Core i3-380M vs Pentium 997

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 Pentium 997 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 Pentium 997: 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

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).
✅Costs $85 less on MSRP ($49 MSRP vs $134 MSRP).
✅Delivers 172.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 24.7 vs 9.1 PassMark/$ ($49 MSRP vs $134 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics (Gen 1), while Pentium 997 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,212 vs 1,215).
❌105.9% higher power demand at 35W vs 17W.

Pentium 997

2012

Why buy it

✅Draws 17W instead of 35W, a 18W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 9.1 vs 24.7 PassMark/$ ($134 MSRP vs $49 MSRP).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-380M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium 997 better than Core i3-380M?

Yes. Pentium 997 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.2% better 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, Pentium 997 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.3% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Pentium 997 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Pentium 997 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Pentium 997 comes in 173.5% more expensive on MSRP at $134 MSRP versus $49 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-380M only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2010 platform. Even with 172.8% better value on paper (24.7 vs 9.1 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on PGA988.

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

Pentium 997 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2010) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 2 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 Pentium 997 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.

Pentium 997

The Pentium 997 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 1.6 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,215 points. Launch price was $134.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-380M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium 997's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 0.53 GHz on the Core i3-380M versus 1.6 GHz on the Pentium 997 — a 100.5% clock advantage for the Pentium 997 (base: 2.53 GHz vs 1.6 GHz). The Core i3-380M uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Pentium 997 uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-380M scores 1,212 against the Pentium 997's 1,215 — a 0.2% lead for the Pentium 997. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-380M vs 2 MB (total) on the Pentium 997.

Feature	Core i3-380M	Pentium 997
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	0.53 GHz	1.6 GHz+202%
Base Clock	2.53 GHz+58%	1.6 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)+50%	2 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	1,215
Geekbench 6 Single	450	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,100	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-380M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium 997 uses BGA1023 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-380M	Pentium 997
Socket	PGA988	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1066	—
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x (Core i3-380M) / not specified (Pentium 997). The Core i3-380M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Gen 1)), while the Pentium 997 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-380M targets Legacy Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i3-380M rivals AMD Athlon II P320.

Feature	Core i3-380M	Pentium 997
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics (Gen 1)	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x	—
Target Use	Legacy Laptop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-380M was priced at $49, while the Pentium 997 came in at $134. On launch pricing ($49 vs $134), Core i3-380M was $85 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-380M delivers 24.7 pts/$ vs 9.1 pts/$ for the Pentium 997 — making the Core i3-380M the 92.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-380M	Pentium 997
MSRP	$49-63%	$134
Performance per Dollar	24.7+171%	9.1
Release Date	2010	2012

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