Core i3-380UM vs Phenom II X2 N640

Intel

Core i3-380UM

2 Cores4 Thrd512 WWMax: 0.03 GHz2010
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Phenom II X2 N640

2 Cores2 Thrd2 WWMax: 2.9 GHz2010
Similar parts
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Core i3-380UM vs Phenom II X2 N640 Performance Spectrum

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 i3-380UM vs Phenom II X2 N640 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 Phenom II X2 N640: 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

  • +6.9% higher Geekbench multi-core.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics, while Phenom II X2 N640 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (199 vs 300).
  • 25500% higher power demand at 512W vs 2W.

Phenom II X2 N640

2010

Why buy it

  • +50.8% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
  • Draws 2W instead of 512W, a 510W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower Geekbench multi-core (422 vs 451).
  • Launch MSRP is still $100 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 Phenom II X2 N640 better than Core i3-380UM?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Phenom II X2 N640 is ahead with a 2.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-380UM pulls ahead with 6.9% better Geekbench multi-core.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-380UM is the stronger fit. You are getting 6.9% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Phenom II X2 N640 is the better buy right now. Phenom II X2 N640 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $100 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i3-380UM is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 6.9% better Geekbench multi-core. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (15.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-380UM makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-380UM vs Phenom II X2 N640 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

AMD

Phenom II X2 N640

The Phenom II X2 N640 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Champlain (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2.9 GHz. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: S1. Thermal design power (TDP): 2 MB. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,505 points. Launch price was $149.

Processing Power

The Core i3-380UM packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Phenom II X2 N640's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 0.03 GHz on the Core i3-380UM versus 2.9 GHz on the Phenom II X2 N640 — a 195.9% clock advantage for the Phenom II X2 N640. The Core i3-380UM uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Phenom II X2 N640 uses Champlain (2010−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-380UM scores 1,502 against the Phenom II X2 N640's 1,505 — a 0.2% lead for the Phenom II X2 N640. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 199 vs 300, a 40.5% lead for the Phenom II X2 N640 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 451 vs 422 (6.6% advantage for the Core i3-380UM).

FeatureCore i3-380UMPhenom II X2 N640
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
2 / 2
Boost Clock
0.03 GHz
2.9 GHz+9567%
Base Clock
1.33 GHz
L3 Cache
3 MB
L2 Cache
512 kB
2 MB+300%
Process
32 nm-29%
45 nm
Architecture
Arrandale (2010−2011)
Champlain (2010−2011)
PassMark
1,502
1,505
Geekbench 6 Single
199
300+51%
Geekbench 6 Multi
451+7%
422
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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-380UM uses the BGA1288 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Phenom II X2 N640 uses S1 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-800 on the Core i3-380UM versus DDR3-1333 on the Phenom II X2 N640 — the Phenom II X2 N640 supports 66.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 8 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM55,HM57,QM57 (Core i3-380UM) and RS880M (Phenom II X2 N640).

FeatureCore i3-380UMPhenom II X2 N640
Socket
BGA1288
S1
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-800
DDR3-1333+67%
Max RAM Capacity
8 GB
8 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
16
16
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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: No (Core i3-380UM) vs AMD-V (Phenom II X2 N640). The Core i3-380UM includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics), while the Phenom II X2 N640 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-380UM targets Budget, Phenom II X2 N640 targets Legacy Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i3-380UM rivals Athlon Silver 3050U.

FeatureCore i3-380UMPhenom II X2 N640
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
Intel HD Graphics
None
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
No
AMD-V
Target Use
Budget
Legacy Laptop