Core i3-330UM vs Turion II N550

Core i3-330UM vs Turion II N550 Performance Spectrum

Core i3-330UM

2 / 4

1,297

0.0%

1,315

+1.4%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

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.

Core i3-330UM vs Turion II N550 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 Turion II N550: 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

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics, while Turion II N550 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Turion II N550 across 46 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (1,297 vs 1,315).
❌25500% higher power demand at 512W vs 2W.

Turion II N550

2010

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +5.3% higher average FPS across 46 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 2W instead of 512W, a 510W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-330UM can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Turion II N550 better than Core i3-330UM?

Yes. Turion II N550 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 5.3% average FPS lead across 46 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.4% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Turion II N550 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 5.3% 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, Turion II N550 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.4% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Turion II N550 still makes the most sense overall. Turion II N550 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 5.3% average FPS lead across 46 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Turion II N550 is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Core i3-330UM vs Turion II N550 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.

Turion II N550

The Turion II N550 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Champlain (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2.6 GHz. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: S1. Thermal design power (TDP): 2 MB. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,315 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-330UM packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Turion II N550's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 0.1 GHz on the Core i3-330UM versus 2.6 GHz on the Turion II N550 — a 185.2% clock advantage for the Turion II N550. The Core i3-330UM uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Turion II N550 uses Champlain (2010−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-330UM scores 1,297 against the Turion II N550's 1,315 — a 1.4% lead for the Turion II N550.

Feature	Core i3-330UM	Turion II N550
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	0.1 GHz	2.6 GHz+2500%
Base Clock	1.2 GHz	—
L3 Cache	3 MB	—
L2 Cache	512 kB	2 MB+300%
Process	32 nm-29%	45 nm
Architecture	Arrandale (2010−2011)	Champlain (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,297	1,315+1%
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 Turion II N550 uses S1 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-330UM	Turion II N550
Socket	BGA1288	S1
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-800	—
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-330UM) / not specified (Turion II N550). The Core i3-330UM includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics), while the Turion II N550 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-330UM targets Legacy Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i3-330UM rivals Pentium SU7300.