Intel Core i3-330UM Mobile processor (CN80617006042AB)

Core i3-330UM is the first ultra-low voltage (ULV) microprocessor from Core i3 Mobile family. The processor was released in May 2010, along with 5 other ULV CPUs. Feature-wise, this model belongs to budget to mid-class segment of mobile CPU market. The processor is built on enhanced Nehalem micro-architecture, and is manufactured on 32 nm process. The i3-330UM operates at modest 1.2 GHz frequency for ULV processors. The CPU has two cores, each with its own 64 KB L1 and 256 KB L2 cache. Both cores share 3MB level 3 cache. Standard features on this model are 64-bit and SSE4 instructions, Virtualization technology, and HyperThreading (HT). The HT feature allows each CPU core to process two threads at once, so overall the CPU can process four threads simultaneously. While the performance of this dual-core microprocessor in multi-threaded applications is not comparable with performance of quad-core models, it is still up to 20% faster than performance of dual-core CPUs without HyperThreading.

The Intel Core i3-330UM features a handful of low-power modes, that can operate on per-thread, per-core and per-package level. These modes reduce power consumption by stopping one or two cores for certain period of time. The processor also incorporates Enhanced SpeedStep technology, that can lower power consumption without stopping the cores. Power savings in this mode are realized by reducing the core voltage, and considerably lowering the core frequency. Under normal operating conditions the processor fits into 18 Watt thermal envelope. The CPU uses micro-BGA package, which has smaller height than micro-PGA packages, but is soldered on a motherboard, and, therefore, is almost impossible to replace or upgrade.

The Core i3-330UM microprocessor has a couple of advantages over mobile Pentium U5400. HyperThreading feature on the 330UM provides noticeable speed boost in multi-threaded applications. Also, the Core i3 model supports Virtualization technology. When compared to more expensive Core i5-430UM model, the 330UM lacks Turbo Boost feature, and, as a result, has worse performance than the 430UM.