Core i3-380M vs Core i3-2310M
Core i3-380M
Core i3-2310M
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.
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. The Core i3-380M is positioned at rank 11 and the Core i3-2310M is on rank 1032, so the Core i3-380M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-380M
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-2310M
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-380M | Core i3-2310M |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($25) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Arrandale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-380M | Core i3-2310M |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($25) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i3-380M and Core i3-2310M
Core i3-380M
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.
Core i3-2310M
The Core i3-2310M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.1 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: 1,222 points. Launch price was $225.
Processing Power
Both the Core i3-380M and Core i3-2310M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 0.53 GHz on the Core i3-380M versus 2.1 GHz on the Core i3-2310M — a 119.4% clock advantage for the Core i3-2310M (base: 2.53 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Core i3-380M uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i3-2310M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-380M scores 1,212 against the Core i3-2310M's 1,222 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i3-2310M. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 450 vs 350, a 25% lead for the Core i3-380M that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 1,100 vs 658 (50.3% advantage for the Core i3-380M). Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i3-380M | Core i3-2310M |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 0.53 GHz | 2.1 GHz+296% |
| Base Clock | 2.53 GHz+20% | 2.1 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 3 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Arrandale (2010−2011) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 1,212 | 1,222 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 450+29% | 350 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 1,100+67% | 658 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the PGA988 socket with PCIe 2.0. Both support up to DDR3-1066 memory speed. The Core i3-2310M supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM55,HM57,QM57 (Core i3-380M) and Sandy Bridge (Core i3-2310M).
| Feature | Core i3-380M | Core i3-2310M |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | PGA988 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1066 | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 GB | 16 GB+100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics (Gen 1) (Core i3-380M) and HD Graphics 3000 (Core i3-2310M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-380M targets Legacy Laptop, Core i3-2310M targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i3-380M rivals AMD Athlon II P320; Core i3-2310M rivals Athlon Silver 3050U.
| Feature | Core i3-380M | Core i3-2310M |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics (Gen 1) | HD Graphics 3000 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x | VT-x |
| Target Use | Legacy Laptop | Budget |
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