Intel Core i5-3380M

The Intel Core i5-3380M is a mobile dual-core processor from Intel's Ivy Bridge generation, built on a 22 nm process. It offers 2 cores and 4 threads, with a base clock of 2.90 GHz and a boost clock of 3.60 GHz. The chip carries a 35 W TDP, integrates Intel HD 4000 graphics, and supports DDR3 memory in dual-channel mode. Its benchmark results place it at the 21st percentile of all CPUs, with an average score of 835. This article examines how it stacks up against its nearest rivals and what its performance profile means for real-world use.

How It Compares

The i5-3380M and the Intel Core i5-3360M are nearly identical in aggregate performance. The i5-3380M scores an average of 835, while the i5-3360M also scores 835, with a delta of 0.1%. That difference is negligible, making the two processors effectively interchangeable in any workload that relies on the CPU alone. The i5-3360M is a direct sibling from the same generation, so this close alignment is expected.

Against the desktop-era Intel Core i7-920, the i5-3380M trails by just 0.1%. The i7-920 averages 836, while the i5-3380M sits at 835. Despite being a mobile part with a much lower TDP, the i5-3380M manages to match a once-flagship desktop processor in overall benchmark score. This speaks to the efficiency of the Ivy Bridge architecture and the relatively low performance demands of the comparison.

The Xeon X5470, a server-oriented chip, averages 839, giving the i5-3380M a 0.5% deficit. The gap is still small, but it shows that the i5-3380M cannot quite reach the level of that high-end Xeon. Similarly, the Xeon X3450 also averages 839, with the same 0.5% delta. Both Xeons are older server parts, yet they outperform the i5-3380M by a consistent margin. The i5-3380M's position in this cluster suggests it is a competent but not exceptional performer relative to these historical rivals.

Who Should Consider It

Given its 21st percentile ranking, the i5-3380M is not a performance powerhouse. It is best suited for basic office productivity, such as word processing, spreadsheets, and web browsing. The 2-core/4-thread configuration with a 3.60 GHz boost clock can handle single-threaded tasks like document editing with ease. For light multitasking, the 4 threads allow some parallel work, but the low multi-core scores (Cinebench R23 multi 2490, Geekbench multi 1055) indicate it will struggle with video editing, 3D rendering, or heavy compilation. Gamers should look elsewhere, as the integrated Intel HD 4000 graphics and modest CPU performance are not designed for modern titles. It could serve as a secondary machine for email and media consumption, but not as a primary workstation.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The split between single and multi-core scores is telling. In Cinebench R23, the single-core score is 351, while the multi-core score is 2490. The multi-core advantage is entirely derived from the four threads, but the absolute numbers remain low. The Geekbench single-core score of 505 is modest by modern standards, yet the boost clock of 3.60 GHz helps elevate it above the base 2.90 GHz. In practice, applications that rely on one or two threads—such as older software or lightly threaded scripts—will see reasonable responsiveness. However, any workload that scales across multiple cores will quickly exhaust the two physical cores. The 3 MB shared L3 cache is small by today's standards, but it is adequate for the limited thread count. The data suggests a processor that prioritizes single-thread responsiveness over parallel throughput, which aligns with its mobile, dual-core design.

FAQ

Q: Does the Intel Core i5-3380M support ECC memory?

A: No, the FACT PACK lists eccMemory as false.

Q: What socket does the i5-3380M use?

A: It uses Intel Socket G2 (988B).

Q: What integrated graphics does it include?

A: It includes Intel HD 4000.

Q: What memory type and bus does it support?

A: It supports DDR3 memory in a dual-channel configuration.

Q: How does it compare to the Intel Core i5-3360M?

A: The i5-3380M has an average benchmark score of 835, which is 0.1% higher than the i5-3360M's 835, making them essentially identical.

Q: What is the process node and die size?

A: It is built on a 22 nm process with a die size of 118 mm².

Benchmark Performance

The i5-3380M's average benchmark score is 835, placing it at the 21st percentile of all CPUs. This is a low position, indicating that it falls behind the vast majority of processors in the database. Its nearest rivals are all within 0.5% of its score: the i5-3360M at 835 (0.1% higher), the i7-920 at 836 (0.1% lower), and the Xeon X5470 and X3450 both at 839 (0.5% lower). These tiny deltas mean that the i5-3380M is statistically tied with those parts, despite being a mobile chip competing against older desktop and server components. In specific benchmarks, the Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 2490 and single-core of 351 reflect its dual-core nature. The Geekbench multi-core score of 1055 and single-core of 505 follow the same pattern. The Cinebench R20 results (multi 1045, single 147) and R15 multi 250 further confirm its modest capabilities. The data shows a processor that is adequate for basic tasks but far from competitive in any demanding workload.

Platform and Compatibility

The i5-3380M is designed for mobile platforms, using the Intel Socket G2 (988B). This socket is specific to laptops and other portable devices. It supports DDR3 memory in a dual-channel configuration, but does not support ECC. The integrated Intel HD 4000 graphics provide basic display output without a discrete GPU. The architecture is Ivy Bridge, built on a 22 nm process with a die size of 118 mm². The processor has 64 KB of L1 cache per core, 256 KB of L2 per core, and 3 MB of shared L3 cache. There is no information on PCIe support in the FACT PACK, so that cannot be assessed. Given its mobile socket, upgrade paths are limited to other processors that fit the same G2 socket, though the data does not list any compatible models. Users should consider the entire platform when evaluating this chip, as the memory and graphics are integrated into the overall system.

Power and Thermals

The i5-3380M has a TDP of 35 W, which is typical for a mainstream mobile processor. This power envelope allows for a relatively slim cooling solution, but it is not as low as ultra-low-voltage parts. The 22 nm process node helps manage heat generation, but the exact thermal characteristics are not specified. The 35 W TDP implies that a standard laptop cooling fan and heat pipe assembly should be sufficient. For users upgrading or building a system, a capable air cooler would be adequate, but no specific cooler size is provided in the data. The processor's mobile segment means it is often paired with a battery and power management features, which can further influence thermal behavior. The benchmark scores suggest that the chip does not generate extreme heat under load, given its modest performance, but the data does not include temperature readings.