CPU Comparison

Intel Core i5-3380M vs Intel Core i5-3437U

A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-3380M is a high-end dual-core mobile processor launched in early 2013 under the Ivy Bridge umbrella. Targeting performance-oriented laptops, it features two cores and four threads, leveraging Hyper-Threading to maximize parallel processing capabilities. With a base clock of 2.9 GHz and a maximum turbo frequency of 3.6 GHz, it offered snappy single-threaded performance for mobile users of its era. Manufactured using Intel's 22-nanometer process, the chip incorporates 3 MB of L3 cache and operates within a 35-watt thermal envelope. The integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000 handles graphical duties, providing modest performance for casual gaming and high-definition video playback. Unlike ultra-low voltage parts, the 3380M prioritized raw clock speed, making it a popular choice for thicker, performance-focused laptops that required robust cooling. While it has been thoroughly eclipsed by modern ultra-portable processors, the i5-3380M was a formidable chip in its day, delivering desktop-class responsiveness to the mobile space without compromising on essential feature sets.

Top pick
Intel · Core i5
Intel Core i5-3380M
2C / 4T3.6 GHz35 W
5.8
Full review
Intel · Core i5
Intel Core i5-3437U
2C / 4T2.9 GHz17 W
5.2
Full review

The Bottom Line

Overview & Launch

Brand
Intel
Intel
Market
Mobile
Mobile
Segment
Mobile Mainstream
Mobile Ultra-Low Voltage
Generation
3rd Generation
3rd Generation
Launched
2013
2013
Status
Discontinued
Discontinued
Codename
Ivy Bridge
Ivy Bridge
Series
Core i5
Core i5
Family
Ivy Bridge
Ivy Bridge
Predecessor
Sandy Bridge
Sandy Bridge ULV
Successor
Haswell
Haswell ULV

Specifications Compared

Cores & Clocks
Cores
2
2
Threads
4
4
Base Clock
2.9 GHz
1.9 GHz
Boost Clock
3.6 GHz
2.9 GHz
Cache & Power
L3 Cache
3 MB
3 MB
TDP
35 W
17 W
Architecture
Architecture
Ivy Bridge
Ivy Bridge
Process Node
22nm
22nm
Memory
Memory Type
DDR3
DDR3
Memory Speed
DDR3-1600
DDR3-1600
Memory Channels
Dual (2)
Dual (2)
Max Memory
32 GB
32 GB
Platform & I/O
Socket
Intel Socket G2 (988B)
Intel BGA 1023
PCIe Version
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
PCIe Lanes
16
16
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
Unlocked
No
No

Performance Compared

Productivity

Intel Core i5-3380MBest42

Handles office apps fine but chokes on heavy scripts.

Intel Core i5-3437U37

Adequate for basic office tasks but slow.

Gaming

Intel Core i5-3380MBest32

Can run games from 2010-2013 on low settings.

Intel Core i5-3437U22

Cannot handle modern games.

Virtualization

Intel Core i5-3380MBest38

VT-d helps, but 2 cores limit VM size.

Intel Core i5-3437U28

Limited by 2 cores and low voltage.

Efficiency

Intel Core i5-3380M48

35W TDP generates noticeable heat in older laptops.

Intel Core i5-3437UBest60

Great efficiency for 2013, outdated now.

Specialized Performance

AI / ML

Intel Core i5-3380MNone
  • No hardware AI support
  • CPU inference is unfeasibly slow
Intel Core i5-3437UNone
  • No AI hardware acceleration

Content Creation

Intel Core i5-3380MPoor
Basic Photo Editing
Intel Core i5-3437UPoor
Basic Photo Viewing

Gaming

Intel Core i5-3380MPoor
  • HD 4000 is heavily outdated
  • No support for modern DirectX features
Intel Core i5-3437UPoor
  • HD 4000 is insufficient
  • Thermal throttling limits sustained play

Industry Impact

Gaming
Low
None
Workstations
Low
None
Content Creation
Low
Low
Virtualization
Moderate
Low

Best CPU by Use Case

Heavy Web Browsing
Fair
Office Applications
Good
Fair
Retro Gaming
Fair
Modern Gaming
Poor
Poor
Video Editing
Poor
Poor
Web Browsing
Poor
1080p Video
Good

Target Audience

Gamers
Content Creators
Developers
Workstation Users
Streamers
Office / Productivity
Targeted
Targeted
Students
Targeted
Targeted

Strengths & Weaknesses

Intel Core i5-3380M

Pros

  • High 3.6 GHz turbo for a mobile chip
  • Socketed design allows upgrades
  • Good single-thread performance for 2013
  • Hardware virtualization

Cons

  • Obsolete by modern metrics
  • 35W TDP is high for dual-core
  • Soldered alternatives are more common
  • No Windows 11 support
  • Weak integrated graphics
Intel Core i5-3437U

Pros

  • Good battery life
  • Low 17W TDP
  • Slightly faster than 3337U
  • Good for basic media playback

Cons

  • Obsolete performance
  • Soldered to motherboard
  • Low base clock
  • No Windows 11 support
  • Weak integrated graphics

Competitors & Alternatives

Intel Core i5-3380M

Intel Core i5-3437U

Our Verdict on Each

A fast dual-core for its time, but outdated. Its socketed nature allows for rare mobile upgrades.

Best for: Upgrading an old Socket G2 laptop for basic use.

Read the full review

A marginal upgrade over the 3337U, offering slightly better burst performance for legacy laptops.

Best for: Using an existing legacy business laptop for basic tasks.

Read the full review

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Intel Core i5-3380M or Intel Core i5-3437U?

Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-3380M comes out ahead with a score of 5.8/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.

Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i5-3380M or Intel Core i5-3437U?

For gaming, the Intel Core i5-3380M leads with a gaming performance score of 32/100 among Intel Core i5-3380M and Intel Core i5-3437U.

Which uses less power?

The Intel Core i5-3437U has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-3380M (35 W), Intel Core i5-3437U (17 W).

Do Intel Core i5-3380M and Intel Core i5-3437U use the same socket?

No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-3380M: Intel Socket G2 (988B), Intel Core i5-3437U: Intel BGA 1023), so each needs a compatible motherboard.

Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?

The Intel Core i5-3380M posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-3380M (3,800), Intel Core i5-3437U (2,800). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.