Core i3-330UM vs Core i3-390M

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 i3-390M 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 i3-390M: 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

✅+0.4% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

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

Core i3-390M

2011

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,292 vs 1,297).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-330UM better than Core i3-390M?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-390M is ahead with a 0.6% average FPS lead across 46 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-330UM pulls ahead with 0.4% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-330UM is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-330UM still makes the most sense overall. Core i3-330UM comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.4% better PassMark.

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

Core i3-390M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-330UM vs Core i3-390M 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 i3-390M

The Core i3-390M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 0.67 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,292 points. Launch price was $39.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-330UM and Core i3-390M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 0.1 GHz on the Core i3-330UM versus 0.67 GHz on the Core i3-390M — a 148.1% clock advantage for the Core i3-390M (base: 1.2 GHz vs 2.66 GHz). Both are built on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture using a 32 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i3-330UM scores 1,297 against the Core i3-390M's 1,292 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i3-330UM. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-330UM vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-390M.

Feature	Core i3-330UM	Core i3-390M
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	0.1 GHz	0.67 GHz+570%
Base Clock	1.2 GHz	2.66 GHz+122%
L3 Cache	3 MB	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	512 kB+100%	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Arrandale (2010−2011)	Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,297	1,292
Geekbench 6 Single	300	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	600	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-330UM uses the BGA1288 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i3-390M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-800 on the Core i3-330UM versus DDR3-1066 on the Core i3-390M — the Core i3-390M supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 8 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

Feature	Core i3-330UM	Core i3-390M
Socket	BGA1288	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-800	DDR3-1066+33%
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	8 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-330UM) vs VT-x (Core i3-390M). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics (Core i3-330UM) and HD Graphics (Core i3-390M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-330UM targets Legacy Laptop, Core i3-390M targets Mobile. Direct competitor: Core i3-330UM rivals Pentium SU7300.