Core 2 Solo SU3300 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.

Core 2 Solo SU3300 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.

Core 2 Solo SU3300 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.

Core 2 Solo SU3300

2008

Why buy it

✅Draws 3W instead of 35W, a 32W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,247 vs 1,248).
❌Launch MSRP is still $262 MSRP, while Core i3-2330M mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-2330M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i3-2330M

2011

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 3000, while Core 2 Solo SU3300 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌1066.7% higher power demand at 35W vs 3W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-2330M better than Core 2 Solo SU3300?

Yes. Core i3-2330M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.1% 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, Core i3-2330M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.4% 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 i3-2330M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-2330M is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Core i3-2330M comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $262 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core 2 Solo SU3300 only looks good on raw value math because it is a cheap legacy laptop chip, not because it is a real desktop gaming recommendation. It simply does not keep up in modern games.

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

Core i3-2330M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2008) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 1/1. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core 2 Solo SU3300 vs Core i3-2330M Technical Specifications

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

Core 2 Solo SU3300

The Core 2 Solo SU3300 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 August 2008 (17 years ago). It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 1.2 GHz. L2 cache: 3 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: BGA956. Thermal design power (TDP): 3 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 1,247 points. Launch price was $262.

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 Core 2 Solo SU3300 packs 1 cores / 1 threads, while the Core i3-2330M offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Core i3-2330M has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 1.2 GHz on the Core 2 Solo SU3300 versus 2.2 GHz on the Core i3-2330M — a 58.8% clock advantage for the Core i3-2330M. The Core 2 Solo SU3300 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i3-2330M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Solo SU3300 scores 1,247 against the Core i3-2330M's 1,248 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i3-2330M.

Feature	Core 2 Solo SU3300	Core i3-2330M
Cores / Threads	1 / 1	2 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	1.2 GHz	2.2 GHz+83%
Base Clock	—	2.2 GHz
L3 Cache	—	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	3 MB	256K (per core)+8433%
Process	45 nm	32 nm-29%
Architecture	Penryn (2008−2011)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	1,247	1,248

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Memory & Platform

The Core 2 Solo SU3300 uses the BGA956 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i3-2330M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR2-800 on the Core 2 Solo SU3300 versus 1333 on the Core i3-2330M — the Core i3-2330M supports 66.6% 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 4 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 1 (Core 2 Solo SU3300) vs 2 (Core i3-2330M). PCIe lanes: 0 (Core 2 Solo SU3300) vs 16 (Core i3-2330M) — the Core i3-2330M offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core 2 Solo SU3300	Core i3-2330M
Socket	BGA956	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 1.1	PCIe 2.0+82%
Max RAM Speed	DDR2-800	1333+67%
Max RAM Capacity	4 GB	16 GB+300%
RAM Channels	1	2+100%
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	0	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core 2 Solo SU3300) vs true (Core i3-2330M). The Core i3-2330M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Core 2 Solo SU3300 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core 2 Solo SU3300 targets Mobile. Direct competitor: Core i3-2330M rivals AMD A6-3400M.