Core i3-380M vs Pentium N3540

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 N3540 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 N3540: 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

✅+0.4% higher PassMark.
✅+50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).
✅Costs $112 less on MSRP ($49 MSRP vs $161 MSRP).
✅Delivers 229.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 24.7 vs 7.5 PassMark/$ ($49 MSRP vs $161 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌1650% higher power demand at 35W vs 2W.

Pentium N3540

2014

Why buy it

✅Draws 2W instead of 35W, a 33W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,207 vs 1,212).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.5 vs 24.7 PassMark/$ ($161 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 N3540 better than Core i3-380M?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Pentium N3540 is ahead with a 0.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-380M pulls ahead with 0.4% better PassMark. Core i3-380M also has the bigger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).

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 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB).

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

Pentium N3540 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Pentium N3540 comes in 228.6% more expensive on MSRP at $161 MSRP versus $49 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-380M only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2010 platform. Even with 229.9% better value on paper (24.7 vs 7.5 PassMark/$), 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 N3540 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-380M vs Pentium N3540 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 N3540

The Pentium N3540 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 22 May 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Bay Trail-M (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.16 GHz, with boost up to 2.66 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1170. Thermal design power (TDP): 7.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 1,207 points. Launch price was $251.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-380M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Pentium N3540 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Pentium N3540 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 0.53 GHz on the Core i3-380M versus 2.66 GHz on the Pentium N3540 — a 133.5% clock advantage for the Pentium N3540 (base: 2.53 GHz vs 2.16 GHz). The Core i3-380M uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Pentium N3540 uses Bay Trail-M (2013−2014) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-380M scores 1,212 against the Pentium N3540's 1,207 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i3-380M. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-380M vs 2 MB L2 Cache on the Pentium N3540.

Feature	Core i3-380M	Pentium N3540
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	0.53 GHz	2.66 GHz+402%
Base Clock	2.53 GHz+17%	2.16 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)+50%	2 MB L2 Cache
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+12700%	2 MB
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Arrandale (2010−2011)	Bay Trail-M (2013−2014)
PassMark	1,212	1,207
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 N3540 uses FCBGA1170 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-380M	Pentium N3540
Socket	PGA988	FCBGA1170
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 N3540). The Core i3-380M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Gen 1)), while the Pentium N3540 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 N3540
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 N3540 came in at $161. On launch pricing ($49 vs $161), Core i3-380M was $112 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-380M delivers 24.7 pts/$ vs 7.5 pts/$ for the Pentium N3540 — making the Core i3-380M the 107% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-380M	Pentium N3540
MSRP	$49-70%	$161
Performance per Dollar	24.7+229%	7.5
Release Date	2010	2014

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