Core i5-2500T vs Core i5-3380M

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 i5-2500T vs Core i5-3380M 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 i5-2500T vs Core i5-3380M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-2500T

2011

Why buy it

✅+100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 45W instead of 512W, a 467W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,929 vs 2,938).
❌Launch MSRP is still $182 MSRP, while Core i5-3380M mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Core i5-3380M

2013

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 6 MB).
❌1037.8% higher power demand at 512W vs 45W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-3380M better than Core i5-2500T?

Yes. Core i5-3380M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.3% 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 i5-3380M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.4% 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 i5-3380M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-3380M is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-3380M comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $182 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-2500T only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2011 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (16.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1155.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i5-3380M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-2500T vs Core i5-3380M Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-2500T

The Core i5-2500T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,929 points. Launch price was $69.

Core i5-3380M

The Core i5-3380M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,938 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-2500T packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-3380M offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Core i5-2500T has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-2500T versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i5-3380M — a 8.7% clock advantage for the Core i5-3380M (base: 2.3 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core i5-2500T uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-3380M uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2500T scores 2,929 against the Core i5-3380M's 2,938 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i5-3380M. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-2500T vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-3380M.

Feature	Core i5-2500T	Core i5-3380M
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.3 GHz	3.6 GHz+9%
Base Clock	2.3 GHz	2.9 GHz+26%
L3 Cache	6144 kB (total)+100%	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,929	2,938
Geekbench 6 Single	—	700
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,600

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-2500T uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-3380M uses PGA988 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Core i5-2500T versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i5-3380M — the Core i5-3380M supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 32 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

Feature	Core i5-2500T	Core i5-3380M
Socket	LGA1155	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	DDR3-1600+20%
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 2000 (Core i5-2500T) and Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i5-3380M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-2500T targets Desktop, Core i5-3380M targets Business Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-3380M rivals AMD A10-4600M.

Feature	Core i5-2500T	Core i5-3380M
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 2000	Intel HD Graphics 4000
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Desktop	Business Laptop