Core i3-330UM vs Core i3-3227U

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 i3-330UM vs Core i3-3227U 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 i3-330UM vs Core i3-3227U: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-330UM

2010

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (300 vs 400).
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (600 vs 900).

Core i3-3227U

2013

Why buy it

✅+33.3% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-3227U better than Core i3-330UM?

Yes. Core i3-3227U is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 46 shared CPU game tests in our data, 50% better Geekbench multi-core, 0.2% higher 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, Core i3-3227U is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.4% more average FPS across 46 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-3227U is the stronger fit. You are getting 50% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-3227U still makes the most sense overall. Core i3-3227U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 46 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i3-3227U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2010) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-330UM vs Core i3-3227U Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-330UM

The Core i3-330UM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 May 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.2 GHz, with boost up to 0.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1288. Thermal design power (TDP): 18 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,297 points. Launch price was $69.

Core i3-3227U

The Core i3-3227U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 January 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.9 GHz, with boost up to 1.9 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,299 points. Launch price was $225.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-330UM and Core i3-3227U share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 0.1 GHz on the Core i3-330UM versus 1.9 GHz on the Core i3-3227U — a 180% clock advantage for the Core i3-3227U (base: 1.2 GHz vs 1.9 GHz). The Core i3-330UM uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i3-3227U uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-330UM scores 1,297 against the Core i3-3227U's 1,299 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i3-3227U. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 300 vs 400, a 28.6% lead for the Core i3-3227U that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 600 vs 900 (40% advantage for the Core i3-3227U). L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-330UM vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3227U.

Feature	Core i3-330UM	Core i3-3227U
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	0.1 GHz	1.9 GHz+1800%
Base Clock	1.2 GHz	1.9 GHz+58%
L3 Cache	3 MB	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	512 kB+100%	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Arrandale (2010−2011)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	1,297	1,299
Geekbench 6 Single	300	400+33%
Geekbench 6 Multi	600	900+50%

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-330UM uses the BGA1288 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i3-3227U uses BGA1023 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-800 on the Core i3-330UM versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i3-3227U — the Core i3-3227U supports 100% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-3227U supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM55 (Core i3-330UM) and HM77,HM76 (Core i3-3227U).

Feature	Core i3-330UM	Core i3-3227U
Socket	BGA1288	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-800	DDR3-1600+100%
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	32 GB+300%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics (Core i3-330UM) and Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i3-3227U) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-330UM targets Legacy Laptop, Core i3-3227U targets Legacy Ultrabook. Direct competitor: Core i3-330UM rivals Pentium SU7300; Core i3-3227U rivals AMD A6-4455M.

Feature	Core i3-330UM	Core i3-3227U
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics	Intel HD Graphics 4000
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Legacy Laptop	Legacy Ultrabook