Core i3-330M vs Pentium 3558U

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 i3-330M vs Pentium 3558U 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 i3-330M vs Pentium 3558U: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-330M

2010

Why buy it

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics (Arrandale), while Pentium 3558U needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,032 vs 1,041).

Pentium 3558U

2014

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-330M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium 3558U better than Core i3-330M?

Yes. Pentium 3558U 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, 0.9% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Pentium 3558U 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, Pentium 3558U is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Pentium 3558U still makes the most sense overall. Pentium 3558U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Pentium 3558U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2010) 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 i3-330M vs Pentium 3558U Technical Specifications

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

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.

Pentium 3558U

The Pentium 3558U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.7 GHz, with boost up to 1.7 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,041 points. Launch price was $161.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-330M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium 3558U's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 0.13 GHz on the Core i3-330M versus 1.7 GHz on the Pentium 3558U — a 171.6% clock advantage for the Pentium 3558U (base: 2.13 GHz vs 1.7 GHz). The Core i3-330M uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Pentium 3558U uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-330M scores 1,032 against the Pentium 3558U's 1,041 — a 0.9% lead for the Pentium 3558U. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-330M vs 2 MB on the Pentium 3558U.

Feature	Core i3-330M	Pentium 3558U
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	0.13 GHz	1.7 GHz+1208%
Base Clock	2.13 GHz+25%	1.7 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)+50%	2 MB
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	512 kB+100%
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Arrandale (2010−2011)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	1,032	1,041
Geekbench 6 Single	317	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	689	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-330M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium 3558U uses FCBGA1168 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-330M	Pentium 3558U
Socket	PGA988	FCBGA1168
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1066	—
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x / EPT (Core i3-330M) / not specified (Pentium 3558U). The Core i3-330M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Arrandale)), while the Pentium 3558U requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-330M targets Legacy Budget. Direct competitor: Core i3-330M rivals AMD Athlon II P320.