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 i3-330E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Westmere (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.13 GHz, with boost up to 0.03 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1288. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800, DDR3-1066. Passmark benchmark score: 1,260 points. Launch price was $177.

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 i3-330E

#289

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

122%

#290

Celeron T3000

MSRP: $150|Avg: $54

118%

#291

Pentium U5600

MSRP: $100|Avg: $50

118%

#292

Core i7-4810MQ

MSRP: $378|Avg: $378

113%

#293

Celeron 4305UE

MSRP: $107|Avg: $107

112%

#294

Core i7-10510U

MSRP: $409|Avg: N/A

111%

#295

Athlon PRO 3045B

MSRP: $426|Avg: $180

109%

#296

Core i7-4710MQ

MSRP: $378|Avg: $378

108%

#297

Core i7-4800MQ

MSRP: $380|Avg: $378

108%

#298

Celeron T3100

MSRP: $62|Avg: $62

108%

#299

Core 2 Duo E8435

MSRP: $150|Avg: $74

105%

#300

Athlon II Neo K125

MSRP: $100|Avg: $100

105%

#301

Celeron 4305U

MSRP: $107|Avg: N/A

103%

#302

Pentium 8500

MSRP: $200|Avg: $200

102%

#303

Atom D2500

MSRP: $42|Avg: N/A

102%

#304

Core i3-330E

MSRP: $177|Avg: $89

100%

#305

Core i7-3630QM

MSRP: $378|Avg: N/A

96%

#306

Core i7-3610QM

MSRP: $378|Avg: N/A

96%

#307

Pentium A1020

MSRP: $86|Avg: $86

96%

#308

C-30

MSRP: $50|Avg: $15

95%

#309

Core i5-4300M

MSRP: $227|Avg: N/A

92%

#310

Celeron 1005M

MSRP: $86|Avg: N/A

92%

#311

Celeron J1850

MSRP: $82|Avg: N/A

89%

#312

Core i5-4200M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

88%

#313

Pentium Dual Core T4300

MSRP: $150|Avg: $99

88%

#314

Celeron 1000M

MSRP: $86|Avg: N/A

88%

#315

Core i7-3612QM

MSRP: $378|Avg: N/A

87%

#316

Core i7-8665UE

MSRP: $409|Avg: $409

84%

#317

Celeron N3060

MSRP: $107|Avg: N/A

84%

#318

Core i5-3320M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

83%

#319

Processor N50

MSRP: $128|Avg: $120

79%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i3-330E across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i3-330E specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i3-330E is a 2-core / 4-thread processor based on the Westmere (2010−2011) architecture, manufactured on a 32 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 0.03 GHz from a base frequency of 2.13 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 3 MB of L3 cache, plus 512 kB of L2 cache and 128 kB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,260, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core i3-330E
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	0.03 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.13 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Westmere (2010−2011)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	32 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	3 MB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	512 kB
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	128 kB
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	81 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	382 Million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	1 × 2.5 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	90 °C for rPGA,105 °C for BGA
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	1,260

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-330E fits into the BGA1288 socket and supports PCIe 2.0. It supports DDR3-800, DDR3-1066 memory.

Specification	Core i3-330E
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Core i3
SocketMotherboard socket required	BGA1288
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 2.0
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3-800, DDR3-1066
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1 (Uniprocessor)

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i3-330E 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 i3-330E
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	35 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	90 °C for rPGA,105 °C for BGA

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $89 (MSRP: $177), the Core i3-330E delivers 14 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #2910 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i3-330E
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$177
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$89
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$177
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2910
Release DateLaunch date	7 January 2010 (15 years ago)
Release Year	2010
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel

Specifications Reference

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

4 categories

General Information

7 specs

Type	Laptop
Series	Intel Core i3
Designer	Intel
Launch Price	$177
Release Date	7 January 2010 (15 years ago)
Architecture Codename	Westmere (2010−2011)
Performance Ranking Position	2910

Technical Specifications

16 specs

Cores	2
Threads	4
Bus Type	DMI 1.0
Die Size	81 mm2
L1 Cache	128 kB
L2 Cache	512 kB
L3 Cache	3 MB
Bus Speed	1 × 2.5 GT/s
Multiplier	16
Max Frequency	0.03 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	2.13 GHz
Transistor Count	382 Million
Process Technology	32 nm
Max Core Temperature	90 °C for rPGA,105 °C for BGA
Windows 11 Compatible	-