Core i3-2330M vs Z-60

Core i3-2330M vs Z-60 Performance Spectrum

Core i3-2330M

2 / 4

1,248

0.0%

1,249

+0.1%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

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.

Core i3-2330M vs Z-60 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 i3-2330M vs Z-60: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-2330M

2011

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,248 vs 1,249).
❌600% higher power demand at 35W vs 5W.

Z-60

2012

Why buy it

✅+0.1% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 5W instead of 35W, a 30W reduction.

Trade-offs

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

Quick Answers

So, is Z-60 better than Core i3-2330M?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-2330M is ahead with a 1.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Z-60 pulls ahead with 0.1% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Z-60 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Z-60 still makes the most sense overall. Z-60 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.1% better PassMark.

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

Z-60 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2011) 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.

Core i3-2330M vs Z-60 Technical Specifications

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

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.

Z-60

The Z-60 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 9 October 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Hondo (2012) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 1 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 40 nm process technology. Socket: FT1. Thermal design power (TDP): 5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3 Single-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 1,249 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-2330M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Z-60's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.2 GHz on the Core i3-2330M versus 1 GHz on the Z-60 — a 75% clock advantage for the Core i3-2330M. The Core i3-2330M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Z-60 uses Hondo (2012) (40 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-2330M scores 1,248 against the Z-60's 1,249 — a 0.1% lead for the Z-60. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2330M vs 0 kB on the Z-60.

Feature	Core i3-2330M	Z-60
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.2 GHz+120%	1 GHz
Base Clock	2.2 GHz	—
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	0 kB
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+25500%	1 MB
Process	32 nm-20%	40 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Hondo (2012)
PassMark	1,248	1,249
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	658

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-2330M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Z-60 uses FT1 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Core i3-2330M versus DDR3-1066 on the Z-60 — the Core i3-2330M supports 25% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i3-2330M) vs 1 (Z-60).

Feature	Core i3-2330M	Z-60
Socket	PGA988	FT1
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	1333+25%	DDR3-1066
Max RAM Capacity	16	—
RAM Channels	2+100%	1
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core i3-2330M) vs AMD-V (Z-60). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i3-2330M) and Radeon HD 6250 (Z-60) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Z-60 targets Tablet. Direct competitor: Core i3-2330M rivals AMD A6-3400M; Z-60 rivals Core i3-2310M.