Celeron J3160 vs Core i3-2330M

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 J3160 vs Core i3-2330M 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 J3160 vs Core i3-2330M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron J3160

2016

Why buy it

✅Draws 6W instead of 35W, a 29W reduction.

Trade-offs

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

Core i3-2330M

2011

Why buy it

✅300% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 4) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,248 vs 1,250).
❌483.3% higher power demand at 35W vs 6W.

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron J3160 better than Core i3-2330M?

Yes. Celeron J3160 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.2% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Celeron J3160 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.5% 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, Celeron J3160 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Celeron J3160 still makes the most sense overall. Celeron J3160 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Celeron J3160 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Celeron J3160 vs Core i3-2330M Technical Specifications

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

Celeron J3160

The Celeron J3160 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 15 January 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Airmont (2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.24 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1170. Thermal design power (TDP): 6 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 1,250 points. Launch price was $107.

Core i3-2330M

The Core i3-2330M 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: 1,248 points. Launch price was $225.

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Processing Power

The Celeron J3160 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i3-2330M offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Celeron J3160 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.24 GHz on the Celeron J3160 versus 2.2 GHz on the Core i3-2330M — a 1.8% clock advantage for the Celeron J3160 (base: 1.6 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Celeron J3160 uses the Airmont (2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i3-2330M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron J3160 scores 1,250 against the Core i3-2330M's 1,248 — a 0.2% lead for the Celeron J3160. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Celeron J3160 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2330M.

Feature	Celeron J3160	Core i3-2330M
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.24 GHz+2%	2.2 GHz
Base Clock	1.6 GHz	2.2 GHz+38%
L3 Cache	0 kB	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	2 MB	256K (per core)+12700%
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Airmont (2016)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	1,250	1,248
Geekbench 6 Single	350	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	650	—

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron J3160 uses the FCBGA1170 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-2330M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3L-1600 on the Celeron J3160 versus 1333 on the Core i3-2330M — the Celeron J3160 supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-2330M 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: 4 (Celeron J3160) vs 16 (Core i3-2330M) — the Core i3-2330M offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: N/A (SoC) (Celeron J3160) and HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i3-2330M).

Feature	Celeron J3160	Core i3-2330M
Socket	FCBGA1170	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L-1600+20%	1333
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	16 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	4	16+300%

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Celeron J3160) vs true (Core i3-2330M). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 400 (Celeron J3160) and Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i3-2330M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron J3160 targets Low Power. Direct competitor: Celeron J3160 rivals Pentium J3710; Core i3-2330M rivals AMD A6-3400M.