CPU
GPU
Core i3-330E
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 i3-330E is positioned at rank 1157 and the Athlon 64 X2 4200+ is on rank 1101, so the Athlon 64 X2 4200+ offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-330E
Performance Per Dollar Athlon 64 X2 4200+
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-330E | Athlon 64 X2 4200+ |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($89) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($110) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Westmere (2010−2011) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Manchester (2005−2006) / 90 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-330E | Athlon 64 X2 4200+ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+24%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($89) | ⚠️ 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 i3-330E and Athlon 64 X2 4200+
Core i3-330E
The Core i3-330E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Westmere (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.13 GHz, with boost up to 0.03 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1288. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800, DDR3-1066. Passmark benchmark score: 1,260 points. Launch price was $177.
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 i3-330E packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Athlon 64 X2 4200+'s 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 0.03 GHz on the Core i3-330E versus 2.2 GHz on the Athlon 64 X2 4200+ — a 194.6% clock advantage for the Athlon 64 X2 4200+. The Core i3-330E uses the Westmere (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Athlon 64 X2 4200+ uses Manchester (2005−2006) (90 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-330E scores 1,260 against the Athlon 64 X2 4200+'s 1,255 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i3-330E. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-330E vs 0 kB on the Athlon 64 X2 4200+.
| Feature | Core i3-330E | Athlon 64 X2 4200+ |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 0.03 GHz | 2.2 GHz+7233% |
| Base Clock | 2.13 GHz | — |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB | 512 kB |
| Process | 32 nm-64% | 90 nm |
| Architecture | Westmere (2010−2011) | Manchester (2005−2006) |
| PassMark | 1,260 | 1,255 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-330E uses the BGA1288 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Athlon 64 X2 4200+ uses 939 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i3-330E | Athlon 64 X2 4200+ |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA1288 | 939 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0+82% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR2-800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 16 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 0 |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-330E launched at $177 MSRP, while the Athlon 64 X2 4200+ debuted at $581. At current prices ($89 vs $110), the Core i3-330E is $21 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-330E delivers 14.2 pts/$ vs 11.4 pts/$ for the Athlon 64 X2 4200+ — making the Core i3-330E the 21.5% better value option.
| Feature | Core i3-330E | Athlon 64 X2 4200+ |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $177-70% | $581 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $89-19% | $110 |
| Performance per Dollar | 14.2+25% | 11.4 |
| Release Date | 2010 | 2006 |
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