Atom x5-Z8330 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 x5-Z8330 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 x5-Z8330 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 x5-Z8330

2016

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,025 vs 1,032).

Core i3-330M

2010

Why buy it

✅+0.7% higher PassMark.
✅1500% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 1) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

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

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-330M better than Atom x5-Z8330?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Atom x5-Z8330 is ahead with a 1.5% 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 0.7% better PassMark.

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 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-330M still makes the most sense overall. Core i3-330M comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.7% better PassMark.

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

Atom x5-Z8330 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Atom x5-Z8330 vs Core i3-330M Technical Specifications

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

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.

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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

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Memory & Platform

Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3L-RS 1600 on the Atom x5-Z8330 versus DDR3-1066 on the Core i3-330M — the Atom x5-Z8330 supports 50.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-330M supports up to 8 GB of RAM compared to 2 GB — 300% 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+50%	DDR3-1066
Max RAM Capacity	2 GB	8 GB+300%
RAM Channels	1	2+100%
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	1	16+1500%

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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