Core i3-380M vs Core i3-2310M

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.

Core i3-380M vs Core i3-2310M FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i3-380M vs Core i3-2310M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i3-380M

2010

Why buy it

✅+67.2% higher Geekbench multi-core.
✅Draws 35W instead of 512W, a 477W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-2310M across 41 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Launch MSRP is still $49 MSRP, while Core i3-2310M mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Core i3-2310M

2011

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.3% higher average FPS across 41 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (658 vs 1,100).
❌1362.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 35W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-380M better than Core i3-2310M?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-2310M is ahead with a 3.3% average FPS lead across 41 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-380M pulls ahead with 67.2% better Geekbench multi-core.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-380M is the stronger fit. You are getting 67.2% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i3-380M is the better buy right now. Core i3-380M comes in at an unclear MSRP at $49 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 67.2% better Geekbench multi-core. The compromise is that Core i3-2310M is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 3.3% average FPS lead across 41 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (24.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i3-2310M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-380M vs Core i3-2310M Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

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.

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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

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the PGA988 socket with PCIe 2.0. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1066 on the Core i3-380M versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i3-2310M — the Core i3-2310M supports 25% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-2310M supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 100% 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+25%
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	16 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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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.