Atom x5-E3940 vs Core i3-2330E

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 x5-E3940 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.

Atom x5-E3940 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.

Atom x5-E3940

2014

Why buy it

✅Draws 10W instead of 35W, a 25W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,816 vs 1,823).

Core i3-2330E

2011

Why buy it

✅166.7% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 6) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $225 MSRP, while Atom x5-E3940 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌250% higher power demand at 35W vs 10W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-2330E better than Atom x5-E3940?

Yes. Core i3-2330E 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 0.4% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-2330E 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 i3-2330E 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?

Core i3-2330E is the better buy right now. Core i3-2330E comes in at an unclear MSRP at $225 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (8.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Atom x5-E3940 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Atom x5-E3940 vs Core i3-2330E Technical Specifications

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

Atom x5-E3940

The Atom x5-E3940 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 August 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Apollo Lake (2014−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 1.8 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB (total). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1296. Thermal design power (TDP): 10 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 1,816 points. Launch price was $69.

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 Atom x5-E3940 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i3-2330E offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Atom x5-E3940 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 1.8 GHz on the Atom x5-E3940 versus 2.2 GHz on the Core i3-2330E — a 20% clock advantage for the Core i3-2330E (base: 1.6 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Atom x5-E3940 uses the Apollo Lake (2014−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i3-2330E uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Atom x5-E3940 scores 1,816 against the Core i3-2330E's 1,823 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i3-2330E. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Atom x5-E3940 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2330E.

Feature	Atom x5-E3940	Core i3-2330E
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	1.8 GHz	2.2 GHz+22%
Base Clock	1.6 GHz	2.2 GHz+38%
L3 Cache	0 kB	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	2 MB (total)	256K (per core)+12700%
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Apollo Lake (2014−2016)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	1,816	1,823

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Atom x5-E3940 uses the FCBGA1296 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-2330E uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3L-1866 on the Atom x5-E3940 versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i3-2330E — the Atom x5-E3940 supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-2330E supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 6 (Atom x5-E3940) vs 16 (Core i3-2330E) — the Core i3-2330E offers 10 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Atom x5-E3940	Core i3-2330E
Socket	FCBGA1296	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L-1866+40%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	16 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	6	16+167%

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Atom x5-E3940) / VT-x (Core i3-2330E). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 500 (Atom x5-E3940) and HD Graphics 3000 (Core i3-2330E) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-2330E targets Embedded.