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Overview

The Core i3-330M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.13 GHz, with boost up to 0.13 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800, DDR3-1066. Passmark benchmark score: 1,032 points. Launch price was $49.

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

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

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

Technical Analysis

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

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Processing Power

The Core i3-330M is a 2-core / 4-thread processor based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture, manufactured on a 32 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 0.13 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 (total) of L3 cache, plus 256 kB (per core) of L2 cache and 64 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,032, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 317, while multi-core reaches 689.

Specification	Core i3-330M
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	0.13 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.13 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Arrandale (2010−2011)
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	256 kB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	81+114 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	1,032
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	317
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	689

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-330M fits into the PGA988 socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3-800, DDR3-1066 memory at speeds up to DDR3-1066 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 8 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: Intel HD Graphics (Arrandale) — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Core i3-330M
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	DDR3-800, DDR3-1066
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR3-1066
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	8 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	Intel HD Graphics (Arrandale)
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	HM55,PM55,QM57
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1 (Uniprocessor)

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Advanced Features

The Core i3-330M is primarily designed for Legacy Budget. Virtualization: VT-x / EPT — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the AMD Athlon II P320.

Specification	Core i3-330M
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Legacy Budget
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	VT-x / EPT
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer	AMD Athlon II P320

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Power & Cooling

The Core i3-330M 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. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately. Recommended cooling: Stock (Laptop).

Specification	Core i3-330M
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	35 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	90 °C for rPGA, 105 °C for BGA
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	No
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Stock (Laptop)

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Value Analysis

Performance ranking position: #3049 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i3-330M
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$49
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#3049
Release DateLaunch date	7 January 2010 (15 years ago)
Release Year	2010
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	$49
Manufacturer	Intel
Release Date	7 January 2010 (15 years ago)
Architecture Codename	Arrandale (2010−2011)
Performance Ranking Position	3049

Technical Specifications

16 specs

Cores	2
Threads	4
Bus Type	DMI 1.0
Die Size	81+114 mm2
L1 Cache	64 kB (per core)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)
Bus Speed	1 × 2.5 GT/s
Multiplier	16
Max Frequency	0.13 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	-