Core i3-380M vs Core i5-430M

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 i5-430M 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 i5-430M: 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

✅+28.6% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $49 MSRP, while Core i5-430M mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Core i5-430M

2010

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (350 vs 450).
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (750 vs 1,100).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-380M better than Core i5-430M?

Yes. Core i3-380M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you 46.7% better Geekbench multi-core, 0.2% higher PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-380M has the edge because it leads the single-thread side of this matchup with 28.6% stronger Geekbench single-core performance.

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 46.7% 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 $49 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.2% higher PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (24.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-380M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-380M vs Core i5-430M 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 i5-430M

The Core i5-430M 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 2.26 GHz, with boost up to 2.53 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: 1,210 points. Launch price was $79.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-380M and Core i5-430M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 0.53 GHz on the Core i3-380M versus 2.53 GHz on the Core i5-430M — a 130.7% clock advantage for the Core i5-430M (base: 2.53 GHz vs 2.26 GHz). Both are built on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture using a 32 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i3-380M scores 1,212 against the Core i5-430M's 1,210 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i3-380M. 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 750 (37.8% advantage for the Core i3-380M). Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i3-380M	Core i5-430M
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	0.53 GHz	2.53 GHz+377%
Base Clock	2.53 GHz+12%	2.26 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)	Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,212	1,210
Geekbench 6 Single	450+29%	350
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,100+47%	750

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the PGA988 socket with PCIe 2.0. Both support up to DDR3-1066 memory speed. Both support up to 8 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM55,HM57,QM57 (Core i3-380M) and HM55 (Core i5-430M).

Feature	Core i3-380M	Core i5-430M
Socket	PGA988	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1066	DDR3-1066
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	8 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core i3-380M) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-430M). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics (Gen 1) (Core i3-380M) and Intel HD Graphics (Core i5-430M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-380M targets Legacy Laptop, Core i5-430M targets Performance Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i3-380M rivals AMD Athlon II P320; Core i5-430M rivals AMD Turion II M620.

Feature	Core i3-380M	Core i5-430M
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics (Gen 1)	Intel HD Graphics
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	Legacy Laptop	Performance Laptop