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.

Overview

The Core i3-2330E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.2 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: 1,823 points. Launch price was $225.

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.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i3-2330E

#19

Core 2 Duo P8400

MSRP: $209|Avg: $10

137%

#20

Celeron M U3400

MSRP: $86|Avg: $5

132%

#21

Pentium B940

MSRP: $134|Avg: $11

130%

#22

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

129%

#23

Pentium T4400

MSRP: $107|Avg: $5

129%

#24

Core 2 Duo T8100

MSRP: $209|Avg: $10

127%

#25

Core 2 Duo T5750

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $8

119%

#26

Celeron T1700

MSRP: $80|Avg: $5

116%

#27

Celeron M 900

MSRP: $86|Avg: $10

115%

#28

Core i9-13950HX

MSRP: $590|Avg: $199

113%

#29

Celeron B710

MSRP: $86|Avg: $10

113%

#30

Celeron M 560

MSRP: $86|Avg: $10

110%

#31

Core i5-3230M

MSRP: $225|Avg: $13

108%

#32

Athlon II P360

MSRP: $60|Avg: $10

107%

#33

Athlon II P340

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $10

104%

#34

Core i3-2330E

MSRP: $225|Avg: $10

100%

#35

Celeron P4500

MSRP: $86|Avg: $5

99%

#36

Atom x5-E8000

MSRP: $18|Avg: N/A

98%

#37

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

93%

#38

Athlon II M300

MSRP: $100|Avg: $10

93%

#39

Pentium P6300

MSRP: $80|Avg: $10

92%

#40

Pentium 967

MSRP: $134|Avg: $10

90%

#41

Celeron M 575

MSRP: $86|Avg: $12

88%

#42

Core i7-4900MQ

MSRP: $570|Avg: $40

84%

#43

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

80%

#44

Ryzen 5 8500G

MSRP: $179|Avg: $150

79%

#45

Pentium Dual Core SU4100

MSRP: $134|Avg: $10

77%

#46

Celeron B815

MSRP: $86|Avg: $15

77%

#47

Pentium P6100

MSRP: $100|Avg: $16.39

75%

#48

Core 2 Duo U7700

MSRP: $262|Avg: $10

73%

#49

Ryzen 3 210

MSRP: $99|Avg: $99

73%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i3-2330E across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i3-2330E specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i3-2330E is a 2-core / 4-thread processor based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture, manufactured on a 32 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2.2 GHz from a base frequency of 2.2 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 3 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256K (per core) of L2 cache and 64K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,823, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core i3-2330E
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	2.2 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.2 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	32 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	3 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256K (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64K (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	149 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	624 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	4 × 5 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	1,823

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-2330E fits into the PGA988 socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to DDR3-1333 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 16 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: HD Graphics 3000 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Core i3-2330E
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Core i3
SocketMotherboard socket required	PGA988
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 2.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	16
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR3-1333
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	16 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	HD Graphics 3000
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1 (Uniprocessor)

🔧

Advanced Features

The Core i3-2330E is primarily designed for Embedded. Virtualization: VT-x — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Core i3-2330E
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Embedded
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	VT-x

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i3-2330E has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 35 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Core i3-2330E
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	35 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $10 (MSRP: $225), the Core i3-2330E delivers 182 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #2662 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i3-2330E
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$225
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$10
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$225
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2662
Release DateLaunch date	1 June 2011 (14 years ago)
Release Year	2011
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel

Specifications Reference

Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.

4 categories

General Information

8 specs

Type	Laptop
Series	Intel Core i3
Designer	Intel
Launch Price	$225
Manufacturer	Intel
Release Date	1 June 2011 (14 years ago)
Architecture Codename	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Performance Ranking Position	2662

Technical Specifications

16 specs

Cores	2
Threads	4
Bus Type	DMI 2.0
Die Size	149 mm2
L1 Cache	64K (per core)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)
Bus Speed	4 × 5 GT/s
Multiplier	22
Max Frequency	2.2 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	2.2 GHz
Transistor Count	624 million
Process Technology	32 nm
Max Core Temperature	100 °C
Windows 11 Compatible	-