Core i3-330E vs Phenom X3 8600

Core i3-330E vs Phenom X3 8600 Performance Spectrum

Core i3-330E

2 / 4

1,260

0.0%

1,267

+0.6%

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 i3-330E vs Phenom X3 8600 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 Phenom X3 8600: 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

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).
✅Draws 35W instead of 95W, a 60W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,260 vs 1,267).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.1 vs 12.7 PassMark/$ ($177 MSRP vs $100 MSRP).

Phenom X3 8600

2008

Why buy it

✅Costs $77 less on MSRP ($100 MSRP vs $177 MSRP).
✅Delivers 78.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 12.7 vs 7.1 PassMark/$ ($100 MSRP vs $177 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).
❌171.4% higher power demand at 95W vs 35W.

Quick Answers

So, is Phenom X3 8600 better than Core i3-330E?

Yes. Phenom X3 8600 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.1% 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, Phenom X3 8600 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.1% 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, Phenom X3 8600 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 3 cores and 3 threads.

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

Phenom X3 8600 is the better buy right now. Phenom X3 8600 comes in $77 cheaper on MSRP at $100 MSRP versus $177 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 78.0% better value on MSRP (12.7 vs 7.1 PassMark/$), 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 2008) and 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-330E vs Phenom X3 8600 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.

Phenom X3 8600

The Phenom X3 8600 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Toliman (2008) architecture. It features 3 cores and 3 threads. Max frequency: 2.3 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: AM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,267 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-330E packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Phenom X3 8600 offers 3 cores / 3 threads — the Phenom X3 8600 has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 0.03 GHz on the Core i3-330E versus 2.3 GHz on the Phenom X3 8600 — a 194.8% clock advantage for the Phenom X3 8600. The Core i3-330E uses the Westmere (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Phenom X3 8600 uses Toliman (2008) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-330E scores 1,260 against the Phenom X3 8600's 1,267 — a 0.6% lead for the Phenom X3 8600. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-330E vs 2 MB (total) on the Phenom X3 8600.

Feature	Core i3-330E	Phenom X3 8600
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	3 / 3+50%
Boost Clock	0.03 GHz	2.3 GHz+7567%
Base Clock	2.13 GHz	—
L3 Cache	3 MB+50%	2 MB (total)
L2 Cache	512 kB	512 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm-51%	65 nm
Architecture	Westmere (2010−2011)	Toliman (2008)
PassMark	1,260	1,267

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-330E uses the BGA1288 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Phenom X3 8600 uses AM2+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-330E	Phenom X3 8600
Socket	BGA1288	AM2+
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-330E was priced at $177, while the Phenom X3 8600 came in at $100. On launch pricing ($177 vs $100), Phenom X3 8600 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 Phenom X3 8600 — making the Phenom X3 8600 the 56.1% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-330E	Phenom X3 8600
MSRP	$177	$100-44%
Performance per Dollar	7.1	12.7+79%
Release Date	2010	2008

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