Core i3-2330E vs Core i7-820QM

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 i3-2330E vs Core i7-820QM 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 i3-2330E vs Core i7-820QM: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-2330E

2011

Why buy it

✅+0.2% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $321 less on MSRP ($225 MSRP vs $546 MSRP).
✅Delivers 143.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 8.1 vs 3.3 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $546 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 45W, a 10W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 3000, while Core i7-820QM needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 8 MB).

Core i7-820QM

2009

Why buy it

✅+166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,819 vs 1,823).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 3.3 vs 8.1 PassMark/$ ($546 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
❌28.6% higher power demand at 45W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-2330E can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-2330E better than Core i7-820QM?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-820QM is ahead with a 0.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-2330E pulls ahead with 0.2% better PassMark. Core i7-820QM also has the bigger cache pool with 166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-2330E is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-2330E is the better buy right now. Core i3-2330E comes in $321 cheaper on MSRP at $225 MSRP versus $546 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.2% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i7-820QM is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 0.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 143.2% better value on MSRP (8.1 vs 3.3 PassMark/$), 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 i3-2330E makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2009) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-2330E vs Core i7-820QM Technical Specifications

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

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.

Core i7-820QM

The Core i7-820QM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 September 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.73 GHz, with boost up to 3.06 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 1,819 points. Launch price was $546.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-2330E packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-820QM offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-820QM has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.2 GHz on the Core i3-2330E versus 3.06 GHz on the Core i7-820QM — a 32.7% clock advantage for the Core i7-820QM (base: 2.2 GHz vs 1.73 GHz). The Core i3-2330E uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-820QM uses Clarksfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-2330E scores 1,823 against the Core i7-820QM's 1,819 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i3-2330E. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2330E vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-820QM.

Feature	Core i3-2330E	Core i7-820QM
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	2.2 GHz	3.06 GHz+39%
Base Clock	2.2 GHz+27%	1.73 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+167%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm-29%	45 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Clarksfield (2009−2010)
PassMark	1,823	1,819

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the PGA988 socket with PCIe 2.0. Both support up to DDR3-1333 memory speed. The Core i3-2330E 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.

Feature	Core i3-2330E	Core i7-820QM
Socket	PGA988	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	1333
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 (Core i3-2330E) vs true (Core i7-820QM). The Core i3-2330E includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 3000), while the Core i7-820QM requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-2330E targets Embedded. Direct competitor: Core i7-820QM rivals Core 2 Quad Q9000.

Feature	Core i3-2330E	Core i7-820QM
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 3000	None
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x	true
Target Use	Embedded	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-2330E was priced at $225, while the Core i7-820QM came in at $546. On launch pricing ($225 vs $546), Core i3-2330E was $321 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-2330E delivers 8.1 pts/$ vs 3.3 pts/$ for the Core i7-820QM — making the Core i3-2330E the 83.4% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-2330E	Core i7-820QM
MSRP	$225-59%	$546
Performance per Dollar	8.1+145%	3.3
Release Date	2011	2009

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