Core i3-380M vs Phenom X3 8450

Core i3-380M vs Phenom X3 8450 Performance Spectrum

Core i3-380M

2 / 4

1,212

0.0%

1,221

+0.7%

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 X3 8450 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 X3 8450: 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 $96 less on MSRP ($49 MSRP vs $145 MSRP).
✅Delivers 193.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 24.7 vs 8.4 PassMark/$ ($49 MSRP vs $145 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 95W, a 60W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,212 vs 1,221).

Phenom X3 8450

2008

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 3 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.4 vs 24.7 PassMark/$ ($145 MSRP vs $49 MSRP).
❌171.4% higher power demand at 95W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-380M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Phenom X3 8450 better than Core i3-380M?

Yes. Phenom X3 8450 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.8% average FPS lead across 47 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.7% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Phenom X3 8450 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.8% more average FPS across 47 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Phenom X3 8450 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 3 cores and 3 threads.

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

Phenom X3 8450 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Phenom X3 8450 comes in 195.9% more expensive on MSRP at $145 MSRP versus $49 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.8% average FPS lead across 47 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-380M only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2010 platform. Even with 193.7% better value on paper (24.7 vs 8.4 PassMark/$), 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 2008) and 50% larger total L3 cache (3 MB vs 2 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-380M vs Phenom X3 8450 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 X3 8450

The Phenom X3 8450 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Toliman (2008) architecture. It features 3 cores and 3 threads. Max frequency: 2.1 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: AM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,221 points. Launch price was $149.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i3-380M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Phenom X3 8450 offers 3 cores / 3 threads — the Phenom X3 8450 has 1 more core. Boost clocks reach 0.53 GHz on the Core i3-380M versus 2.1 GHz on the Phenom X3 8450 — a 119.4% clock advantage for the Phenom X3 8450. The Core i3-380M uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Phenom X3 8450 uses Toliman (2008) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-380M scores 1,212 against the Phenom X3 8450's 1,221 — a 0.7% lead for the Phenom X3 8450. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-380M vs 2 MB (total) on the Phenom X3 8450.

Feature	Core i3-380M	Phenom X3 8450
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	3 / 3+50%
Boost Clock	0.53 GHz	2.1 GHz+296%
Base Clock	2.53 GHz	—
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)+50%	2 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	512 kB (per core)+100%
Process	32 nm-51%	65 nm
Architecture	Arrandale (2010−2011)	Toliman (2008)
PassMark	1,212	1,221
Geekbench 6 Single	450	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,100	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-380M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Phenom X3 8450 uses AM2+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-380M	Phenom X3 8450
Socket	PGA988	AM2+
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	—

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x (Core i3-380M) / not specified (Phenom X3 8450). The Core i3-380M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Gen 1)), while the Phenom X3 8450 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	Phenom X3 8450
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics (Gen 1)	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x	—
Target Use	Legacy Laptop	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-380M was priced at $49, while the Phenom X3 8450 came in at $145. On launch pricing ($49 vs $145), Core i3-380M was $96 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-380M delivers 24.7 pts/$ vs 8.4 pts/$ for the Phenom X3 8450 — making the Core i3-380M the 98.4% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-380M	Phenom X3 8450
MSRP	$49-66%	$145
Performance per Dollar	24.7+194%	8.4
Release Date	2010	2008

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