Celeron 3205U 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.

Celeron 3205U 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.

Celeron 3205U 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.

Celeron 3205U

2015

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (287 vs 317).
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (483 vs 689).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).

Core i3-330M

2010

Why buy it

✅+10.5% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅+50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).

Trade-offs

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

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-330M better than Celeron 3205U?

Yes. Core i3-330M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 42.7% better Geekbench multi-core, and 0.7% higher PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-330M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.1% 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 i3-330M is the stronger fit. You are getting 42.7% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).

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 a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Celeron 3205U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron 3205U vs Core i3-330M Technical Specifications

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

Celeron 3205U

The Celeron 3205U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 March 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell-U (2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.5 GHz, with boost up to 1.5 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,025 points. Launch price was $107.

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 Celeron 3205U packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-330M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 1.5 GHz on the Celeron 3205U versus 0.13 GHz on the Core i3-330M — a 168.1% clock advantage for the Celeron 3205U (base: 1.5 GHz vs 2.13 GHz). The Celeron 3205U uses the Broadwell-U (2015) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i3-330M uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron 3205U scores 1,025 against the Core i3-330M's 1,032 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i3-330M. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 287 vs 317, a 9.9% lead for the Core i3-330M that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 483 vs 689 (35.2% advantage for the Core i3-330M). L3 cache: 2 MB (total) on the Celeron 3205U vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-330M.

Feature	Celeron 3205U	Core i3-330M
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	1.5 GHz+1054%	0.13 GHz
Base Clock	1.5 GHz	2.13 GHz+42%
L3 Cache	2 MB (total)	3 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Broadwell-U (2015)	Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,025	1,032
Geekbench 6 Single	287	317+10%
Geekbench 6 Multi	483	689+43%

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron 3205U uses the FCBGA1168 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 DDR3L-1600 on the Celeron 3205U versus DDR3-1066 on the Core i3-330M — the Celeron 3205U supports 50.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Celeron 3205U 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. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Wildcat Point-LP (Celeron 3205U) and HM55,PM55,QM57 (Core i3-330M).

Feature	Celeron 3205U	Core i3-330M
Socket	FCBGA1168	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L-1600+50%	DDR3-1066
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB+100%	8 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Celeron 3205U) vs VT-x / EPT (Core i3-330M). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics (Broadwell) (Celeron 3205U) and Intel HD Graphics (Arrandale) (Core i3-330M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron 3205U targets Budget, Core i3-330M targets Legacy Budget. Direct competitor: Celeron 3205U rivals Pentium 2117U; Core i3-330M rivals AMD Athlon II P320.

Feature	Celeron 3205U	Core i3-330M
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics (Broadwell)	Intel HD Graphics (Arrandale)
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x	VT-x / EPT
Target Use	Budget	Legacy Budget