Core i3-380M vs Phenom II X2 B55

Core i3-380M vs Phenom II X2 B55 Performance Spectrum

Core i3-380M

2 / 4

1,212

0.0%

1,222

+0.8%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

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.

Core i3-380M vs Phenom II X2 B55 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 Phenom II X2 B55: 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

✅Draws 35W instead of 80W, a 45W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics (Gen 1), while Phenom II X2 B55 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,212 vs 1,222).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 6 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $49 MSRP, while Phenom II X2 B55 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Phenom II X2 B55

2009

Why buy it

✅+100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

❌128.6% higher power demand at 80W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-380M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Phenom II X2 B55 better than Core i3-380M?

Yes. Phenom II X2 B55 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.8% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Phenom II X2 B55 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.8% 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, Phenom II X2 B55 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Phenom II X2 B55 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Phenom II X2 B55 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $49 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-380M only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2010 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (24.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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?

Core i3-380M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-380M vs Phenom II X2 B55 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.

Phenom II X2 B55

The Phenom II X2 B55 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 1 October 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Callisto (2009−2010) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,222 points. Launch price was $48.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-380M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Phenom II X2 B55's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 0.53 GHz on the Core i3-380M versus 3 GHz on the Phenom II X2 B55 — a 139.9% clock advantage for the Phenom II X2 B55 (base: 2.53 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i3-380M uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Phenom II X2 B55 uses Callisto (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-380M scores 1,212 against the Phenom II X2 B55's 1,222 — a 0.8% lead for the Phenom II X2 B55. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-380M vs 6 MB (total) on the Phenom II X2 B55.

Feature	Core i3-380M	Phenom II X2 B55
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	0.53 GHz	3 GHz+466%
Base Clock	2.53 GHz	3 GHz+19%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	6 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	512 kB (per core)+100%
Process	32 nm-29%	45 nm
Architecture	Arrandale (2010−2011)	Callisto (2009−2010)
PassMark	1,212	1,222
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 Phenom II X2 B55 uses AM3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-380M	Phenom II X2 B55
Socket	PGA988	AM3
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 (Phenom II X2 B55). The Core i3-380M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Gen 1)), while the Phenom II X2 B55 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-380M targets Legacy Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i3-380M rivals AMD Athlon II P320.