Core i3-2105 vs Core i3-2330E

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 i3-2105 vs Core i3-2330E 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 i3-2105 vs Core i3-2330E: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-2105

2011

Why buy it

✅Costs $87 less on MSRP ($138 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
✅Delivers 64.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 13.3 vs 8.1 PassMark/$ ($138 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.

Core i3-2330E

2011

Why buy it

✅Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,823 vs 1,837).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.1 vs 13.3 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $138 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-2105 better than Core i3-2330E?

Yes. Core i3-2105 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.7% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.8% 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 i3-2105 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.7% more average FPS across 49 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-2105 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-2105 is the better buy right now. Core i3-2105 comes in $87 cheaper on MSRP at $138 MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.7% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 64.3% better value on MSRP (13.3 vs 8.1 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i3-2105 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 2 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.

Core i3-2105 vs Core i3-2330E Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-2105

The Core i3-2105 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 22 May 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,837 points. Launch price was $145.

Core i3-2330E

The Core i3-2330E 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: 1,823 points. Launch price was $225.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-2105 and Core i3-2330E share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i3-2105 versus 2.2 GHz on the Core i3-2330E — a 34% clock advantage for the Core i3-2105 (base: 3.1 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). Both are built on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture using a 32 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i3-2105 scores 1,837 against the Core i3-2330E's 1,823 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i3-2105. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i3-2105	Core i3-2330E
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.1 GHz+41%	2.2 GHz
Base Clock	3.1 GHz+41%	2.2 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	1,837	1,823

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-2105 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i3-2330E uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1333 memory speed. The Core i3-2105 supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

Feature	Core i3-2105	Core i3-2330E
Socket	LGA1155	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+100%	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 3000 (Core i3-2105) and HD Graphics 3000 (Core i3-2330E) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-2105 targets Desktop, Core i3-2330E targets Embedded.

Feature	Core i3-2105	Core i3-2330E
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 3000	HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x	VT-x
Target Use	Desktop	Embedded

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-2105 was priced at $138, while the Core i3-2330E came in at $225. On launch pricing ($138 vs $225), Core i3-2105 was $87 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-2105 delivers 13.3 pts/$ vs 8.1 pts/$ for the Core i3-2330E — making the Core i3-2105 the 48.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-2105	Core i3-2330E
MSRP	$138-39%	$225
Performance per Dollar	13.3+64%	8.1
Release Date	2011	2011

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