Core i3-380UM vs Core i3-530

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 i3-380UM vs Core i3-530 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 i3-380UM vs Core i3-530: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i3-380UM

2010

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics, while Core i3-530 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,502 vs 1,516).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌601.4% higher power demand at 512W vs 73W.

Core i3-530

2010

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 73W instead of 512W, a 439W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $113 MSRP, while Core i3-380UM mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-380UM can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-530 better than Core i3-380UM?

Yes. Core i3-530 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.9% 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, Core i3-530 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.7% 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, Core i3-530 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Core i3-530 is the better buy right now. Core i3-530 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $113 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (13.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-530 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB) and 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 i3-380UM vs Core i3-530 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i3-380UM

The Core i3-380UM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 October 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.33 GHz, with boost up to 0.03 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1288. Thermal design power (TDP): 18 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,502 points. Launch price was $69.

Core i3-530

The Core i3-530 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.93 GHz, with boost up to 0.93 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 73 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,516 points. Launch price was $60.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-380UM and Core i3-530 share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 0.03 GHz on the Core i3-380UM versus 0.93 GHz on the Core i3-530 — a 187.5% clock advantage for the Core i3-530 (base: 1.33 GHz vs 2.93 GHz). The Core i3-380UM uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i3-530 uses Clarkdale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-380UM scores 1,502 against the Core i3-530's 1,516 — a 0.9% lead for the Core i3-530. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-380UM vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-530.

Feature	Core i3-380UM	Core i3-530
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	0.03 GHz	0.93 GHz+3000%
Base Clock	1.33 GHz	2.93 GHz+120%
L3 Cache	3 MB	4 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	512 kB+100%	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Arrandale (2010−2011)	Clarkdale (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,502	1,516
Geekbench 6 Single	199	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	451	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-380UM uses the BGA1288 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i3-530 uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-380UM	Core i3-530
Socket	BGA1288	LGA1156
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-800	—
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: No (Core i3-380UM) / not specified (Core i3-530). The Core i3-380UM includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics), while the Core i3-530 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-380UM targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i3-380UM rivals Athlon Silver 3050U.