Atom C3338 vs Core i3-330M

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 C3338 vs Core i3-330M 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 C3338 vs Core i3-330M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Atom C3338

2017

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 9W instead of 512W, a 503W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,028 vs 1,032).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-330M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i3-330M

2010

Why buy it

✅+0.4% higher PassMark.
✅60% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 10) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics (Arrandale), while Atom C3338 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌5588.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 9W.

Quick Answers

So, is Atom C3338 better than Core i3-330M?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Atom C3338 is ahead with a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-330M pulls ahead with 0.4% better PassMark. Atom C3338 also has the bigger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-330M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Atom C3338 still makes the most sense overall. Atom C3338 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Atom C3338 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2010) and 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Atom C3338 vs Core i3-330M Technical Specifications

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

Atom C3338

The Atom C3338 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 22 February 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Goldmont (2016−2017) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1310. Thermal design power (TDP): 8.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR4: 1866. Passmark benchmark score: 1,028 points. Launch price was $27.

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.

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Processing Power

The Atom C3338 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-330M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.2 GHz on the Atom C3338 versus 0.13 GHz on the Core i3-330M — a 177.7% clock advantage for the Atom C3338 (base: 1.5 GHz vs 2.13 GHz). The Atom C3338 uses the Goldmont (2016−2017) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i3-330M uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Atom C3338 scores 1,028 against the Core i3-330M's 1,032 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i3-330M. L3 cache: 4 MB on the Atom C3338 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-330M.

Feature	Atom C3338	Core i3-330M
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.2 GHz+1592%	0.13 GHz
Base Clock	1.5 GHz	2.13 GHz+42%
L3 Cache	4 MB+33%	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	4 MB+1500%	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Goldmont (2016−2017)	Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,028	1,032
Geekbench 6 Single	—	317
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	689

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Memory & Platform

The Atom C3338 uses the FCBGA1310 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-330M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-1866 on the Atom C3338 versus DDR3-1066 on the Core i3-330M — the Atom C3338 supports 75% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Atom C3338 supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 1500% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 1 (Atom C3338) vs 2 (Core i3-330M). PCIe lanes: 10 (Atom C3338) vs 16 (Core i3-330M) — the Core i3-330M offers 6 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel FCBGA1310 (Atom C3338) and HM55,PM55,QM57 (Core i3-330M).

Feature	Atom C3338	Core i3-330M
Socket	FCBGA1310	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-1866+75%	DDR3-1066
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB+1500%	8 GB
RAM Channels	1	2+100%
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	10	16+60%

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Atom C3338) / VT-x / EPT (Core i3-330M). The Core i3-330M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Arrandale)), while the Atom C3338 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-330M targets Legacy Budget. Direct competitor: Core i3-330M rivals AMD Athlon II P320.