Core i3-2330M vs Athlon 64 X2 4200+
Core i3-2330M
Athlon 64 X2 4200+
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i3-2330M is positioned at rank 679 and the Athlon 64 X2 4200+ is on rank 1101, so the Core i3-2330M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-2330M
Performance Per Dollar Athlon 64 X2 4200+
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-2330M | Athlon 64 X2 4200+ |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | Balanced gaming performance | Balanced gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($110) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Manchester (2005−2006) / 90 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-2330M | Athlon 64 X2 4200+ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($110) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i3-2330M and Athlon 64 X2 4200+
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.
Athlon 64 X2 4200+
The Athlon 64 X2 4200+ is manufactured by AMD. It was released in Dezembro 2006 (19 years ago). It is based on the Manchester (2005−2006) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 90 nm process technology. Socket: 939. Thermal design power (TDP): 89 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,255 points. Launch price was $309.
Processing Power
The Core i3-2330M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Athlon 64 X2 4200+'s 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.2 GHz on the Core i3-2330M versus 2.2 GHz on the Athlon 64 X2 4200+ — identical boost frequencies. The Core i3-2330M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Athlon 64 X2 4200+ uses Manchester (2005−2006) (90 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-2330M scores 1,248 against the Athlon 64 X2 4200+'s 1,255 — a 0.6% lead for the Athlon 64 X2 4200+. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2330M vs 0 kB on the Athlon 64 X2 4200+.
| Feature | Core i3-2330M | Athlon 64 X2 4200+ |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 2.2 GHz | 2.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.2 GHz | — |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 512 kB+100% |
| Process | 32 nm-64% | 90 nm |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Manchester (2005−2006) |
| PassMark | 1,248 | 1,255 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-2330M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Athlon 64 X2 4200+ uses 939 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Core i3-2330M versus DDR2-800 on the Athlon 64 X2 4200+ — the Core i3-2330M supports 199.4% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 16 of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i3-2330M) vs 0 (Athlon 64 X2 4200+) — the Core i3-2330M offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i3-2330M) and AMD AM2 (Athlon 64 X2 4200+).
| Feature | Core i3-2330M | Athlon 64 X2 4200+ |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | 939 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0+82% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1333+66550% | DDR2-800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 | 16 GB+104857500% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: true (Core i3-2330M) / not specified (Athlon 64 X2 4200+). The Core i3-2330M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Athlon 64 X2 4200+ requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i3-2330M rivals AMD A6-3400M.
| Feature | Core i3-2330M | Athlon 64 X2 4200+ |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 3000 | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | true | — |
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