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.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles office apps fine but chokes on heavy scripts.
Adequate for basic office tasks but slow.
Gaming
Can run games from 2010-2013 on low settings.
Cannot handle modern games.
Virtualization
VT-d helps, but 2 cores limit VM size.
Limited by 2 cores and low voltage.
Efficiency
35W TDP generates noticeable heat in older laptops.
Great efficiency for 2013, outdated now.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No hardware AI support
- CPU inference is unfeasibly slow
- No AI hardware acceleration
Content Creation
Gaming
- HD 4000 is heavily outdated
- No support for modern DirectX features
- HD 4000 is insufficient
- Thermal throttling limits sustained play
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
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
- AMD A10-5750MRival
Mobile APU
- Intel Core i7-3540MRival
Mobile
- AMD A8-5550MRival
Mobile APU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-3320MRival
Mobile
Similar performance, slightly cheaper
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i7-2640MAlt
Older but comparable in speed
- Intel Pentium 2020MAlt
Budget mobile dual-core
- Intel Celeron 1005MAlt
Low-end mobile alternative
- AMD A6-5350MAlt
AMD mobile alternative
Intel Core i5-3437U
- AMD A10-4655MRival
Mobile ULV APU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-3667URival
Mobile ULV
- AMD A8-4555MRival
Mobile ULV APU
- Intel Core i5-3317URival
Mobile ULV
Slightly slower but essentially identical
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i5-2467MAlt
Older generation ULV
- Intel Core i3-2367MAlt
Budget ULV dual-core
- Intel Pentium 987Alt
Low-end ULV
- Intel Celeron 1037UAlt
Cheaper ULV alternative
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 reviewA 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 reviewFrequently 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.