Core i3-330M vs Pentium E2220
Core i3-330M
Pentium E2220
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 Pentium E2220 is on rank 569, 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 Pentium E2220
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-330M | Pentium E2220 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($32) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Arrandale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Legacy / 65 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-330M | Pentium E2220 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($32) |
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 Pentium E2220
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.
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 |
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 40% 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 — 66.7% 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+50% | DDR2-800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 GB+100% | 4 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 0 |
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 |
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