
L2 Cache
1 MB+100%
512 kB (per core)
Process
45 nm-31%
65 nm
Architecture
Diamondville (2008−2009)
Agena (2007−2008)
PassMark
1,530
1,520
Geekbench 6 Single
300
Geekbench 6 Multi
1,000
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Memory & Platform

The Atom 330 uses the PBGA437 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Phenom X4 9750B uses AM2+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR2-533 on the Atom 330 versus DDR2-1066 on the Phenom X4 9750B — the Phenom X4 9750B supports 100% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Phenom X4 9750B supports up to 8 GB of RAM compared to 4 GB 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 1 (Atom 330) vs 2 (Phenom X4 9750B). PCIe lanes: 0 (Atom 330) vs 16 (Phenom X4 9750B) — the Phenom X4 9750B offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel BGA437 (Atom 330) and AM2+,AM2 (Phenom X4 9750B).

FeatureAtom 330Phenom X4 9750B
Socket
PBGA437
AM2+
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR2-533
DDR2-1066+100%
Max RAM Capacity
4 GB
8 GB+100%
RAM Channels
1
2+100%
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
0
16
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Atom 330) / AMD-V (Phenom X4 9750B). Primary use case: Phenom X4 9750B targets Legacy Desktop.

FeatureAtom 330Phenom X4 9750B
Integrated GPU
No
No
IGPU Model
None
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
AMD-V
Target Use
Legacy Desktop
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Value Analysis

At launch, the Atom 330 was priced at $43, while the Phenom X4 9750B came in at $215. On launch pricing ($43 vs $215), Atom 330 was $172 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Atom 330 delivers 35.6 pts/$ vs 7.1 pts/$ for the Phenom X4 9750B — making the Atom 330 the 133.7% better value option.

FeatureAtom 330Phenom X4 9750B
MSRP
$43-80%
$215
Performance per Dollar
35.6+401%
7.1
Release Date
2008
2008

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