Atom x5-Z8330 vs Core i3-330M
Atom x5-Z8330
Core i3-330M
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Atom x5-Z8330 is positioned at rank 778 and the Core i3-330M is on rank 276, so the Core i3-330M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Atom x5-Z8330
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-330M
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Atom x5-Z8330 | Core i3-330M |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Airmont (2016) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Arrandale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Atom x5-Z8330 | Core i3-330M |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Atom x5-Z8330 and Core i3-330M
Atom x5-Z8330
The Atom x5-Z8330 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 February 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Airmont (2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.44 GHz, with boost up to 1.92 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Memory support: DDR3L-RS 1600. Passmark benchmark score: 1,025 points. Launch price was $69.
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.
Processing Power
The Atom x5-Z8330 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i3-330M offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Atom x5-Z8330 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 1.92 GHz on the Atom x5-Z8330 versus 0.13 GHz on the Core i3-330M — a 174.6% clock advantage for the Atom x5-Z8330 (base: 1.44 GHz vs 2.13 GHz). The Atom x5-Z8330 uses the Airmont (2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i3-330M uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Atom x5-Z8330 scores 1,025 against the Core i3-330M's 1,032 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i3-330M. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Atom x5-Z8330 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-330M.
| Feature | Atom x5-Z8330 | Core i3-330M |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4+100% | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 1.92 GHz+1377% | 0.13 GHz |
| Base Clock | 1.44 GHz | 2.13 GHz+48% |
| L3 Cache | 0 kB | 3 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB+700% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm-56% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Airmont (2016) | Arrandale (2010−2011) |
| PassMark | 1,025 | 1,032 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 317 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 689 |
Memory & Platform
Both support up to DDR3L-RS 1600 memory speed. The Core i3-330M supports up to 8 GB of RAM compared to 2 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 1 (Atom x5-Z8330) vs 2 (Core i3-330M). PCIe lanes: 1 (Atom x5-Z8330) vs 16 (Core i3-330M) — the Core i3-330M offers 15 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel FC-UTBGA592 (Atom x5-Z8330) and HM55,PM55,QM57 (Core i3-330M).
| Feature | Atom x5-Z8330 | Core i3-330M |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | — | PGA988 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3L-RS 1600 | DDR3-1066 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 2 GB | 8 GB+300% |
| RAM Channels | 1 | 2+100% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 1 | 16+1500% |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Atom x5-Z8330) / VT-x / EPT (Core i3-330M). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics (Cherry Trail) (Atom x5-Z8330) and Intel HD Graphics (Arrandale) (Core i3-330M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-330M targets Legacy Budget. Direct competitor: Core i3-330M rivals AMD Athlon II P320.
| Feature | Atom x5-Z8330 | Core i3-330M |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics (Cherry Trail) | Intel HD Graphics (Arrandale) |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x / EPT |
| Target Use | — | Legacy Budget |
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