Core i3-330E vs Pentium SU2700

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 i3-330E vs Pentium SU2700 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 i3-330E vs Pentium SU2700: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-330E

2010

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,260 vs 1,268).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.1 vs 12.7 PassMark/$ ($177 MSRP vs $100 MSRP).
❌250% higher power demand at 35W vs 10W.

Pentium SU2700

2009

Why buy it

✅Costs $77 less on MSRP ($100 MSRP vs $177 MSRP).
✅Delivers 78.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 12.7 vs 7.1 PassMark/$ ($100 MSRP vs $177 MSRP).
✅Draws 10W instead of 35W, a 25W reduction.

Trade-offs

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

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium SU2700 better than Core i3-330E?

Yes. Pentium SU2700 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.6% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Pentium SU2700 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.7% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Pentium SU2700 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 1 cores and 1 threads.

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

Pentium SU2700 is the better buy right now. Pentium SU2700 comes in $77 cheaper on MSRP at $100 MSRP versus $177 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 78.1% better value on MSRP (12.7 vs 7.1 PassMark/$), 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 i3-330E makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-330E vs Pentium SU2700 Technical Specifications

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

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.

Pentium SU2700

The Pentium SU2700 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Base frequency is 1.3 GHz, with boost up to 1.3 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: BGA956. Thermal design power (TDP): 10 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,268 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-330E packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Pentium SU2700 offers 1 cores / 1 threads — the Core i3-330E has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 0.03 GHz on the Core i3-330E versus 1.3 GHz on the Pentium SU2700 — a 191% clock advantage for the Pentium SU2700 (base: 2.13 GHz vs 1.3 GHz). The Core i3-330E uses the Westmere (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Pentium SU2700 uses Penryn (2008−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-330E scores 1,260 against the Pentium SU2700's 1,268 — a 0.6% lead for the Pentium SU2700. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-330E vs 0 kB on the Pentium SU2700.

Feature	Core i3-330E	Pentium SU2700
Cores / Threads	2 / 4+100%	1 / 1
Boost Clock	0.03 GHz	1.3 GHz+4233%
Base Clock	2.13 GHz+64%	1.3 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB	0 kB
L2 Cache	512 kB	2 MB+300%
Process	32 nm-29%	45 nm
Architecture	Westmere (2010−2011)	Penryn (2008−2011)
PassMark	1,260	1,268

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-330E uses the BGA1288 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium SU2700 uses BGA956 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-330E	Pentium SU2700
Socket	BGA1288	BGA956
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0+82%	PCIe 1.1

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-330E was priced at $177, while the Pentium SU2700 came in at $100. On launch pricing ($177 vs $100), Pentium SU2700 was $77 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-330E delivers 7.1 pts/$ vs 12.7 pts/$ for the Pentium SU2700 — making the Pentium SU2700 the 56.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-330E	Pentium SU2700
MSRP	$177	$100-44%
Performance per Dollar	7.1	12.7+79%
Release Date	2010	2009

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