Celeron N3060 vs Core i3-330E

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 N3060 vs Core i3-330E 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 N3060 vs Core i3-330E: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron N3060

2016

Why buy it

✅Costs $70 less on MSRP ($107 MSRP vs $177 MSRP).
✅Delivers 66.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 11.8 vs 7.1 PassMark/$ ($107 MSRP vs $177 MSRP).
✅Draws 6W instead of 35W, a 29W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (4 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 400, while Core i3-330E needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

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

Core i3-330E

2010

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,260 vs 1,267).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.1 vs 11.8 PassMark/$ ($177 MSRP vs $107 MSRP).
❌483.3% higher power demand at 35W vs 6W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Celeron N3060 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Celeron N3060 better than Core i3-330E?

Yes. Celeron N3060 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.6% 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 N3060 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.1% 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, Celeron N3060 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Celeron N3060 is the better buy right now. Celeron N3060 comes in $70 cheaper on MSRP at $107 MSRP versus $177 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 66.3% better value on MSRP (11.8 vs 7.1 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Celeron N3060 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2010) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 2 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Celeron N3060 vs Core i3-330E Technical Specifications

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

Celeron N3060

The Celeron N3060 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 15 January 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Braswell (2015−2016) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.48 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1170. Thermal design power (TDP): 6 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,267 points. Launch price was $107.

Core i3-330E

The Core i3-330E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Westmere (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.13 GHz, with boost up to 0.03 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1288. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800, DDR3-1066. Passmark benchmark score: 1,260 points. Launch price was $177.

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Processing Power

The Celeron N3060 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i3-330E's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.48 GHz on the Celeron N3060 versus 0.03 GHz on the Core i3-330E — a 195.2% clock advantage for the Celeron N3060 (base: 1.6 GHz vs 2.13 GHz). The Celeron N3060 uses the Braswell (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i3-330E uses Westmere (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron N3060 scores 1,267 against the Core i3-330E's 1,260 — a 0.6% lead for the Celeron N3060. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Celeron N3060 vs 3 MB on the Core i3-330E.

Feature	Celeron N3060	Core i3-330E
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.48 GHz+8167%	0.03 GHz
Base Clock	1.6 GHz	2.13 GHz+33%
L3 Cache	0 kB	3 MB
L2 Cache	1 MB+100%	512 kB
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Braswell (2015−2016)	Westmere (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,267	1,260

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Memory & Platform

The Celeron N3060 uses the FCBGA1170 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i3-330E uses BGA1288 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Celeron N3060	Core i3-330E
Socket	FCBGA1170	BGA1288
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	8	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	4	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Celeron N3060) / not specified (Core i3-330E). The Celeron N3060 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 400), while the Core i3-330E requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Celeron N3060 rivals AMD E2-9010.

Feature	Celeron N3060	Core i3-330E
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 400	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	true	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Celeron N3060 was priced at $107, while the Core i3-330E came in at $177. On launch pricing ($107 vs $177), Celeron N3060 was $70 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron N3060 delivers 11.8 pts/$ vs 7.1 pts/$ for the Core i3-330E — making the Celeron N3060 the 49.8% better value option.

Feature	Celeron N3060	Core i3-330E
MSRP	$107-40%	$177
Performance per Dollar	11.8+66%	7.1
Release Date	2016	2010

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