CPU
GPU
Core i3-330M
Atom C3338
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 i3-330M is positioned at rank 276 and the Atom C3338 is on rank 543, so the Core i3-330M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-330M
Performance Per Dollar Atom C3338
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-330M | Atom C3338 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Arrandale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) | ✨ Modern (Goldmont (2016−2017) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-330M | Atom C3338 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
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 i3-330M and Atom C3338
Core i3-330M
The Core i3-330M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.13 GHz, with boost up to 0.13 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800, DDR3-1066. Passmark benchmark score: 1,032 points. Launch price was $49.
Atom C3338
The Atom C3338 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 22 February 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Goldmont (2016−2017) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.2 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1310. Thermal design power (TDP): 8.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR4: 1866. Passmark benchmark score: 1,028 points. Launch price was $27.
Processing Power
The Core i3-330M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Atom C3338's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 0.13 GHz on the Core i3-330M versus 2.2 GHz on the Atom C3338 — a 177.7% clock advantage for the Atom C3338 (base: 2.13 GHz vs 1.5 GHz). The Core i3-330M uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Atom C3338 uses Goldmont (2016−2017) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-330M scores 1,032 against the Atom C3338's 1,028 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i3-330M. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-330M vs 4 MB on the Atom C3338.
| Feature | Core i3-330M | Atom C3338 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 0.13 GHz | 2.2 GHz+1592% |
| Base Clock | 2.13 GHz+42% | 1.5 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 4 MB+33% |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 4 MB+1500% |
| Process | 32 nm | 14 nm-56% |
| Architecture | Arrandale (2010−2011) | Goldmont (2016−2017) |
| PassMark | 1,032 | 1,028 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 317 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 689 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-330M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Atom C3338 uses FCBGA1310 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1066 on the Core i3-330M versus DDR4-1866 on the Atom C3338 — the Atom C3338 supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Atom C3338 supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 176.5% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i3-330M) vs 1 (Atom C3338). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i3-330M) vs 10 (Atom C3338) — the Core i3-330M offers 6 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: HM55,PM55,QM57 (Core i3-330M) and Intel FCBGA1310 (Atom C3338).
| Feature | Core i3-330M | Atom C3338 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | FCBGA1310 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1066 | DDR4-1866+33% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 GB | 128 GB+1500% |
| RAM Channels | 2+100% | 1 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16+60% | 10 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x / EPT (Core i3-330M) / not specified (Atom C3338). The Core i3-330M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Arrandale)), while the Atom C3338 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-330M targets Legacy Budget. Direct competitor: Core i3-330M rivals AMD Athlon II P320.
| Feature | Core i3-330M | Atom C3338 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics (Arrandale) | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x / EPT | — |
| Target Use | Legacy Budget | — |
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