Core i3-380M
CPU·Budget

Core i3-380M

Intel

PassMark

1,212

MSRP

$49

AVG Price

$25

26 October 2010 (15 years ago)
35 Watt
Arrandale (2010−2011)

Performance Spectrum - CPU

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.

Overview

The Core i3-380M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 26 October 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.53 GHz, with boost up to 0.53 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: 1,212 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 Core i3-380M

#183
3015Ce
MSRP: $150|Avg: $40
108%
#184
Core i7-13700H
MSRP: $502|Avg: N/A
107%
#185
Core i7-610E
MSRP: $250|Avg: $40
107%
#186
A9-9420
MSRP: $150|Avg: $30
106%
#187
Atom 330
MSRP: $43|Avg: $30
105%
#188
Core 2 Duo E8235
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $20
105%
#189
Celeron B820
MSRP: $86|Avg: $15
105%
#190
A9-9425
MSRP: $150|Avg: $30
104%
#191
Celeron 867
MSRP: $86|Avg: $15
104%
#192
Core i7-3610QE
MSRP: $315|Avg: $105
103%
#193
Athlon Silver 3050e
MSRP: $100|Avg: $60
102%
#194
Processor U300
MSRP: $193|Avg: $180
102%
#195
Core Ultra 7 268V
MSRP: $450|Avg: $400
102%
#196
Celeron N4000
MSRP: $107|Avg: $30
101%
#197
Processor N100
MSRP: $128|Avg: $100
100%
#198
Core i3-380M
MSRP: $49|Avg: $25
100%
#199
Celeron T1600
MSRP: $107|Avg: $15
98%
#200
Core i7-12650H
MSRP: $457|Avg: N/A
98%
#201
Ryzen Embedded R1505G
MSRP: $80|Avg: $80
98%
#202
Core Ultra 7 258V
MSRP: $450|Avg: $400
98%
#203
A10-9600P
MSRP: $128|Avg: $50
96%
#204
Pentium SU4100
MSRP: $289|Avg: $15
94%
#205
Core Ultra 5 236V
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $403
94%
#206
Pentium T2310
MSRP: $150|Avg: $14
92%
#207
Pentium Dual Core T4500
MSRP: $150|Avg: $30
92%
#208
Core i9-13900H
MSRP: $617|Avg: N/A
92%
#209
Athlon II Neo K325
MSRP: $60|Avg: $25
92%
#210
A8-6410
MSRP: $100|Avg: $40
91%
#211
Core i9-12900H
MSRP: $617|Avg: N/A
91%
#212
Core i5-9400H
MSRP: $182|Avg: N/A
88%
#213
VIA Nano U2250
MSRP: $50|Avg: $10
88%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i3-380M specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Core i3-380M 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 0.53 GHz from a base frequency of 2.53 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 1,212, 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 450, while multi-core reaches 1,100.

SpecificationCore i3-380M
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units2C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost0.53 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency2.53 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designArrandale (2010−2011)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient32 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores3 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data256K (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache64K (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor81+114 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities382+177 Million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency1 × 2.5 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)90 °C for rPGA, 105 °C for BGA
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleNo
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score1,212
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming450
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance1,100
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-380M 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 DDR3-1066 (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 (Gen 1) — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

SpecificationCore i3-380M
TypeDesktop or Laptop processorLaptop
SeriesProduct familyIntel Core i3
SocketMotherboard socket requiredPGA988
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 2.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion16
RAM TypeSupported memory standardDDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequencyDDR3-1066
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory8 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruptionNo
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processorIntel HD Graphics (Gen 1)
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPUHM55,HM57,QM57
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers1 (Uniprocessor)
🔧

Advanced Features

The Core i3-380M is primarily designed for Legacy Laptop. Virtualization: VT-x — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the AMD Athlon II P320.

SpecificationCore i3-380M
Primary Use CaseIntended workload categoryLegacy Laptop
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technologyVT-x
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturerAMD Athlon II P320
🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i3-380M 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: Laptop Cooling.

SpecificationCore i3-380M
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload35 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)90 °C for rPGA, 105 °C for BGA
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the boxNone
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solutionLaptop Cooling
💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $25 (MSRP: $49), the Core i3-380M delivers 48 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #2940 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationCore i3-380M
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price$49
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days$25
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$49
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#2940
Release DateLaunch date26 October 2010 (15 years ago)
Release Year2010
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)Intel

Our Recommendation for Core i3-380M

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