Core i3-330M vs Pentium E2220

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 E2220 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 E2220: 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

✅+16.8% higher Geekbench multi-core.
✅+200% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 1 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics (Arrandale), while Pentium E2220 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (317 vs 330).
❌687.7% higher power demand at 512W vs 65W.

Pentium E2220

2008

Why buy it

✅+4.1% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Draws 65W instead of 512W, a 447W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (590 vs 689).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (1 MB vs 3 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $32 MSRP, while Core i3-330M mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-330M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium E2220 better than Core i3-330M?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Pentium E2220 is ahead with a 1.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-330M pulls ahead with 16.8% better Geekbench multi-core. Core i3-330M also has the bigger cache pool with 200% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 1 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-330M is the stronger fit. You are getting 16.8% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 200% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 1 MB).

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

Pentium E2220 is the better buy right now. Pentium E2220 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $32 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i3-330M is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 16.8% better Geekbench multi-core. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (32.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-330M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2008) and 200% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 1 MB). That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-330M vs Pentium E2220 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 E2220

The Pentium E2220 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. Base frequency: 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 1 MB L2 Cache. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: LGA775. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,028 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-330M is built on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i3-330M scores 1,032 against the Pentium E2220's 1,028 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i3-330M. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 317 vs 330, a 4% lead for the Pentium E2220 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 689 vs 590 (15.5% advantage for the Core i3-330M). L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-330M vs 1 MB L2 Cache on the Pentium E2220.

Feature	Core i3-330M	Pentium E2220
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	—
Boost Clock	0.13 GHz	—
Base Clock	2.13 GHz	2.4 GHz+13%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)+200%	1 MB L2 Cache
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	—
Process	32 nm-51%	65 nm
Architecture	Arrandale (2010−2011)	—
PassMark	1,032	1,028
Geekbench 6 Single	317	330+4%
Geekbench 6 Multi	689+17%	590

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-330M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium E2220 uses LGA775 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1066 on the Core i3-330M versus DDR2-800 on the Pentium E2220 — the Core i3-330M supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-330M supports up to 8 GB of RAM compared to 4 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i3-330M) vs 0 (Pentium E2220) — the Core i3-330M offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: HM55,PM55,QM57 (Core i3-330M) and G31,G41 (Pentium E2220).

Feature	Core i3-330M	Pentium E2220
Socket	PGA988	LGA775
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1066+33%	DDR2-800
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB+100%	4 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	0

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Advanced Features

Only the Pentium E2220 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x / EPT (Core i3-330M) vs None (Pentium E2220). The Core i3-330M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Arrandale)), while the Pentium E2220 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-330M targets Legacy Budget, Pentium E2220 targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-330M rivals AMD Athlon II P320.

Feature	Core i3-330M	Pentium E2220
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics (Arrandale)	None
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x / EPT	None
Target Use	Legacy Budget	Legacy Desktop